Kitten food vs cat food: key nutritional differences

Diet is a major part of a kitten’s wellbeing. In addition to cuddles and toys, your little bundle of fluff needs top-quality food to stay healthy and happy. More specifically, they require meals created especially for kittens rather than for adult cats. But why is that? In this post, we’re discussing the differences between kitten food vs cat food, and when you should make the switch. We’ve also got useful tips on how to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for your feline friend.

The nutritional needs of kittens

To understand why it’s important to differentiate between kitten food vs cat food, we have to look at the unique nutritional needs of kittens and cats. Kittens are not simply small versions of adult cats. They’re growing and developing at a rapid rate, plus they’re more energetic and playful at this age. All of which means they require special food to support them through their childhood.

During the first six months of their lives, kittens have to consume roughly twice as many calories per unit of body weight as adult cats. This is because of how fast they’re growing and how much energy they require. However, their small size means they can’t just eat a bigger volume of food. Instead, they need meals that are higher in calories. That’s why one of the main differences between kitten food vs cat food is that the former is more calorific.

Along similar lines, kittens have to eat more protein than adult cats do. They also require a greater quantity of amino acids like arginine, lysine and methionine. That’s because of the speed at which they’re developing. And that’s not all. Kittens additionally need more essential fatty acids – such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is vital for brain and vision development. So, when comparing kitten food vs adult cat food, you’ll find the former contains a higher concentration of this nutrient.

Other nutrients kittens require more of include calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help support the growth and development of your fluffy friend’s teeth and bones. Finally, kittens should consume greater amounts of magnesium, copper, vitamin A, and iodine compared to grown-up cats.

The nutritional needs of adult cats

Once your moggy reaches maturity, their nutritional requirements change. Most notably, their metabolism slows down and they don’t expend as much energy running around and exploring! They’ve also reached their adult size, so don’t need as many calories for growth and development. The difference in calorie density between kitten vs cat food can therefore put grown-up moggies at risk of obesity if you don’t switch them to adult grub. And if your kitty is obese, they have a higher chance of developing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and breathing problems.(1)

When producers formulate food for adult cats, they’re focusing on maintenance of health rather than growth and development. This means the balance and quantity of several nutrients is different in kitten food vs cat food. As such, giving your grown-up moggy food that’s meant for kittens could lead to nutritional imbalances. This isn’t to say that kitten food is toxic for grown-up cats. It’s ok to feed it to them as a one-off if you’re in a pinch and don’t have adult food to hand. However, it’s best not to make a habit of it – and be wary of portion sizes when dishing it up.

Having said that, there are a few situations in which your vet might recommend giving an adult cat kitten food. The differences between kitten food vs cat food mean that the former could help very thin kitties to gain weight. Similarly, it could assist grown-up moggies who are recovering from an illness or surgery. The vet may also suggest it for highly active outdoor cats, or seniors who have lost their appetite. However, we always advise checking with a vet before trying this tactic.

Key differences between kitten and adult cat food

These variations in nutritional needs between young and fully grown felines mean they require different meals. So, what is the difference between kitten and cat food?

One of the most obvious distinctions between kitten food vs cat food is the size of the kibble. Because kittens have smaller mouths and jaws, they can struggle to eat large biscuits. Likewise, the fact that their teeth are still developing means they might find hard kibble tricky to manage. As such, kitten kibble tends to be littler and softer. Conversely, bigger, crunchier biscuits may be useful for keeping your adult cat’s teeth clean and healthy.

However, most of the disparities between the two types of food aren’t visible. That’s because they relate to the nutrient content. Does kitten food have more calories? Yes, it’s usually denser in calories than grub for grown-up cats. It also contains a higher quantity of fatty acids like DHA. The table below illustrates a few more of the principal nutritional differences between kitten food vs cat food.(2)

You’ll also normally find more manganese, magnesium, selenium, and vitamin D in kitten food vs cat food.

That covers the key differences between kitten vs cat food. But when should you transition your pet from one to the other? And what’s the best way to make the switch?

When to start feeding your kitten adult cat food

You should start feeding your kitten adult cat food when they reach maturity. For most kitties, that’s around their first birthday. However, if you have a larger breed like a Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat, it might be closer to 18 months or even two years. If you’re unsure what breed your feline friend is or how old they are, have a chat with your vet. And don’t worry – you have some leeway regarding when to switch from kitten food to adult cat food.

You should spot physical signs that your moggy is ready to swap to grown-up food. For example, they’ll be at least 90% of their adult size, and out of their rapid growth phase. Your kitty should also have developed their adult teeth, so they can handle larger and crunchier kibble. Other visual changes you might notice include more defined ears, a longer coat, and a more robust body shape.

There are also behavioural differences that will help you decide between feeding your pet kitten food vs cat food. Adult kitties tend to be calmer and less energetic than kittens (although they do still get the zoomies!). Plus, they’re more independent and less mischievous, so you won’t have to supervise them so often. You might additionally notice that your moggy gets more cuddly as they grow into adulthood.

Every pet is unique and has their own personality, so you may find these points don’t all apply to yours. You know your kitty best, so you should be able to tell when they’re becoming an adult. However, you can always consult the vet if you have any questions.

How to transition from kitten to adult cat food

When your fur baby is ready to move from kitten food to adult food, switch their meals slowly. Your moggy will probably notice a difference in taste, smell, and texture between kitten food vs cat food. As such, they might need some time to adapt to the change. Abrupt alterations in diet can also cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals, which we want to avoid.

Experts recommend making the transition from kitten food to adult cat food over a period of one to two weeks. The idea is to start by mixing a little bit of the adult food into the kitten food. Then, you gradually increase the amount of grown-up grub until that’s all your kitty is eating. Here’s what that might look like:

• Days one and two: feed your moggy 75% kitten food and 25% adult food

• Days three and four: give your kitty a 50/50 split of kitten and adult cat food

• Days five and six: serve your fluffy friend 25% kitten food and 75% grown-up food

• Day seven onwards: only offer your pet the adult cat food

If at any point your cat experiences tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhoea, take them to the vet for advice. For those who have fussy kitties, you might need to spend a longer time at each stage. This will help them get used to the flavour and aroma differences between kitten food vs cat food. And, of course, be patient with your pet! This is a big milestone for them, and they’ll require your love and support as they adjust to adult life.

Feeding tips for adult cats

Choosing between kitten food vs cat food isn’t the only thing to think about when feeding your growing moggy. For instance, regardless of age, it’s crucial to give them high-quality meals. When buying grub for your pet, look for products labelled ‘complete’. This means they contain all the nutrients your feline friend requires for a healthy and balanced diet. ‘Complementary’ cat food, on the other hand, is only to be given as an occasional treat.

Another factor that may change as your cat gets older is the frequency at which you feed them. Kittens need to eat little and often – ideally at least four times a day. Meanwhile, adult cats only require a minimum of two meals per day. Some moggies still prefer to eat more often as grown-ups though, so it’s fine to keep feeding them more frequently. Just remember to reduce the portion sizes accordingly so they don’t gain weight.

One thing that doesn’t change between kitten food vs cat food is that kitties need access to fresh, clean water. And, if possible, put their water bowls and food bowls in separate places. Speaking of location, most cats like to eat in quiet spots, away from busy areas and their litter tray. They also tend to prefer wide, shallow bowls so they can see their surroundings as they tuck in. Ceramic and glass are better than plastic, because they don’t pick up unpleasant smells.

Finally, if you keep wet food in the fridge, we suggest allowing it to warm up before you serve it. And with kibble, you could try using puzzle feeders to make mealtimes more interesting for your kitty. They’re fun no matter how old your moggy is!

Boosie functional pet supplements for adult cat nutrition

Here at Boosie, we offer a range of foods that can help support your cat’s wellbeing as they reach maturity. Mixing them into adult cat food could make the transition extra beneficial for your fluffy friend. For instance, ashwagandha powder may ease symptoms of anxiety, while the inulin in Jerusalem artichoke powder aids gut health.(3) Alternatively, sea buckthorn oil is rich in omega-7 fatty acids for healthy vision and shiny fur.

Whichever ingredient you pick, we recommend checking with a vet before adding it to your cat’s diet. This is to make sure that it’s suitable for their individual needs. And don’t forget that functional foods are for adult kitties only!

Kitten food vs cat food: key takeaways

It’s vital to feed your moggy meals that are specifically designed for their stage of life. There are several differences between kitten food vs cat food that mean the two aren’t interchangeable. What’s the difference between cat food and kitten food? In a nutshell, the latter has more calories, protein, fatty acids, and certain minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This ensures your kitten gets all the nutrients they need to support their growth and development. Food for adult cats, on the other hand, focuses more on maintaining their health and wellbeing. When your feline friend reaches maturity, switch to grown-up meals gradually. This will help your pet avoid tummy troubles and allow them to get used to their new grub. Then they’ll be ready to mark their next milestone!