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LIFE STAGE NUTRITION

Practical information about the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at each life stage, including growth, maintenance, reproduction and aging.

Kitten

Feeding Kittens

Growing kittens have higher calorie (energy) demands than adult cats. During the first six months, kittens require about twice as many calories per unit of body weight as adult cats. After 6 months of age, their energy demands decrease.

Nutrition should meet an individual kitten’s unique nutritional needs for normal growth while maintaining a lean, healthy body condition. A kitten’s body condition (using the Purina Body Condition System) should be periodically monitored at home and both body condition and weight should be evaluated during veterinary appointments.

cute kitten

Key Messages


To Share With Pet Owner:

Feline Body Condition System Sheet

A visual aid to the Purina Body Condition Score System for cats.​

View Tool 1 min to 5 min

Evaluating Your Cat’s Body Condition

Assess your cat's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.​

View Video 1 min to 5 min

Can Dogs and Cats Eat the Same Food?

Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so they should be fed food specifically formulated for their species.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

Kittens and Adult Cats: The Importance of Staying Lean

Maintaining a lean, healthy body condition in kittens can help prevent obesity and related health conditions in later years.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

Decreased Energy Needs in Pets After Spaying or Neutering

Neutering may increase a pet’s risk for becoming overweight or obese.

View Brief 1 min to 5 min

Additional Resources

Armstrong, P. J., Gross, K. L., Becvarova, I., & Debraekeleer, J. (2010). Introduction to feeding normal cats. In M. S. Hand, C. D. Thatcher, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush, & B. J. Novotny (Eds.), Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed., pp. 361─372). Mark Morris Institute. 

Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and feline nutrition: A resource for companion animal professionals (3rd ed.). Mosby Elsevier. 

Lawler, D. F. (2008). Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten. Theriogenology, 70(3), 384-392. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.019 

Linder, D. E. (2017). Diets for each life stage. Clinician’s Briefhttps://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/diets-each-life-stage