Explore our Kitten Growth Program
Your kitten comes into the world depending on their mother for everything that they need. That will rapidly change as they evolve into a curious kitten dashing around and getting into everything! Your kitten’s development is fast during kittenhood— they hit milestones here, there and everywhere—but their immune system and brain development happen at a slower pace. A healthy kitten diet is key to providing your new family member with all the essential nutrients.
Our Kitten Growth Program will guide you on nutrition for each stage of your kitten’s life. We’re here to help you set your kitten up with a solid foundation for their future health.
On this page, you will find the following:
A closer look at kitten growth and development
The four health pillars of raising your kitten
Thinking about mixed feeding? What is it and what are the benefits?
1. Taking a closer look at kitten growth and development
Kittenhood can pass by in the blink of an eye, as their growth rate is rapid. With each new phase comes delightful surprises and plenty of entertainment. But all of these changes mean different nutritional needs for your kitten’s diet. As their human parent, it is crucial that you know what they need to help them grow into a healthy, fulfilled adult cat. We’re here to help you understand what’s happening in your kitten’s tiny body and guide you in building a solid foundation for their future well-being.
“With each new phase comes delightful surprises and plenty of entertainment.”
Kitten growth stages. What can you expect as your kitten grows?
The first year of a kitten's life includes several developmental stages, so you will have to keep up with all of the changes. It is certainly an exciting time, but it also requires vigilance and care. As they mature from a helpless newborn kitten to a feisty four-month-old, nutritional support is key at every stage.
Newborn
From birth to 3 weeks
At this point, your kitten will do a lot of sleeping, open their eyes and even take their first wobbly steps. Their main source of nutrition will come from their mother’s milk, which will provide them with antibodies that protect their immune system.
Early growth
From 3 weeks to 4 months
Kittens tend to be weaned from their mother’s milk at around four weeks. This particular growth phase brings with it intense changes, as they move to solid food and learn how to stand on their own, both literally and figuratively! Around the 8-week mark, kittens will be satisfying their growing curiosity and learning to reach new heights. A diet that can support their brain development and vision is essential.
Juvenile & adolescent to adult
From 6 months to adulthood
So much has already happened for your kitten! From first vet appointments and vaccinations to moving into a new home, your four-legged family member is ready to change their diet. During this phase, it is essential to provide them with high-quality food that can contribute to a healthy digestive system and support their growing muscles, while providing enough calories to fuel play-time.
End of growth after neutering
After 6 months of age
Most kittens will be neutered by this time. It is critical to continue providing them with all the nutrients required for healthy growth while limiting the risk of unnecessary weight gain by feeding them a reduced-calorie, nutrient-dense diet. And playtime goes on!
Newborn
From birth to 3 weeks
At this point, your kitten will do a lot of sleeping, open their eyes and even take their first wobbly steps. Their main source of nutrition will come from their mother’s milk, which will provide them with antibodies that protect their immune system.
Early growth
From 3 weeks to 4 months
Kittens tend to be weaned from their mother’s milk at around four weeks. This particular growth phase brings with it intense changes, as they move to solid food and learn how to stand on their own, both literally and figuratively! Around the 8-week mark, kittens will be satisfying their growing curiosity and learning to reach new heights. A diet that can support their brain development and vision is essential.
Juvenile & adolescent to adult
From 6 months to adulthood
So much has already happened for your kitten! From first vet appointments and vaccinations to moving into a new home, your four-legged family member is ready to change their diet. During this phase, it is essential to provide them with high-quality food that can contribute to a healthy digestive system and support their growing muscles, while providing enough calories to fuel play-time.
End of growth after neutering
After 6 months of age
Most kittens will be neutered by this time. It is critical to continue providing them with all the nutrients required for healthy growth while limiting the risk of unnecessary weight gain by feeding them a reduced-calorie, nutrient-dense diet. And playtime goes on!
Our Kitten Growth Program nutritional recommendations
Our products are designed to support your kitten’s growth, helping provide significant benefits thanks to specifically chosen nutrients for each stage of life.
2. The four health pillars of raising your kitten
Immune system
- When your kitten is in the neonatal stage of life, their mother’s colostrum provides immunity. Once they are weaned and before they are protected by their first vaccinations, they are in a vulnerable phase, and more susceptible to disease. A kitten’s diet must therefore supply the proper nutrients to support the development of their immature immune system.
Microbiome support
- As your kitten transitions from mother’s milk to solid food, their digestive system needs to adapt to this change. If a kitten’s diet doesn’t support their digestive microbiome—a mix of good bacteria—their overall health can be affected. The right diet ensures the good bacteria stays in and the bad bacteria stays out.
Brain development
- Your kitten's brain will take several months to grow to the size of an adult cat's. This is faster than the rate at which their body grows. Supporting both physical and cognitive development requires a complex set of nutrients. Getting this right will play a key role in helping to prevent any long-lasting issues with their health, such as underdeveloped vision.
Weight management
- Setting up healthy eating habits for your kitten will have a positive effect on their weight management as adult cats. Cats have a tendency to put on weight easily and struggle to lose it. In addition to scheduled playtime, make sure that your kitten has access to high-quality food and that their portions are correct. The goal is to avoid obesity, which can contribute to illness and diseases.
Do you know what the most appropriate food is for your kitten?
Because each life stage comes with specific nutritional needs, we help you find the right food for your kitten.
3. Thinking about mixed feeding? What is it and what are the benefits?
Mixed feeding means providing a combination of dry food and wet food to your kitten. While it may not be right for every kitten out there, it does have benefits and is worth considering. Here are some benefits of mixed feeding your kitten or cat.
- Helps with hydration. Kittens and cats can be lax about their water bowl, preferring to head straight for the food. Dehydration can lead to health issues in your feline, so wet food is one way to help make sure that they’re getting enough water in their diet
- Helps with oral hygiene. Dry food plays a key role in your kitten’s dental hygiene, minimizing plaque build-up
- Helps fussy feline eaters. Some kittens and cats may go through phases of being picky with their food. A combination of wet and dry food can help encourage them to eat what they need
- Helps with variety. Your kitten is developing their sense of taste and smell. Mixed feeding can help to stimulate their senses for a more satisfying mealtime
Royal Canin kitten food comes in both kitten and babycat wet and dry food. It is specifically tailored to meet your kitten’s nutritional needs through all life stages.
Developed by vets
Our Research and Development centers work hand in hand with veterinarians to develop tailored nutrition to meet the unique needs of every kitten
Breeder-tested
Ongoing consultation with breeders to help ensure excellent nutritional benefits
Kitten-approved
Taste-tested by hundreds of kittens worldwide
Developed by vets
Our Research and Development centers work hand in hand with veterinarians to develop tailored nutrition to meet the unique needs of every kitten
Breeder-tested
Ongoing consultation with breeders to help ensure excellent nutritional benefits
Kitten-approved
Taste-tested by hundreds of kittens worldwide
