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My 4-month-old kittens ate adult food. Is it okay? How to transition?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 lbs

Hi, I'm adopting two 4-month-old kittens tomorrow who are currently living at a foster home. I just learned the foster mom has been feeding them *only* adult cat food for the last 8 weeks! -- both kibble and wet food (Purina kibble and fancy feast wet food). I'm worried about their nutrition and think I should transition them back to kitten food, shouldn't I? Please tell me exactly what to do and the best way to transition them. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2023

How lovely of you to take on these kittens! Yes, you are correct they should be on kitten food and should stay on kitten food until they are one year of age. Purina kibble is a great food, just get the kitten version. To switch them to it, mix 75% old food and 25% new food, and feed them that for 3-4 days. After that time period, give them 50% old food and 50% new food mixed together. Again, feed that for 3-4 days. Then mix together 25% old food and 75% new food, and feed for 3-4 days. Finally, then give them 100% new food. This will help slowly transition them to the kitten food. If you see diarrhea at any point, add a little less new food and a little more old food to settle their stomach. Once the diarrhea is gone, continue the transition. I hope this helps!

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2019

    Adult food is not formulated to meet the exact needs of growing kittens and I recommend they should be on at least 80% kitten food until 6-9months old. If the food is not going out of date I would keep it until they are more mature and maintain on kitten food initially to promote healthy growth and development. Occasionally mixing some in would be ok in moderation

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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