When to Switch to Adult Cat Food

As a cat owner, you want to provide your furry friend with the best possible care, and that includes feeding them the right type of food. And because kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, it's essential to know when to switch to adult cat food to ensure their continued health and well-being.

Incredible Pets has locations in Sacramento, Auburn, and Grass Valley offering a wide range of cat food options. 

Our knowledgeable team loves cats and can guide you through the process of switching your kitten to adult cat food. We'll explore the signs that indicate it's time to switch from kitten food to adult cat food and provide tips on making the transition as smooth as possible. 

Knowing when to switch to adult cat food

Most cats typically reach adulthood between 10-12 months. However, the specific time to switch to adult cat food can vary based on your cat's breed, health, and lifestyle. For example, larger cat breeds can take 1-2 years to reach adulthood. The following signs can help you know when to switch from kitten food to adult cat food: 

Your cat has reached its adult weight

Most adult cats weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. If your cat has reached this weight, it's time to switch to adult cat food. Keep in mind that a cat’s adult weight depends on its breed. If you don’t know how much your cat should weigh in adulthood, stop by Incredible Pets and talk to our knowledgeable staff. 

Your cat’s teeth are fully developed

Just like children, kittens have baby teeth that fall out as they grow, allowing their adult teeth to emerge. Once your cat's adult teeth are fully grown, they are better able to chew and digest adult cat food.  Most kittens have their adult teeth by 6 months, but if you aren't sure check with your veterinarian.

Your cat has finished nursing

If your cat is still nursing, it should continue to eat kitten food. However, once your kitten is weaned and no longer nursing, it's time to switch to adult cat food.

Your vet says it’s time

Your vet knows best. They can guide when to switch to adult cat food based on your cat's health and nutritional needs.

How to transition from kitten food to adult cat food

Once you've determined it's time to switch to adult cat food, transition slowly to avoid digestive upset. Here are some tips for making the transition from kitten food to adult cat food:

Mix kitten food with adult cat food

Start by mixing a small amount of the new adult cat food with your cat's current kitten food. Gradually increase the amount of adult food and decrease the amount of kitten food over 1-2 weeks.

Watch for digestive upset

Keep an eye on how much your cat is eating and whether they are experiencing any digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice any issues, slow the transition to give your cat more time to adjust.

Keep your cat hydrated 

Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, especially during the food transition.

Consult with our experts at Incredible Pets

If you have any concerns or questions about the transition to adult cat food, contact our team. Our staff has years of experience helping cat owners transition from kitten food to adult cat food. If a specific brand isn’t working for you, we can make suggestions to suit your cat’s needs. 

Get personalized assistance from our team at Incredible Pets

Knowing when to switch to adult cat food is essential to ensuring the health of your growing cat. By paying attention to your cat's weight, activity level, teeth, nursing status, and recommendations from your vet, you can determine when it's time to make the switch. 

Incredible Pets located in Sacramento, Auburn, and Grass Valley, can help guide you through the process and provide a wide range of adult cat food options to meet your cat's needs. Call our store today or walk in for personalized assistance.