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How much should I feed my 4-month-old kitten? Am I feeding too much?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 3 months and 27 days old | 9 lbs

How much food should I feed my 2 lb 4 month old kitten? I’m afraid I’m feeding him too much. He’s currently eating American Journey Salmon Dry Food. The directions say to feed him as much as he will eat.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 25th, 2018

Hello. Pretty much this is good advice. A tiny young kitten needs to eat small meals frequently, so it is best to leave food available all day. You can offer treats & wet food 1-2 times daily. If Benji continues to grow & shows signs of obesity as she ages, then you can manage her meals, but it is almost impossible to overfeed a growing kitten. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on November 13th, 2019
You should be aware that there are some cats who are food obsessed and they will eat as much as you will feed them. This could lead to obesity and many other health conditions.
The proper amount to feed should be listed on the package of food. This is based upon the amount of calories in the food. This is a starting point and there could be some deviation. Simba should be eating a kitten food. You also need to look at his body condition score to know if he is too thin (meaning he needs to eat more), too heavy (meaning he needs to eat less) or just right (meaning you are feeding the correct amount). Since he is growing, you will need to increase the food by a little bit every 1-2 weeks. Here is a link about determining the body condition score:
https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/nestle_body_condition_scale.pdf

You can continue giving him the meat as long as he is not over weight. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 30th, 2017
At 2 pounds he will still need small frequent meals until a little larger. If he eats dry kitten food you can feed him 4 times a day and if needed add canned food for a treat. Once he is closer to 4 pounds you can decrease to twice a day feeding. It is best to get him checked by a vet to have one established but it can be when they have an appointment, not as an emergency visit.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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