Build my kitten's plan

Our method

How we research kitten food and gear

We’re not vets, so we don’t ask you to take our word for anything. Here’s exactly how we evaluate foods and products, where our information comes from, and what we won’t do.

Last updated October 2026

Where our information comes from

Our source hierarchy

We rank sources by how much weight they can bear, and we link to them on every page:

  1. Veterinary references and guidelines, such as the Merck Veterinary Manual, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee and university veterinary schools.
  2. Regulators and standards bodies: AAFCO and the US FDA for the US; FEDIAF guidelines for Europe.
  3. Peer-reviewed research, where it exists and is relevant to healthy kittens.
  4. Manufacturer data (labels, guaranteed analysis, calorie statements), which we treat as claims to check, not conclusions.

We don’t use brand marketing, forums or other “best of” lists as evidence.

Kitten food

How we evaluate kitten food

Every kitten food we recommend must first pass three non-negotiables:

  • It’s labeled complete and balanced for growth or all life stages (AAFCO in the US, FEDIAF-compliant in Europe).
  • Its label gives a calorie statement, so owners can portion it correctly.
  • It’s widely available in the US or Europe from reputable retailers.

Foods that pass are then compared on:

  • Protein and fat on a dry-matter basis, so wet and dry foods are compared fairly
  • Calorie density per can, cup or 100 g
  • Ingredients: named animal protein as the main ingredient, and the presence of DHA
  • The manufacturer: using the questions in the WSAVA pet food selection guidelines, such as whether they employ qualified nutritionists and how they control quality
  • Practicalities: textures, pack sizes and price tier

We don’t publish exact prices because they change daily; follow our links to see current prices at the retailer.

Gear

How we evaluate gear

For litter boxes, bowls, carriers, toys and other gear, we look at safety first (no small detachable parts, stable construction, non-toxic materials), then size and practicality for a kitten that will grow into a full-sized cat, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We read manufacturer specifications and patterns across large numbers of verified owner reviews, and we say when something is a matter of preference rather than quality.

Lines we don't cross

What we won't do

  • We won’t accept payment for placement, rankings or reviews.
  • We won’t present opinions as veterinary advice, or invent credentials or testing we haven’t done.
  • We won’t hide affiliate links. Every page with them carries a disclosure.
  • We won’t leave errors standing. When we find a mistake, we fix it and update the date.

Key references

Questions about our method? Contact us.