The first six weeks of a kitten's life are similar to the first year of a person's. This is a very defenseless time for a kitten and it needs the love and protection of its mother. The mother cat keeps the kitten fed, warm, and safe. During this time the kitten transitions from milk to solid food and starts to investigate its surroundings. This makes mamma's job more difficult.
From six weeks to one year the kitten's life can be likened to a toddler through teenager. During this time the kitten seems to have two speeds: full-out or dead stop. One minute it will be bouncing across the floor or off the furniture. The next minute the kitten will be sound asleep looking very angelic. During this time they are learning what is acceptable and what isn't acceptable. Yes, using the scratching post is okay, but scratching the side of the couch is definitely not. The kitten's individual character will start to show. Some like to cuddle by wanting to sleep on your lap or shoulder while others may become more independent. Some may talk a lot while others barely meow at all. Some will greet anyone walking through the door while others run and hide. No two cats are exactly alike just as no two people are alike.
From year one to year ten the kitten is now a cat, and is the same as an adult person. It hasn't forgotten to play like a kitten or child, but it seems to have more important things on its mind. The cat is smarter and will figure out how to get what is wants. "I know the treats are in that cabinet and if I hang on the edge of the door it will open and I can help myself." Like an adult person who knows what he or she likes and considers acceptable, a cat will let you know if your behavior is acceptable. If you ignore its warning meow or growl you may be hissed at or even snapped at. During these years a proper diet, exercise, and regular visits to the vet are important. These insure a long and healthy life.
Any time after age ten, a cat can become like a senior citizen. If the cat is an inside cat this may not happen until age 15 or 17 as inside cats can live to 22 up until 30 years old. If it is an outside cat it may happen earlier as they tend not to live as long due to the dangers outside. During this time a cat is more sedentary though it may still exhibit moments of kitten like behavior. A once stand-offish cat may become more of a lap cat or a once friendly cat can become more cantankerous. It may need medical care particularly with its teeth. Be mindful of these changes. If you are going to have a large party it might be better to close the cat in a quiet room so it doesn't get stressed out. After all, you wouldn't take grandma to a Rave party so don't subject your cat to loud, people filled parties and the dangers that come with it. For example, so many feet that can step on it, open doors to escape from, and too much rich food from well-meaning strangers. So just like people, cats go through various stages in their life. Be prepared for each phase and you and your cat will have a long and happy life together. But don't be shocked if your cat continually surprises you. After all people do that too.
My name is Robin Dickinson. I have been a cat owner for over 35 years and enjoy their many moods and antics. I have enjoyed the wild playfulness of the kitten as well as the quite slower pace of the geriatric cat. In fact my family cats have lived to 20 and 22 human years old. In that time I also have had 3 different breeds of dogs. In my website you will learn more about kitten's nutrition, playtime, nap-time, and health. If you want to learn more about kittens please visit my website listed below. Thank you for taking the time to read my article. My website is http://www.kittyessentials.com
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