Cats are considered "full-grown" when they reach 18 months, which is equivalent to the age of a 21-year-old human, according to PetMD. Between the span of those 12 to 18 months, a cat can continue to grow in size. Some breeds do not even reach full size until they are 2 years old, says PetMD.
The 'junior' stage ranges from 6 months to 2 years. At this stage, behavior often shifts from playful exploration to aggressive boundary testing. This age is where your cat begins to reach sexual maturity. It is important to engage your cat in mental and physical enrichment and play.
While their growth may slow down after 6 months, the development and growth phase will usually continue until the cat is roughly one year old, which is why many veterinarians treat the 12-month point as the age when a kitten becomes an adult.
Yes, it is perfectly normal for your cat to act like a kitten. By keeping cats a pets we actually keep them in an adolescent state - they don't have to grow up. Like their moms, we protect them, provide their food, some of their grooming needs (litter boxes), and keep them safe like their mothers would.
Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.
Understanding the Kitty 'Terrible Two's'
Between the age of 6 months and 2 years, your kitten will be reaching physical and sexual maturity. They will grow out of being a pure bundle of energy but, like human teenagers, they will be learning and exploring more of the world around them.
Adult Cat: One to Seven years old
Imagine, at two years old she'll have reached her social maturity. Behavioral changes are common at this time. Cuddly kittens may turn into “I-want-to-be-alone” divas or once unaffectionate kittens may cling to your lap.
The transition to adulthood ordinarily occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, and possibly after neutering, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer with it reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active.
Adopting a lone kitten can lead to what is commonly referred to as single kitten syndrome; a solo kitten is less likely to grow up as well-adjusted and happy as cats who grew up with another kitten. Kittens who are raised as only cats have an increased chance of developing various behavioral problems later in life.
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
If you haven't spayed your cat, she will continue to go into heat for the rest of her life. Fortunately, there are ways to help calm her during these cycles.
Kittens Become Adults - From Six Months to Three Years Old
Since a six-month-old kitten is already comparable to a double-digit human child, older kittens and younger adult cats will continue to test their boundaries as they grow into adults.
Based on several studies, behaviorists believe an adult cat's intelligence is comparable to that of a 2-year-old human toddler. Studies have shown cats have object permanence recognition, an awareness of objects that aren't directly visible. That is, out of sight doesn't mean vanished forever.
Social play usually peaks at about 3 months of age. As they get to 4-9 months, they hit their teenage years. They may start to feel their natural predatory selves and the need to begin “hunt” and scavenge. They may start bringing toys, sleeping more during the day, and playing more in the evenings.
Your cat is following you because they want your attention
Perhaps they're afraid of something or they may be feeling ill and this has caused a change in their behaviour. Sometimes cats experiencing distress will also want to keep as close to their owner as possible.
Fading kitten syndrome is a set of symptoms that are associated with a failure to thrive in neonatal kittens. Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention.
Cats are naturally solitary animals and are often happy without the company of their own species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats.
Intensive growth 2-4 months. This is the naughty stage of the kitten development chart when your kittens start to show their true colours! An important stage in kitten growth, the personalities of your kitties will come forth during this time making it one of the most endearing stages of kitten development.
A good place to start is two 15 – 20 minute sessions each day, which you can increase as they get fitter and more enthusiastic. Make sure you keep play sessions short, and always give them enough time to rest in between. Never force your cat to do anything they don't want to.
What Goes on During Those Catnaps. While younger cats and kittens require close to 20 hours or more a day of sleep, adult cats 3 to 10 years in age average around 13 to 16 hours of sleep a day.
Training your cat to respond to her name
Socialization in cats can begin as early as 17 days of age.
"Just as we become set in our ways as we get older, cats do too," Dr. Goldstein says. "Some cats may need more emotional support as they age and others may prefer to be left alone," he explains. "They may become more dependent on relationships and require more attention.
By about two years of age, a cat's personality is fully developed, and it's easier to be sure what you're getting.