Welcoming home a kitten kicks off a fun and rewarding journey that lasts for years. But before you get to the fun part, that tiny ball of fur and bulging belly will utterly disrupt your routine, in a fun way.
Before you know it, that little fluff ball will stretch out into a sleek and confident grown cat. And getting to each kitten stage includes a bunch of memorable steps along the way, as well as a bit of hisses and purrs here and there.
Newborn kitten to 4 weeks
When kittens are born, they are basically meowing machines. They are blind and deaf, relying on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their environment. These tiny creatures heavily rely on their mother, especially on milk for nourishment.
Kittens always need a warm environment because they can’t regulate their body temperature effectively. They are prone to hypothermia, or low body temperature, and it is a serious risk for kittens and can even be fatal.
If you’re caring for a kitten without the mama cat, it’s best to note that keeping them warm is essential to their survival.
In 2-4 weeks, kittens’ eyes begin to open with blurry vision. Their sense of smell and hearing starts to develop rapidly, and they often feel the surroundings more.
Although they are still primarily for nursing, they develop milk teeth and start eating solid food, little by little. They also develop motor skills and begin to walk more often.
Kittens in 3 weeks also begin to be more coordinated and even begin to play more often. It is during this age that it’s best to start introducing them to a litter box.
4 weeks to 8 weeks
As kittens gain eyesight from four to eight weeks, they become adventurous and playful. They explore their surroundings by interacting with littermates or beginning to mimic what they learn from their mother.
If you’re raising your kitten on your own, your kitten will probably rely on a combination of instinct and human guidance. This is the kitten stage where you establish discipline with your kitten, too!
Most kittens are fully weaned from their mother and learn their way to independence at this age. Fur parents must ensure that they have access to fresh water all the time, together with a healthy diet to get the best nourishment. Continue socialising with them to help develop their individual personalities.
But brace yourself, as there will be more munches and crunches during the 2-4 months of your kitten’s age. They will start losing their baby teeth and grow adult teeth, and they might just get a little moody during this transition.
Their hunting instincts also kick in as they begin to exhibit cat behaviours such as stalking, chasing, and pouncing at their chosen targets, which might include you, in a fun way.
💡As they become more playful and brave, it is possible for them to get parasites and other harmful diseases. Make it a habit to visit your local vet to ensure that your fur baby is growing healthily with complete vaccinations and required medication.
8 weeks to 12 weeks
This kitten stage needs more patience from fur parents, as kittens will show playful tendencies such as biting and scratching. Offering toys, scratching posts, and something to climb could satisfy these natural instincts; which is why these are perfect gifts for cat owners!
As they approach adolescence, they will be more independent and less reliant on their owners. It is also during late kittenhood that they explore their environment, becoming very sociable to both animals and humans. Pay more attention and give love as much as you can during this stage of development.
As they explore their environment, they could also find potential mating interests as they reach sexual maturity at this age.
💡 If you find some of their behavior as bothersome, you may consult your veterinarian during your cat’s annual health check. You might even start considering spaying and neutering if you and your vet think that this will benefit your pet.
One year old cat and beyond
Cats at 1 year old are considered fully grown adult cats. By then, they have established their demeanour, and compared to kittens, they have stable energy and a sleek body.
Even their eyes change and become clear, sharp, and bright. Their teeth are sharper, and although they may look a bit slender, their physical traits are already developed.
It’s also normal for an adult cat to have less high-level energy compared to when they were kittens, but of course, they still enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their fur parents.
Cats are considered creatures of habit and enjoy routines, so as a fur parent, maintaining a routine might just work for you. Maintaining feeding times, playtime sessions, and cleaning their litter boxes will foster consistent behaviour that works for you and your fur baby.
Adult cats are typically observed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, possibly the reason why they’re often tagged to have 9 lives.
💡 They can be susceptible to gingivitis or swollen gums. Incorporate regular dental care that includes teeth brushing or cleanings done by professionals to prevent other dental diseases.
Supporting every kitten stage
As cats grow into playful and independent adult cats, each kitten stage requires different health priorities. A balanced diet, regular vaccinations, and timely visits to the vet are crucial for their long-term health. As independent as cats may be, they still need the proper care to thrive.
That’s why it’s so important to have a pet care partner like Knose Pet Insurance that will help with all their veterinary needs.
Knose offers Cat Insurance with extensive pet insurance cover. To also make your cat’s first year easier, more accessible, and more affordable, Knose also offers Pet Care Plans. As your kittens grow, the customised plans make Knose just the purr-fect companion.
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Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Yvette
Yvette Balita is a fur parent to Shinx, a 6-year old Jack Russel, along with multiple cats, and even chickens! Growing up with all kinds of farm animals in her neighbourhood, she takes pride in coming up with unique pet names. The animals around her also give her a grounded perspective on the natural cycle of pet life and pets’ needs. Drawing from her personal journey and hands-on experience as a pet owner, Yvette contributes insights for pet owners seeking to care and protect their furry family members.
