For cats, their days as kittens last until they are one year old, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition. After that point, kittens become cats. Though cats are considered adults at 12 months, adolescence lasts until around 18 months, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition.
By one year old, your kitten will be an adult cat. She may still act like a mischievous kitten, but her needs will have changed. Now that she's fully grown, she'll require an adult cat food that will provide her with the appropriate levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals she needs through adulthood.
When Do Kittens Become Adults? Most kittens are considered adults around their first birthday. For some larger breed cats, like Maine Coons, it can take up to 18 months to 2 years to reach their full size. Between eight months and two years of age, kittens reach their full size.
Months 9-12: A kitten is almost fully grown. 1 year+: Kittens are just reaching adulthood. 2 years+: Kittens are socially and behaviorally mature.
A healthy, 1-year-old cat retains much of the youthful characteristics of a kitten, including curiosity about his surroundings and a love of play. If your normally outgoing cat has recently become withdrawn, your vet will want to know.
Although your cat will physically stop growing when she's one year old, she may fill out a little by the time she's three. Also, her coat may change color. You may notice some white or gray hairs, and dark areas may get larger with age; this is common in Siamese cats as they get older and/or gain weight.
After year 1
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.
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.
Of course while some cats get more affectionate as they age, this is not true for all cats and can depend on a number of different factors such as personality, environment, breed and more. Age also comes with physical effects that often cause cats to decrease activity and become less playful.
The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
How big should a 1-year-old cat be? A cat's weight is variable at one year old due to breed, genetics, and gender, however, most cats will weigh between eight to fifteen pounds at this age.
“It most commonly (and annoyingly) happens at night. They usually don't last longer than 1-2 minutes, but they leave a lasting impression.”
Experts believe that a feline's intelligence is comparable to that of a 2-year-old human.
Male, and more rarely female, cats may demonstrate aggression toward other male cats as they approach social maturity between two and four years of age. The first step in addressing this behavior is to neuter or spay all cats involved, as sexual hormones may play an important role in this type of aggression.
This means they often prefer to communicate at a distance and is the reason why some cats may be content just to be in the same room as their human, rather than being constantly stroked and cuddled.”
Cats will miss their owners when they are gone, but the response to a cat missing you may vary. Some kitties may express their sadness through purring, meowing, or following their owner around, while others may show no outward signs of sadness. Here are some common signs your cat missed you: Meowing and Crying.
In most cases, a cat following you around is considered normal behavior, especially when they share a close bond with you. Cats follow humans for multiple other reasons, including: Curiosity. Attention-seeking behavior (they want cuddles and pets)
Some cat owners fear that keeping their cat confined to the inside will decrease their quality of life, but most vets claim that indoor cats are just as happy as outdoor cats. Although your cat may beg to be let outside, they're most likely more than happy to be kept safe in the confines of your home.
Cats, while often independent creatures, still crave attention and love, in addition to their obvious nutritional needs of fresh water, clean litter, and food. If you decide to bring a cat or kitten into your home, you should be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a day giving your cat loving one-on-one attention.
Your cat might be clingy simply because they aren't getting enough mental and physical stimulation, says Petbucket. Taking breaks to play with your cat and providing interactive toys to help keep them active and entertained throughout the day can help in these cases.
The Task Force has designated four age-related life stages (Table 1): the kitten stage, from birth up to 1 year; young adult, from 1 year through 6 years; mature adult, from 7 to 10 years; and senior, aged over 10 years.