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When a cat grows up: facts that will surprise 90% of people
03.06.2024 00:50
How long does purring last and when does a cat reach adulthood and full maturity?
According to veterinarians, the most important period in a cat's development is the first six months of life, when the pet grows rapidly and gradually moves into adulthood.
During this period, it is necessary to learn as much as possible about your pet, since its nutritional needs will change with age.
Let's look at what you need to pay attention to when caring for a purr that grows faster than yeast.
How fast does a cat grow
The expression "growing by leaps and bounds" perfectly describes how quickly little kittens grow.
The most active period of development in kittens occurs between the second and sixth months of life, after which their growth rate gradually slows down.
They reach a size close to that of an adult cat at about 9 to 12 months of age, but this may not be the case.
Sometimes cats take longer to grow and develop, and their breed traits may still appear some time after this period.
Some breeds take longer to develop, such as Norwegian Forest Cats, Russian Blue Cats and Maine Coons, for which the development period can last up to 18 months.
Keep this in mind and do not switch your pet to adult cat food ahead of time.
When does a cat reach sexual maturity?
Cats develop their reproductive and endocrine systems rapidly, and become reproductively active between 6 and 9 months of age, even before they have reached emotional and social maturity.
During this period, the cat continues to play and tease its owners until its development period is complete.
Under the influence of hormonal changes, the animal's behavior may change; it may become more affectionate or, conversely, more temperamental and energetic.
But only after two years of age does the cat's character stabilize and it officially enters adulthood.
How long does a cat live?
The question of the life expectancy of cats does not have a clear answer, as it is influenced by many factors: breed, size, genetic predisposition, health status and previous illnesses.
The owner's care also plays a huge role: proper nutrition, regular visits to the veterinarian and care of the animal can significantly increase its life expectancy.
Today's cats are living longer and longer thanks to the development of veterinary medicine and a higher level of knowledge in the field of felinology.
However, free-living or stray cats often live much shorter lives - only about 8 years.
Your cat's nutritional needs at all stages of its life
When talking about the process of growing up cats, one cannot help but mention the importance of proper nutrition for pets, which changes dynamically at each stage of life.
Kittens several months of age require special food containing high-calorie food rich in protein and substances necessary for the development of healthy bones and muscles, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as lutein and unsaturated fatty acids.
Kitten food should be high in protein and easy for a cat's delicate stomach to digest, and it is best to avoid foods containing grains, which are a common cause of food allergies in cats.
As your cat grows, proper nutrition depends on several factors, including her health, condition, and lifestyle.
A healthy and active cat may consume more protein, while a lazy neutered cat may require food with fewer calories and the addition of ingredients that improve metabolism.
How to Choose Cat Food
There is a wide range of cat foods on the market to suit different needs.
For example, you can find products for large or long-haired breeds, sensitive animals, or those with urinary tract problems.
There are also universal foods available in many flavors that will suit every pet.
When choosing, you should take into account the preferences and needs of the individual cat.
If you are unsure which food is best to choose, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Earlier we talked about what an “evil hand” is and why you shouldn’t show it to your cat.
