Just like us. Your pet has different needs and requires different care at the various stages of their lives. Especially when it comes to our feline friends that have 6 distinct life stages.

Let’s have a closer look at the different stages and what you can expect from them.

Kitten – 0 to 6 months

Due to the fact that kittens grow and develop faster than humans, the first 6 months are equivalent to the stages of a newborn, to a toddler, to a pre-schooler to a big kid.

They initially have short ears and tail that grows in proportion to their bodies as they mature. They are known to be full of energy with a lack of fear and are often very prone to getting up to mischief due to their curiosity and need to explore their environment.

Usually, by the time you get a kitten, they have been weaned from their Mum and are eating solid foods. Although at this stage they have learned some objects or activities are not good for them it is always recommended to kitten-proof your home before your new family member arrives. Blocking vents and dangerous places, getting rid of harmful things that are in reach of your kitten such as electrical cables, and ensuring that they are unable to escape are a couple of recommendations from the Petinsurance.com.au team.

They should ideally be vaccinated by the time they join your family, but we would advise that you check in with your Vet especially around 1-month of age when it is advisable to get a booster shot.

Your kitten will probably have to be potty trained which will come naturally to them so your biggest challenge will be to get them used to the litter box. Gently place them in the box if you think it looks like they need the loo.

In general, a kitten’s metabolism is fast, and they use a lot of energy to explore therefore it is advisable to give frequent small meals to replenish the nutrients they have lost.

Junior cat (6 months to 2 years)

This stage is equivalent to human adolescence. Just like us, this is the time when the kitten loses its babyish appearance and reaches physical and sexual maturity, and starts acting and looking like a cat. They might look a bit odd as they experience growth spurts which leave them looking long and lanky.

Their behaviour becomes more catlike and their boisterous personality starts fading as they settle into adult cathood. They are much calmer.

Training at this stage should focus more on reinforcing rules and continued socialization.

Around the one-year mark, they are ready to transition from kitten food to adult cat food. If they have been spayed or neutered they might be prone at this age to gain a bit of extra weight. It would be good to monitor their weight to ensure that it is on par with others of the same age to ensure that you are not overfeeding them.

Prime cat (3 to 6 years)

This stage is equivalent to a human in their twenties and thirties. At this stage, your cat will be at their peak of health and physical fitness. They have reached their full growth and should have a shiny coat.

At this stage, your cat’s personality would be fully developed and should remain the same for the remainder of its lifespan.

Even though they are in peak health, you may still want to consider regular trips to the vet.

Your cat should be fully trained at this stage, but you might find them testing boundaries from time to time. They know by now what is expected of them so don’t feel bad about gently reminding them of the rules. Remember that in general, due to a cat’s independent nature, they are more difficult to train than dogs, so just be patient and persevere.

Mature cat (7 to 10 years)

This stage is equivalent to a human in their forties and fifties. In general, if your cat remained active it should appear not much different from when they were in its prime stage. Although it is at this stage that cats are more prone to weight gain and their coats might begin to lose a little of their sheen.

Not much training is required at this stage of your cat’s life. You may want to consider getting regular check-ups at your vet as this is an age where certain health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity are more likely to start appearing.

At this stage, you may also want to consider giving your cat food that is full of nutrients and extra vitamins to boost its immune system. If your cat is not very active, consider adjusting their food intake to a diet that is suitable for inactive cats to ensure that they don’t gain too much weight.

 Senior and Geriatric cat (11 years and older)

In a cat’s advanced years, they are separated into two stages. From 11 to 14 (equivalent to a human in their sixties and seventies) they are considered senior cats and from 14 upwards they are considered geriatrics.

At this stage, your cat might be showing white fur in their coat or lose lustre in their coats.

They are even more prone at this age to develop some of the conditions mentioned in the mature stage and they might even develop mobility issues due to arthritis or joint problems. They will be much slower than when they were younger and might even stop using the litter box as they might find it a challenge to make it in time.

At this age, you may want to consider having them closely monitored by a vet especially if they have any of the above conditions. If you are lucky enough to have a healthy cat you might notice that they are less active and their playtime becomes shorter. The good news is at this age they become more willing to cuddle, giving you ample opportunities to bond with them.

It is wise to consult with your vet on their dietary requirements at this stage as some vets recommend switching them to moist cat food if they are not drinking enough water.

As your cat goes through their life changes so much changes but one thing remains constant – your love for them!