PET HEALTH By Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M.
Kitten’s Developmental Milestones
Birth to 2 Weeks: Kittens can’t see or hear when they’re born but develop those senses quickly. During their first two weeks, kittens mostly sleep. They identify mom by scent and snuggle close to her and their littermates. Kittens mostly sleep. Toothless newborns rely on their mothers for food. Mothers lick them, which also helps them go to the bathroom. Kittens’ eyes and ears open for the first time.
2 to 8 Weeks: Sense of smell and hearing will improve dramatically by week four. Steady on their feet with improved vision, kittens in a litter start playing together. Teeth begin to appear around three weeks. They learn how to use the litter box and groom themselves. They still rely on their mother for feedings but will gradually become more independent. Kittens learn how to interact with other animals and people. They can be gently handled for short periods and play sessions with people should increase.
8 to 12 Weeks: Young cats can begin to eat kitten food and may be separated from their mothers to join new homes. Play becomes a favorite pastime. Kittens enjoy pouncing on invisible prey, zooming through the house, chasing their tails, and play fighting with their littermates, or other cats.
3 to 6 Months: Baby teeth begin to fall out preparing for permanent teeth. Now is the time to catproof your home. Teething kittens like to chew on all sorts of objects! Kittens begin to change from fluffballs into lean, muscular young cats. Although your kitten is still young, it will soon be able to reproduce.
6 to 18 months: Your kitten will grow from teenager to adult during this stage. When your kitten is a year old, switch to adult cat food. It no longer needs the increased calories and nutrients that kitten food provides. Otherwise, your cat may develop a weight problem. Start the switch by mixing cat and kitten food together, gradually decreasing the amount of kitten food. Visit your veterinarian within the first several weeks after your new addition arrives for a checkup and to put kitty on the vaccine schedule to stay healthy. Cats can become sexually mature as young as six months. Spaying and neutering also reduce your pet’s risk of developing certain types of cancers, including breast and testicular cancer. Spaying or neutering should be scheduled for no later than five months to prevent pregnancy.
If you enjoyed this article, visit Dr. Scot M. Trefz, DVM – Tierra Verde Resident and Medical Director at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital. Dr. Trefz, a 35-year experienced DVM, and his amazing team of veterinary professionals are located at 3695 50th Ave S., St Petersburg, FL 33711 (next to the Maximo Moorings Marina and Bay Pointe Plaza Publix) 727.867.0118
Bay Moorings Animal Hospital
Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M., Medical Director & Owner
727-867-0118
3695 50th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
www.baymooringsanimalhospital.com
facebook.com/baymooringsanimalhospitaldrtrefz