Owning a cat provides so many giggles and entertaining moments. Cats can be so funny and are sometimes real scaredy cats, but there are days when every cat owner needs some guidance on how to handle a situation, or at least to understand if your cat is purely going through a phase. Knowing which life stage your cat is in, might explain a few things.
Kitten – still a baby
0-7 weeks This is the period when your kitten is still with her mother – or should be – and when she will learn fundamental life skills. If she’s taken away from her mother too soon, she won’t learn social skills, like how to interact with other cats, other pets and people. Therefore, it is crucial that kittens stay with their mothers and siblings for at least eight weeks.
Behaviour expectations During this period, your kitten will open her eyes, develop her sense of smell, learn to walk, start to meow and, with her littermates, she will start honing her pouncing and hunting skills during their play sessions. They teach each other what is acceptable in the bite and scratch departments, and when and how to defend themselves.
This is also the time when she will start to groom herself and learn from her mother how it’s done.
7-14 weeks The window for learning new social skills has now closed for your kitten. The lessons that she hasn’t learnt by now will be difficult for her to learn at a later stage.
Behaviour expectations Her play sessions will increase in intensity, and she will play more often and sleep a bit less.
3-6 months During this period, your kitten will learn who fits in where in the pecking order in her new home.
Behaviour expectations She will learn from the other pets in the home what she is allowed to do, and who will play which games with her. She will also start to explore in the most unexpected places. Therefore, it is important to supervise your kitten as much as you can.
By placing more than one scratching post around the house, you can help your kitten to burn off some of her pent-up energy.
Terrible teenagers
6-18 months As each cat and breed of cat are different, the actual age when your cat will reach this phase is hard to pinpoint. Some cats mature sooner, while others take longer to get through the terrible teens phase.
Behaviour expectations This is usually the most challenging stage for cats and their owners. You may think that your kitten has turned into a monster, but don’t worry, she will grow out of this phase. She might do the most ridiculous things, like climbing up your curtains, or play rough with you by biting or scratching you. Don’t be surprised if she starts to knock things over or wake you up in the middle of the night, just to prove that she can.
She might even come closer for a petting session but, the moment you touch her, she will attack you, or flee with a typical “Touch me. No! Never mind!” attitude. And this is normal.
Keep in mind that she is in a rebellious stage and she will push her boundaries at all levels. Whatever you do, don’t punish her. Ignore unacceptable behaviour and reward good behaviour with a treat or loving attention. This phase requires oodles of patience, but it will be rewarded.
All grown up
2-10 years Although your cat might be considered an adult at around one year old in a physical sense, she actually only becomes an adult from around two years old. Again, some cats mature sooner, and others as late as three years.
Behaviour expectations You will realise almost ‘out of the blue’ one day that your cat has calmed down and that the ‘obnoxious’ teenage phase is a thing of the past. She will most probably still be playful, even ‘hunt and kill’ her toys and, on occasion, have a zoomies session. In general, she will have settled in her behaviour, and you will have a good grasp of her personality, and what she wants and needs. Your cat should also know by now what you expect of her.
Not so young anymore
Over 10 years old Just like people, as cats get older, they might also develop aches and pains, diseases or illnesses. This might happen earlier or later in her life, and it is important to understand when she has reached this stage – your vet will be able to tell you.
Behaviour expectations She will most probably sleep more, eat less and be less energetic. She might even be cranky at times, especially if she’s not feeling well. It is important that everybody in the household understands this and respects her space. Make sure that she sees the vet often and don’t allow her to suffer in pain.
Enjoy your cat
Understand that your cat goes through different life stages and keep that in mind when she does something that seems out of the ordinary. If you ignore unacceptable behaviour, but your cat stubbornly persists, then consult a vet to rule out any medical issues. If she is given a clean bill of health, then consult a behaviourist to find out how best to handle the situation.
