A cat’s developmental stages are crucial toward its overall health, and even its personality to a degree.
A cat’s developmental stages are crucial toward its overall health, and even its personality to a degree. The first year shapes how the kitten will develop, and how you bond with it during this period plays a vital role. During the first few weeks, your kitten is susceptible to a variety of infections and threats. The timing for when you create a rapport with your cat will largely determine the type of relationship you have with it. Despite what anyone else may say, each cat has a unique personality, and you want to be there to shape it.
The Beginning Months
A few months in, your cat will start developing those traits that make it so lovable. From social skills to stealing traits from you, the owner, your cat should grow at an incredible rate. And the growth will never be as fast as it is during this time. While all of this is happening, you can’t forget to take them to your local veterinarian, as they’ll supply you with the necessary shots and conduct an exam. They will also make sure your cat receives the proper testing.
Half Way Through The Year
Eventually, as you reach almost a year into your cat ownership, you’ll start to have a routine, and things will fall into place. The kitten is still growing, however, so you’re not out of the woods just yet. This is the part where dental hygiene comes into play. Your cat will shed its baby teeth and start to develop adult teeth. This is where you’ll learn that brushing your cat’s teeth is extremely important. Your cat should also be sprayed and neutered around the six month stage. Cats are incredibly reactive to the things around them, so something you teach them during these infancy stages could stick as they continue to grow older.
Personality
By the time you close in on a year, your kitten will feel like a legitimate, adult cat. Your cat will have certainly developed a personality by this point. If it’s not as responsive as it was during the early stages, don’t fret. That’s normal. Cats fluctuate, as sometimes they’re trying to assert themselves while other times they become timid. Regardless of their personalities, make sure you always take the proper precautions to make sure they’re healthy and safe.
Contact The Catonsville Cat Clinic Today
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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