The main thing about a kitten from 9 months to a year
A kitten of 9 months is entering the finish line of growth and development, depending on the breed. Before the first birthday of a pet, its owner needs to solve a number of tasks that will become the key to a happy adult life for a four-legged pet. In this article, we will tell you what it is important for a kitten owner to remember when he overcomes the stage from 9 to 12 months.
Briefly about the important
What is special about a kitten between 9 months and a year old? What should a caring parent do?
During these months, the kitten goes through puberty. In some cats and cats, it begins as early as six months, in others – later. The owner needs to decide what to do with the pet: to breed or to carry out the sterilization (or castration) procedure. Recall that if you do not sterilize a pet and do not breed, this can negatively affect his health and quality of life.
If you decide to spay your pet, discuss with your veterinarian the details of the procedure and when it would be best to do it.
If you decide to breed kittens, you do not need to breed pets under the age of 1 year. Wait until the cat’s reproductive system is fully formed and the animal gets stronger.
By 12 months, choose a suitable adult cat food and begin to slowly transition your kitten to it.
Provide your kitten with proper nutrition and optimal exercise. They will help at the final stage of physical maturation and development of a four-legged friend.
Get routine vaccinations and parasite treatments annually.
Sexual maturation
9-12 months is one of the key moments in the life of cats. Many young cats have their first estrus during this period. Look after your pet. If the cat marks the territory, rubs against the furniture, takes the tail to the side – these are signs of estrus.
Similar problems overtake and kittens-boys. Closer to the year they begin to scream at night and be interested in females, they can be naughty and mark the territory. If you are not going to breed, it’s time to think about castration or sterilization. A healthy kitten at 12 months old can easily survive such a procedure and recover quickly.
If you decide to become a kitten breeder, do not breed cats and cats under the age of one year. This may adversely affect their health in the future. It is better to wait until the kittens are fully grown and stronger.
Make it a rule to regularly visit the veterinarian, conduct preventive examinations, re-vaccinations on schedule, deworming. Consult with a veterinarian about the nutrition of your ward. Monitor the well-being of the mustachioed-striped, with signs of malaise, visit a doctor.
Nutrition and care
At 12 months, it’s time to transition your kitten to an adult cat diet. New food can be added to the usual diet from 11 months, in small portions. Within a month, the pet will get used to the taste of the new food and will easily step over the change of food.
Even if your litter has already experienced the first molt, it is important to keep him confident that grooming is a fun game and communication. The more carefully and gently you comb the cat, the less wool he will swallow when he licks his fur coat. Stock up on treats for removing wool – they will come in handy if the pet has a heavy molt.
Playing with a kitten is also an important attribute of caring for its full development. Toys are needed not only for entertainment, but also for communication between the owner and the pet. Game complexes, scratching posts, “teasers” will help your pet stay active and develop harmoniously, and joint games will strengthen trust and friendship between you.
Appearance and dimensions
At 11-12 months, the kitten completes the phase of active growth. But a lot depends on the breed and gender of the pet: some cats mature faster, others slower. The muscles of cats of large breeds, for example, Maine Coons, can be strengthened up to two or three years. In terms of weight, you also need to focus on gender and breed characteristics.
At this age, the difference between cats and cats is already noticeable: usually cats are larger, they can weigh a whole kilogram more than cats. For example, if a British male kitten at 9 months weighs 3,8 – 6,4 kilograms, then a young cat of the same breed will weigh 2,5 – 4,3 kilograms. By the first birthday, a British cat can weigh up to seven kilos, but a young cat will hardly be heavier than 4,6 kilograms.
At any stage of the development of a cat or a cat, the main thing is to ensure the correct conditions of detention and regularly conduct a home examination in order to respond promptly and contact a veterinarian in case of discomfort.
If you have read up to this point, we are calm for your kitten. He definitely has a very caring and responsible parent!
We wish your – already such an adult – baby a healthy and happy life!
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