Cat Life Stages and Their Care Requirements

Caring for your beloved kitty-cat for life requires a significant time commitment. While the care-giving process is a rewarding one, it can also be lengthy. The life expectancy of an indoor house pet cat is 15 years or longer. Life expectancies have dramatically increased with advancements in Veterinary care and high quality food and health related products. People are also realizing that indoor cats are safer and live longer than their outdoor counterparts so they are living longer due to fewer accidents as well. Because cats are living longer than ever before, they have several life stages to consider which go beyond kitten and adult. Along with each of the following life stages come specific care requirements:

1. Kitten: the kitten stage lasts from birth to 6 months with weaning at 6 to 8 weeks. After weaning occurs kittens require a diet containing twice the energy per pound of body weight as a mature cat. Try feeding your kitten a premium kitten formula cat food with higher percentages of protein and fat. Your kitten will need 4 to 5 small meals a day to maintain energy levels. Some Veterinarians recommend that kittens be spayed or neutered at 4 months of age; however, most people prefer to wait a little longer. It is never too early to start encouraging good behaviors and discouraging bad ones so training is especially important during this stage.

2. Junior: this phase lasts from 7 months to 2 years of age. You should spay or neuter your cat during the early part of this stage and watch for the weight gain that can sometimes occur. During this phase you can move to twice-daily feedings and consider switching to an adult breed cat food after one year. During this stage, cats are particularly susceptible to fighting with other cats over territory and food especially if left outside. It is especially important to keep up with rabies and other vaccinations during this junior or adolescent stage.

3. Prime: this life stage lasts from 3 to 6 years and is still considered youth for the average cat. Adult food should be fed during this time with the possible introduction of a weight loss formula. Cats during this stage are prone to obesity, dental disease, heart disease and intestinal parasites. Dental care regimens and regular weight checks at the Vet’s office are essential during this stage.

4. Mature: this stage lasts from 7 to 10 years and cats are considered older at this point in their lives. You might consider placing your older cat on a senior cat food with possible supplementation of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Cats during this stage are less active and may need fewer calories than their younger counterparts. Older cats are prone to diseases including diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure and cancer and regular health screenings are very important for early detection and treatment.

5. Senior: this stage lasts from 11 to 14 years. If not already on a senior formula cat food your cat will need one at this stage. Continue with joint supplements as cats in this stage are extremely prone to joint problems and pain. Senior cats tend to sleep a lot more; sometimes up to 18 hours a day. They are prone to arthritis, which is treatable, and senility or dementia.

6. Geriatric: This stage lasts from 15 years until death. While some cats will still appear youthful, most will appear and feel their years. It is best to try and make your geriatric cat as comfortable as possible and increase the frequency of his check-ups.

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