Developmental stages of cats!

The six growth stages of cats occur during the first year of life. It is necessary to know the cat's needs in each of these phases, to ensure their healthy development.

How old do cats grow and how big do they get? This depends on the genotype on the one hand, but also on external factors such as nutrition. The growth of cats takes place in six phases, which take place during the first year of life. It is necessary to know these developmental stages of cats in order to give your kitten the perfect start to a healthy life and to give it all the necessary support during the growing process.

The 6 stages of growth of the cat

Cats give birth after about 66 days of gestation. At the moment, the little creatures do not even weigh 100 grams. However, they will become big and curious cats over the next few months.

Cat breeding can be divided into different stages:

Stage 1: first week of life

After birth, kittens are blind and weak, and they are in great need of mother's milk. Known as colostrum, mother's milk contains important nutrients and antibodies that protect the little ones (protective proteins). The latter are extremely important for the health of kittens, because the immune system is still inexperienced and weakened after birth. Their fur is still insufficient, which is why kittens need the protective warmth of their mother.

About a week after birth, the kittens open their eyes and the umbilical cord dries up and falls off. To ensure that kittens have a healthy start in life, keep an eye on their daily weight. You can use weight charts to check if the kittens are developing normally and adjust their diet if necessary.

Stage 2: Baby teeth are coming out

In the first weeks of life, kittens have no strength to do anything. That's why they spend the whole day sleeping. Baby teeth generally appear between the third and eighth week of life. A cat has 26 milk teeth, which are much smaller and sharper than the teeth of an adult cat.

Stage 3: first solid meal

After four weeks, the kittens have already gained weight. If in the first two stages of growth of cats, they mostly slept, now they can finally run and play with their brothers. They are also starting to accept solid food. It's time to start giving them wet kitten food. But the change must not be too sudden. The gastrointestinal tract is still used to mother's milk and must gradually adjust to the new food. Otherwise, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain may occur.

Stage 4: the kittens grow bigger

In the fourth phase, the chicks are only two months old and already eating solid food. They are still growing and require more energy and nutrients than their adult relatives. Now the cats must consume special food for juniors, which is adapted exactly to this stage of life. It's up to you whether you prefer to feed your kittens dry or wet food. Now is the time to go to the vet for the first time. He will be able to give you information about important vaccinations and, if necessary, about the correct nutrition of kittens. Kittens change their teeth between the third and sixth month of life. During this period, the milk teeth are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. As a comparison: we humans have about 32 teeth, while dogs have 42 permanent teeth.

Stage 5: the kitten becomes an adult cat

After seven exciting months of life, the kittens' developmental stages are coming to an end. Now the cat has grown up. Females can now go into heat and remain pregnant. Males reach sexual maturity about a month later. From this point, you can consider castration.

Stage 6: the cat is fully grown

The cats are already a year old and are much calmer. This is where the developmental stages of cats have ended and they will not grow any more. After about eight years of experience, the hair in the mouth area may turn white. This is generally the first sign of old age. Step by step, increased fatigue and a reduced desire to move will follow.

How big do cats get?

There is no general answer to this question. On the one hand, the growth of cats depends on genetic inheritance, as well as other factors, such as nutrition during the period of growth. On the other hand, breed dictates the size and physique of the cat. For example the European Shorthair, grows to an average length between 80 and 90 centimeters. In contrast, adult Maine Coon cats (especially males) can reach 120 centimeters in length.

And the weight depends on the breed and sex: male Persians can reach up to 8 kilograms. On the other hand, female Bengal cats are much lighter and weigh between three and four kilograms.

How long does a cat live?

Healthy cats live an average of 15 years, and some can even live up to 19 years. But how long a cat lives depends on everyone. His genes matter, as well as other bills. Diseases or poor nutrition can have a negative influence on the age of cats.