Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
can make a big impact on their kitten's behavior by training him dur-
ing this time.
Vaccinations and natural exposure continue to contribute to the
kitten's immune system. If not vaccinated, kittens are very susceptible to
viruses such as panleukopenia and feline leukemia if they are exposed
to other cats who have these diseases.The need for a special kitten diet
also continues, and the kitten will be eating more and more.
16 TO 28 WEEKS
From four to seven months of age a kitten loses his baby teeth and gets
his permanent adult teeth. Biting and chewing behaviors increase.
During this period it is common for kittens to chew on everything in
sight, including your hands and feet. They are able to continue eating
both dry and canned kitten foods.
The animal's coat fills out and there is more interest in grooming
and scratching behaviors. Most kittens do not reach behavioral sexual
maturity until after six months of age, but they can be physically mature
before then. Kittens allowed outside at this age will roam farther and
for longer periods of time.
PUBERTY
Cats go through physical maturation before they are behaviorally
ready to reproduce. The time of year has an effect on reproduction,
as cats are seasonally polyestrus (during certain seasons of the year,
cats can go through their heat cycles multiple times). Veterinarians
recommend that cats be spayed or neutered before they begin to
exhibit sexual behaviors for many reasons. Some of the important
reasons are:
•
Neutered cats tend to be calmer and more easygoing.
•
Neutered cats stay closer to home (and are more comfortable
being indoor-only cats).
•
Neutered cats fight less and are less protective of their territory.
•
The cycling of sex hormones can trigger some health
problems in cats.
•
The odor of sexually mature male cats is unbearable.
