If you're thinking of purchasing a kitten, then you must know the length of time it takes for cats to develop. Kittens are sexually mature in about six months, therefore it is crucial to have them spayed or neutered. This can reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer for males as well as mammary cancer for females.
Kittens need to be socialized by 5 weeks of age. The kitten will learn to play with his mother. In this stage it is recommended to avoid physical contact. It is possible to place them in a secure area for example, in a quiet room, to get at ease. But, they must be monitored when exploring the surroundings.
After four weeks old, kittens start using their litter boxes. Help to teach them the basics of making use of the litter box with a cotton ball inside the box. After that, put your box at a calm area that is far away from the reach of children. It will take just a few minutes for them to use the bathroom.
Kittens might cry when they're angry. The crying could indicate that they're not receiving adequate milk supply from mom. Or, they could be suffering from an illness. In any event it is recommended to visit the vet to be evaluated. The vet will provide them with the required vaccinations and worming treatment and will also check the ears for mites.
It is crucial to ensure your kitten is warm throughout the winter months. When they reach between two and 4 weeks of age, they'll start exploring their surroundings. Make sure they're in a dark and quiet space.
In the third week, the eyes will begin to open, and their ears begin to respond to sights and sounds in the surroundings. In general, kittens will be deaf in those first few weeks but they'll grow less sensitive with grow older.
At this point it's not advised to place your cat in cage with other cats. Instead, let them spend as much time as they can together with the litter of kittens. When they reach the age of 12 the best thing to do is not separate your kitten from her mother.
When you take the kitten to your home consult a veterinarian to examine the cat as well as the litter. Check that your litter is not clumping because clumping could cause intestinal clumps. In addition, if your kitten is suffering from an underlying illness it is recommended to make an appointment with veterinarian as quickly as it is possible.
Based on the circumstances the veterinarian will inform you when it is time to separate the kitten from his mother. Some experts suggest wait until your kitten turns 12 weeks old. However, it can differ based on your specific situation.
In the beginning of your kitten's existence typically, he will nurse between 1-3 hours. At this stage it is likely that he's still drinking the milk of his mother and this feeding routine could last for up to up to a month. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that he's getting adequate food and water.