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Understanding Cat Adulthood: Age, Feeding, and Care Tip

19. December 2024
When exactly does a cat reach adulthood? Typically, it is widely believed that cats become adults at

When exactly does a cat reach adulthood? Typically, it is widely believed that cats become adults at 12 months, or 1 year old. Cats usually reach sexual maturity around the 6month mark, at which point they can be bred.

However, most cat owners usually do not allow their cats to breed when they first reach sexual maturity. This is because sexual maturity does not necessarily mean the cat has reached the physical condition required for giving birth. In other words, while the cat may be sexually mature, it is not yet fully "physically mature."

Physical maturity refers to the cat's body reaching certain standards, such as weight and length. Cats around 1 year old generally have the conditions necessary for giving birth.

The time a cat reaches adulthood can also vary depending on the breed. Different breeds of cats mature at different times.

After reaching adulthood, the feeding of cats also differs from that of kittens. The growth process of kittens can be divided into a rapid growth phase and a rapid maturation phase. During these periods, kittens require a balanced diet with highquality food that is rich in protein and calories to support their rapid growth and the various nutrients and energy they need. However, compared to adult cats, adult cats do not require as much of these nutrients. Therefore, the diet of adult cats should not be the same as that of kittens.

For cats over 12 months old, it is recommended to switch to a specialized adult cat food. When changing the pet food, it is important to do so gradually and not to switch to adult food immediately.

Adult cats prefer to chew on crunchy kibble, so it's best to avoid feeding them soaked kibble.

If you feed your cat wet food, they will tend to eat larger portions at once and will not have the same backandforth eating pattern as with dry food. Additionally, cats that frequently eat wet food tend to drink less water.

Therefore, when choosing adult cat food, it's best to opt for dry kibble.

In addition, the number of times an adult cat is fed daily should be consistent. Owners can adjust the amount of food based on the cat's weight and daily activity levels. Generally, feeding twice a day is sufficient. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity. If a cat becomes overweight due to diet, the owner should increase the cat's physical activity.

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