Kitten Development
A kitten is not totally independent
until about 6 months old. In the wild it would remain with
its mother until then, if not longer. A kitten can be fully
weaned at about 8 weeks old. It should not leave its mother
until then. Pedigree kittens suckle for two weeks longer
than non-pedigrees and are not fully weaned until 12 weeks
old.
EYES
A kitten's eyes will open from
8 days old onwards, although, some take up to 3 weeks. All
kittens are born with blue eyes, as they grow the eyes change
colour. The final colour will be evident at 12 weeks old.
TEETH
At 8 weeks all the milk teeth
are through, the adult teeth appear at 4 months old. However,
unlike puppies they do not spend time teething, the adult
teeth grow under the milk teeth.
CLAWS
A kitten is born with the claws
extended. As they grow older they learn to retract them.
Claws are used for climbing, grooming and protection. They
often claw objects at the edge of territories e.g. a tree
at the end of the garden. Therefore, it is advisable to
move their scratching post to the back door, or near the
door of the room they spend most time in.
De-clawing is illegal in the U.K. except for medical reasons.
It still continues in the U.S. However it is cruel and involves
removing all of the claw and the terminal bone in the toe.Cats
are usually de-clawed to avoid them destroying objects and
furniture with their claws.
HUNTING
Kittens begin to practice pouncing
and hunting with their mother and litter mates from 6 weeks
old. Once your kitten begins to hunt properly, you must
worm regularly as worms can be passed on from their prey.
If your cat brings home mice and birds, it does not mean
you are not feeding enough! Your cat may bring you presents,
some people believe they do this because they have seen
that their owner is incapable of hunting prey for themselves,
your cat is ensuring you don't starve!
PURRING
Kittens are able to purr at
1 week old. It is used as a form of communication between
them and their mother. They usually purr when contented,
for example just before they settle down to sleep. However,
they also purr when frightened or in pain as this is less
likely to attract the attention of a predator than other
noises such as crying.
SCENT BEHAVIOUR
Cats have scent glands on their
cheeks, chin, lips, feet and at the base of their tail.
When they scratch trees, posts and other objects in their
territory they are using the glands on their feet to mark.
They can taste scent by opening their mouth, to allow air
over this organ. They may rub themselves around you or objects
in your house. This is known as chinning when they use their
head and allows them to mark you with their scent.
