When was my cat a kitten? - briefly
Your cat was a kitten during its first year of life, typically from birth until around 12 months of age.
When was my cat a kitten? - in detail
Your cat was a kitten during the early stages of its life, typically from birth until it reached approximately one year of age. This period is crucial for development, as kittens undergo significant physical, behavioral, and emotional growth. In the first few weeks, kittens are entirely dependent on their mother for nourishment and care. Their eyes and ears open around 7 to 14 days, and they begin to explore their surroundings cautiously. By the age of 4 to 6 weeks, they start weaning off milk and transitioning to solid food, a process that continues until they are about 8 to 10 weeks old. During this time, kittens are highly energetic, playful, and curious, often engaging in activities that help them develop coordination, hunting skills, and social behaviors. By around 6 months, kittens reach sexual maturity, although they are still considered juveniles. The kitten phase gradually concludes as they approach their first birthday, marking the transition to adulthood. This entire period is characterized by rapid growth, learning, and the formation of lifelong habits and personality traits.