Feline Insights

Feline developmental stages

Understanding the different stages in a kitten’s development is key to advising owners as to the best ways to interact with their cat

by Kersti Seksel

Feline developmental stages

Key points

Kitten owners need to be educated about how they can optimize both the physical and mental health of their new pet.

The uterine environment during pregnancy has significant effects on the future behavior and development of the individual kitten, and a balanced diet for the pregnant queen is essential.

Human contact and handling are very important in kittens before 9 weeks of age, as this helps them to develop socially acceptable behaviors.

Hand-reared kittens appear to be more likely to develop fearful and aggressive traits towards both people and other cats, and show less aptitude for learning.

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About the author

Kersti Seksel

Kersti Seksel

BVSc (Hons), MRCVS, MA (Hons), FANZCVS, Dip. ACVB, Dip. ECAWBM, FAVA, Sydney Animal Behavior Service, Sydney, Australia

After graduating from Sydney University, Dr. Seksel worked in the UK before studying for a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Master of Arts. She is the world’s only triple boarded specialist in animal behavior, being a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Behavior, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Seksel is currently principal of a specialist behavioral practice as well as being Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University. She pioneered “kindergartens” (Kitten Kindy®) classes for kittens and has spoken at numerous conferences nationally and internationally. She regularly runs animal behavior webinars and has authored many textbook chapters, as well as being a consultant on VIN (Veterinary Information Network).