Your Kitten: 1 Year Old

Mental and Physical Development

The Adult Cat Personality: Does It Change? As people grow up, they are no longer the same person they were when they were young. Certain childhood personality characteristics are often carried into adulthood - they just become less obvious. Cats are very much the same way.

A growing cat is maturing not only physically but mentally as well, though from time to time pet owners will still notice the kitten traits. While your young cat may play less and sleep more, this only means that your kitten has grown into an adult- the bond between you and your young cat doesn't have to change.

Proper Food Storage If you scoop some of your young cat's adult cat food in your hand, you will notice that the food is oily to the touch. The oils used in cat foods increase the palatability, or taste, and serve as a source of fats that are necessary to the cat's diet. Improper food storage can cause these oils to quickly dry out, resulting in food with less flavor and lower amounts of nutrition for your young cat.

The ideal storage method for cat food is a sealable plastic bin; a food clip is less preferable but can also be used to seal the top of the bag. Proper food storage will ensure that your cat's food remains tasty and nutritious and will also keep out hungry insects that are attracted to pet food. Furthermore, your cat will be unable to break into the sealed container when he is hungry.

Health and Veterinary Care: Annual Checkups and Booster Vaccinations

At one year of age, your young cat will definitely be due soon for her booster vaccinations. The shots given at her last kitten appointment were good for one year. Moving forward, your veterinarian may recommend that some or all of her shots be given every three years instead of annually.

Even if vaccinations are not due every year, your cat will still need to visit the veterinarian once a year for check-ups. Annual examinations are extremely important for your cat's overall health. Your veterinarian should examine your cat's teeth, heart and internal organs at every visit. This is also a good time to touch base regarding diet questions, parasite control and behavioral issues.

Routine physical examinations are so important for your cat's health that the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends twice-yearly exams as opposed to annual visits.

Training: Training Adult Cats

If you have adopted a cat that is one year of age, or if your kitten is now one year old but untrained, there are few methods you can use around the home to train your young adult cat. One-year-old cats learn very quickly, so all you have to do is use the right tools.

Fortunately, young cats at this age do not have to be trained to use the litter box; they just need to know where it is. Catnip sprays on toys and scratching poles can be used to attract your young cat to these objects, and off mats (plastic mats with hard, ridged bumps) can be used to teach your young cat to stay off specific pieces of furniture. If your cat is using your furniture to sharpen its claws, use a deterrent spray on the areas the cat is scratching.