Your Kitten: 11 Months Old

Mental and Physical Development

Can Cats Feel Emotions? There is plenty of evidence to support the conviction that animals have feelings. While kittens can be considered stoic creatures, evidence of their emotions is seen in the strong bond between kittens and their human companions.

Furthermore, cats and kittens have been known to rescue their pet owners, even in instances where the kitten must put his own life at risk, such as fires, propane gas poisoning, and tornadoes.

Food Management After spaying or neutering your kitten, their metabolic rate slows down, which means that of the kitten needs less calories.

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to transition your kitten to adult cat food. Make this transition slowly over the course of several weeks to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Begin by mixing a spoonful of cat food into the kitten food, and gradually increase the percentage of adult food to 100 percent over time.

Finally, be sure measure the amount fed at each meal to prevent obesity, using the recommendations on the food packaging as a guide.

You should feed your kitten two or three times a day. Feeding three times may keep your kitten from getting hungry throughout the day. There are also advantages to feeding your 11-month-old kitten just a breakfast and a dinner. If she isn't feeling well, you will pick up on it immediately because she may eat much less than usual. If you need to medicate your kitten, it is easier to do so with a hungry kitten than an overfed one, as she may more readily accept a treat with a pill hidden inside.

Determine which is best for your based on your lifestyle and your kitten's preferences. Consult your veterinarian if you have additional questions about feeding.

Health and Veterinary Care: Injuries

Kittens at 11 months of age are a lot like teenagers -- they are on their way to becoming adults, but they still have a ways to go. At 11 months, kittens are still lacking in judgment, experience and athletic skills of older cats, and as a result, they are at a higher risk for injuries. The most common types of kitten injuries are muscle sprains and fighting wounds.

Maturing kittens are prone to muscle sprains due to their lack of judgment and physical development. At this age, their bodies may not be capable of some athletic maneuvers that they will try. As they grow older and stronger, kittens will acquire a better sense of balance and timing, but until then, a few bumps, bruises and sprains may occur.

Inexperienced kittens may also attempt to fight with older and stronger cats who are out of their league. Spaying or neutering your kitten early can help reduce fighting and injuries.

Training: Introducing Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs are very different, but they are not natural enemies. Most can learn to tolerate the other's company, and some even manage to become best friends. At 11 months, your kitten has ideally already met a friendly dog. Still, introducing your kitten to a dog should always be done gradually and carefully.

Plan ahead to supervise and handle introductions in a calm, controlled manner. First, place the dog in a separate room to allow your kitten time to absorb canine smells and sounds. When you bring the two into the same room, leash the dog, who should sit quietly next to you. Proceed with the meeting very slowly for brief periods, and let your animals get to know each other at a pace that is comfortable for them. This can take several days or weeks. (Note: A dog who reacts aggressively should be kept away from your kitten.) Reward positive behavior with praise and a small food treat.

Always give your kitten a safe zone by providing plenty of hiding places and vertical spaces to jump up on, along with safe access to food and water. Patience is the key to establishing a healthy relationship between dogs and cats.