Kitten turning into cat too quickly?

LCSP · Apr 19, 2013

Hi all, My almost one year old kitten Pepper has suddenly turned into a cat, and we are concerned that it is too quick and there might be something wrong with her. Her activity level has drastically reduced, and she has taken to sleeping on the couch with the geriatric crowd. She still plays when I play with her, but she used to entertain herself all day long. It also seems that she is afraid of jumping off things that did not give her pause before. She's eating all food given, but not as frantically as before. I've heard her sneeze a couple times, but she does not appear to be sick (no dripping eyes or nose).

We haven't had a kitten in the house for awhile (latest additions were adults) and I don't remember how my old boys behaved. I don't think they ever had as much energy as this one had so maybe the transformation into cathood would not have been as apparent. Any comments? What have your experiences been? Should we be concerned health wise? Thanks.

mumof7kitties · Apr 19, 2013

How old is Pepper? Oftentimes when kittens hit growth spurts they will eat and sleep a lot more than usual, just like humans. I wouldn't worry too much unless she stops eating or drinking or becomes lethargic.

Jetlaya67 · Apr 19, 2013

I can only speak for my own cats but seems like Nyska, my female, became a cat a lot earlier than my boys. Winston is almost two and still has "kitten" episodes. I surely miss them being little kittens.

Marcia · Apr 19, 2013

Our Jack was 3 when we adopted him and had lots of kitten antics still in him for the past year. Our Lacey was also 3 but she acts like part of the geriatric crowd times 10. She sleeps 99% of the time. I think it is just part of your particular cat's genetic make up that she matured early. I seriously doubt there is a medical issue.

JungliBillis · Apr 19, 2013

Hahahaha turning into cats. Just sounds kinda funny.

My babies are 7 months old and still play lots like kittens...but I have noticed definite decrease in activity level. They are certainly mellowing down. One year sounds about right for being mostly grown up.

LCSP · Apr 19, 2013

I know they all grow up, it's the stark contrast in her activity level that has me worried. Her birthday is early May. It's not that she doesn't play, it's the self play or her curiousity that has diminished, seemingly overnight. I miss the kitty that wants to help me clean the dishes and hide the pens all over the house. She's still cute on the couch.

Nell · Apr 19, 2013

A drastic decrease in activity level in a very short time could be a sign of illness... maybe just a simple kitty "cold" or "flu." You may see her perk up again soon.

Blakeney Green · Apr 19, 2013

I agree with Nell. Around a year old is generally when kittens are in transition to adulthood, but it usually happens gradually rather than all of a sudden. Your kitten may be having a growth spurt, but she also may be feeling under the weather - so I would keep an eye on her. If she doesn't perk up within a few days, I'd take her to the vet just to make sure there's nothing medically wrong.

Any sudden changes in eating, sleeping, or activity level should definitely be something you monitor closely, as they can be early signs of problems.

Kitten turning into cat too quickly?

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