Due to the cats nature, many people still do not bring their cats to the veterinarian. Cats generally live longer than dogs and need the same preventive health care as dogs. One of the first purchases one should make regarding cats is a good quality cat carrier. These carriers are very valuable when bringing cats and kittens to the veterinarian since cats can become frightened easily. The carriers also can be used to transport pets on airplanes and double as sleeping quarters at home. When using a carrier it is important that the cat become accustomed to the carrier over a period of time.

Cats Age in Human Years
Age of your cat	Age in Human years
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	15 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96

Kittens will generally do better as adults if they are left with their mother for up to 8-9 weeks. Unlike puppies who usually leave their mother at six weeks, cats need to be imprinted by their mother over a longer period of time. Imprinting is the teaching period between mother and kitten. This period of time is very important for cats to act like cats. Due to this imprinting period kittens first visit to the veterinarian is usually later than puppies. Kittens begin their vaccinations at 8-9 weeks of age. Kittens that leave their mother earlier than 9 weeks should be examined regardless of their age within the first few days you take them home. Cats and kittens sleep an average of 16 hours per day. Pet owners that are used to dogs having the same basic life style as people may be troubled by cats sleeping habits. The short naps, often called "cat naps", may last only a portion of an hour. Cats generally eat 8-10 times per day. The most convenient form of food for cats is dry food since they eat so many times per day. Cats generally like wet food only when it first comes out of the can, very moist and fresh. As the food stays in the bowl longer than a few hours, most cats will not eat the canned food unless it is moistened and warmed. Cats and kittens are certainly a joy to be around with their inquisitive manner and playful antics. When you want to cuddle they may look at you as if to say, "take a number and I'll get back to you."

The mother cat or queen gives the kittens protection against some diseases through her milk much like all mammal babies. This protection may only last for a few weeks but is generally gone by 3 months of age. Kittens have little protection from disease during the ages from 9-12 weeks. It is very important that kittens be examined and vaccinated beginning at 8-9 weeks old. During the first year, kittens age very quickly at the rate of 15 years of growth during this first 12 month period. The examinations and vaccinations from a veterinarian will help insure that the kitten grows healthy and properly.





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