Development of cats

Question 1

socialization period for kittens

Answer 1

between 2-9 weeks old

Question 2

juvenile period of cats

Answer 2

4 months - 1 years old

Question 3

adolescence period for cats

Answer 3

2-4 years old

Question 4

what comes with the adolescence period of cats

Answer 4

increased nee for physical/mental activity
common age for cats to be surrendered

Question 5

adult period of cats

Answer 5

3-6 years old

Question 6

mature period of cats

Answer 6

7-10 years old

Question 7

senior period of cats

Answer 7

10-15 years old

Question 8

super senior period for cats

Answer 8

15 years+

Question 9

what comes with the senior period of cats

Answer 9

changes in sensory acuity, mobility and muscle mass
may need accommodations

Question 10

when do cats experience human avoidance

Answer 10

8-10 weeks old

Question 11

T or F: human avoidance naturally goes away in kittens

Answer 11

false - this habit leaves once the cat has been properly socialized

Question 12

what happens if a cat wasn’t socialized properly as a kitten

Answer 12

they can develop a fear of people or other animals

Question 13

T or F: the socialization period in cats begins and ends earliers than in dogs which is the early environment aspect is most important

Answer 13

true

Question 14

T or F: cats that’re handled frequently during the first few weeks of their life are generally more exploratory, social and outgoing

Answer 14

true

Question 15

cats adopted as strays/from shelters may not have adequate what?

Answer 15

early exposure to new and novelty things

Question 16

cats can learn through what?

Answer 16

through the effect of even one unpleasant/intense traumatic experience

Question 17

T or F: genetics play an important factor when it comes to the development of fear

Answer 17

true

Question 18

T or F: some cats are just inherently fearful until socialized

Answer 18

true

Question 19

T or F: poor nutrtition/maternal care during the development period of gestation can play a factor on their mental/emotional development

Answer 19

true

Question 20

____________ consultation is needef for cats with extreme fear/aggression

Answer 20

behavioural consultation

Question 21

things we need to consider when it comes to fearful behaviour

Answer 21

who/what the cat is afraid of
where the behaviour occurs
what factors are reinforcing the behaviour
ongoing interactions that provoke fear should be identified
identify what is most/least likely to cause fear
fearful stimuli shoud be from lowest to highest

Question 22

how can a cat be successful at making fearful stimuli leave

Answer 22

by displaying aggressive behaviour which reinforces the aggressive behaviour

Question 23

things to considering when trying to treat fearfulness in cats

Answer 23

to associate non-fearful situations with rewards
goal is to allow the cat to express a relaxed/happy body posture in presence of stimulus
slowly acclimate the cat to stimuli

Question 24

things to consider for preventing fear in cats

Answer 24

early/frequent encounters with people/animals of all life stages
select a kitten that’s non-fearful and sociable
assess and observe the kitten’s parents

Question 25

kitten information evening

Answer 25

chance to provide education about kitten develpment/care
demonstrate different training/handling techniques
shows that cats are just as valued as dogs

Question 26

kitten kindergarten

Answer 26

12-14 weeks of age
classes are limited to 3-6 kittens
held in a veterinary hospital

Question 27

aim of kitten kindergarten

Answer 27

increase knowledge of owners about cats
have better behaved adult cats
prevent behaviour problems
build a strong bond between the practice and client