Introduction to Cats

Many different breeds of cats are recognized today. Unlike dogswhich have been bred for specific jobscats are bred mainly for physical traits like fur length and color.

Different breeds of cats can show unique behaviors. For exampleAbyssinians are active and energeticwhile Persians and Scottish Folds are usually more relaxed. Siamese cats are known for being smart and vocaloften meowing loudly if they feel ignored.

Mixed-breed cats are often categorized by their fur lengthas either domestic shorthairs or domestic longhairs. Cats with longer hair need more grooming to avoid tangles. Some breedslike the Devon Rexhave curly and shorter fur because of a genetic change. Otherslike the Sphynxdon't have any fur at all.

Cat breeds can look very different

Cats come in a variety of colorsincluding gray (often called "blue")blackbrownwhiteand orange. Their coats can have different patternssuch as solidtabbyor tricolor (like calico or tortoiseshell).

The difference in weight between the smallest and largest domestic cat breeds is only about 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kilograms).

Cats age much faster than people. The first year of a cat's life is equal to about 18 human years. After thateach cat year is about 3–5 human years.

As cats grow oldertheir care needs change:

• Kittenhood (birth to 1 year old): Kittens need regular vet careincluding vaccinationssterilization (spaying or neutering)microchippingand control for parasites. They become sexually mature at about 6 months old.

  Kittens need to learn appropriate ways to playso give them safe toys (without small parts to chew off) to play withand teach them not to nip at you by not using your hands or feet to play with them.

  It's also important to keep your home safe by removing things like string and small objects which can harm your cat if swallowed. Also be aware of poisonous household items like certain plants and antifreeze.

  Kittens should be rewarded (such as with small treats) when introduced to people and other pets so that their interaction is positive. They also should get used to being petted and become comfortable with being inside their carrier for travel.

• Young adult (1–6 years old): Even if young adult cats look healthyregular vet checkups are important to monitor their weightdental healthand behavior.

• Mature adult (7–10 years): Mature adult cats start to become less activeand they can develop chronic health problems. The vet might check your cat's blood pressure and perform regular blood and urine tests to catch problems early.

• Senior (10–14 years) and geriatric (14 years and older): Older cats should visit the vet more oftenat least every 6 months. They can develop problems like dental disease or high blood pressure. Cats often hide their health problemsso watch for signs like weight loss or changes in behavior. Make sure your cat's essentialslike litter boxes and foodare easy to reach.

Cats can live into their 20s or even longer if they're taken care of wellbut illness or pain can affect their quality of life. Talk to your vet about how to assess your cat's well-being.