Cat Names

Kittens begin to crawl out of their nest when they are about a month old. The rate of growth and the ultimate size and weight depend greatly on inheritance and nutrition. Most six-month-old domestic cats weigh about 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms). They reach full skeletal development by the time they are about a year old. Female cats usually become sexually mature when they are six to eight months old, and males become sexually active a few months later.

Like many other mammals, cats like to play. Kittens stalk one another as make-believe enemies and have sham battles. Even old cats enjoy short periods of play. Some scientists believe that in play the animate practice the skills and techniques important for their survival. Cats are hunters and stalkers. Many games they play show their ability to creep close to prey, then swiftly spring upon it.

Most kinds of cats are skillful climbers, escaping into trees for safety or climbing to lie in wait for prey. The domestic cat climbs not only for safety but also for sport. It will streak up and down a tree or scale the draperies or mantelpiece indoors with equal skill. Inexperienced kittens often dash up trees only to find that they do not know how to .get down. A cat rarely falls from a tree. Given time, it will usually discover how to get down.

Reliable information on the average life-span of cats does not exist and would be impossible to obtain. Well cared for, neutered house pets, however, may live into their teens. Some may reach the 20's, and a few have been reported to live into the 30's.