Cats' Aging: From Wild To Mild

Cats are curious, energetic, and mischievous, but their high energy levels are a normal part of their development. Generally, cats tend to mellow out with age, and this process usually begins when they are between 9 and 12 months old. By the time they are 1 to 2 years old, they have reached maturity and become calmer. However, every cat is different, and some may remain more playful than others.

Cats calm down around 9-12 months old

Cats are known to have two modes: calm and cuddly or rambunctious and hyperactive. While the latter can be frustrating for pet owners, it is a normal part of their development. The good news is that most cats calm down as they age.

Kittens are typically ready to be brought home at around 8 weeks old, and this is when they start to act more erratically. Their manic energy peaks at around 3 months old, and this is when things can get a little more interesting. At this stage, kittens are weaned from their mother's milk and transition to wet food or kibble. They become more coordinated, but they may still stumble and slide around when they get overexcited.

The "teen years" for cats are from 6 to 12 months of age. During this time, they may develop territorial behaviours such as marking and scratching. Providing adequate areas for your cat to exhibit these behaviours is essential. Having multiple litter boxes of different styles and scratching posts around the house encourages your kitten to behave appropriately.

After their first birthday, cats are considered adults and are typically their full-grown size. Many cats calm down considerably from 1 to 2 years of age. They may still enjoy the occasional burst of energy, but they are less likely to get into mischief. This period of young adulthood continues until about 10 years of age, when most cats are still active but much calmer. They become more resistant to environmental changes as they are well-adapted to their surroundings and routines.

Therefore, cats typically calm down around 9-12 months old, with a gradual but predictable drop in energy levels up to the first year of their life. It is important to remember that every cat is unique, and this timeline may vary.

Neutering can calm male cats

Cats tend to mellow out with age, especially after their first birthday when they are considered adults. However, this personality change is more noticeable around the two-year mark. Neutering can be a great way to calm male cats, and here's how:

Firstly, neutering male cats involves removing their testicles, which reduces their testosterone levels. This reduction in testosterone leads to a decrease in aggressive behaviours such as fighting and vocalisation. With lower testosterone levels, cats are less likely to force their way outdoors and are happier to relax indoors.

Neutering also helps to curb undesirable sexual behaviours. Unneutered male cats with access to outdoors are more likely to roam as they seek mates and fight with other males. Neutering reduces this urge to roam, making male cats more content to stay at home. This not only keeps them out of trouble but also reduces the risk of injuries from street accidents or fights with other cats.

Another benefit of neutering is the reduction in urine spraying. Male cats have a strong urge to mark their territory by spraying urine, which has a very strong and pungent odour. Neutering helps to curb this behaviour, resulting in a calmer and cleaner home environment.

Neutering can also improve a cat's overall health and lifespan. It prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, neutered cats are less likely to develop infectious diseases such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS, which are spread through bites during catfights and mating.

While neutering can have a calming effect on male cats, it is important to note that it may not resolve all behavioural issues. The post-neutering effects will also depend on the individual personality of the cat. Nonetheless, neutering is a simple procedure that offers numerous benefits for both the cat and the cat owner.

Hyperactivity is normal in kittens

Kittens tend to have two modes: calm and cuddly or rambunctious and hyperactive. There is not much in between, especially during the first year. It is common for pet owners to wonder when their kitten will calm down. The good news is that most cats do calm down as they age.

Peak Age of Hyperactivity for Kittens

At around 2-3 months old, kittens are weaned from their mother’s milk and transition to wet food or kibble. These cute fluffy beings start to become more coordinated, but can still be seen stumbling and sliding around, especially when they get overexcited. This may be compared to the toddler stage in humans. Most owners note their cat becoming more energetic and bouncing off the walls. Our little predators begin to develop some of their instinctual drives to hunt, climb and scratch. They tend to be very social and active at this stage.

Cat Adulthood: When Cats Start to Settle Down

After their first birthday, your kitty is considered an adult and is typically its full-grown size. Many cats calm down considerably from 1-2 years of age. They may still enjoy the occasional “zoomie” but tend to not get into as much mischief. Young adulthood continues until about 10 years of age, when most cats are still active, but much calmer. They tend to be more resistant to environmental changes at this age as they are well adapted to their surroundings and routine. They may be averse to moving into a new home or the introduction of new furry family members.

Reasons for Kitten Hyperactivity

Even domesticated cats still have an intrinsic want to hunt, climb and explore their environment as their ancestors did. You may notice your kitten sleeps a considerable amount during the day, but you hear the pitter-patter of running feet and the occasional crash at night. Cats still have an evolutionary nocturnal nature that drives them to be more active from dusk to dawn, especially when they are young and still learning their owner’s routine.

Tips for Calming Hyperactive Kittens

Environmental enrichment is the best way to make sure your kitten’s innate need to hunt, climb and scratch are met. This includes having toys and cat towers available for them to use at all times, encouraging them not to take their feelings out on your furniture. Many cat trees and towers allow for climbing and often are combined with a scratching post. Having one of these is essential to owning a cat.

Cats are calmer at 1-2 years old

Cats tend to have two modes: calm and cuddly or rambunctious and hyperactive. The good news is that most cats do calm down as they age. The first year of a cat's life contains the most changes, and the first year of its life is closer to around 15-20 years in terms of development.

The transition to adulthood occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer, reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active. Having adapted to the environment and adjusted to a routine of eating, sleeping, socializing, and activity, it usually finds contentment. With aging, anxiety alleviates. However, cats tend to become much more resistant to changes in their environment, such as new additions or relocation. The desire to play may steadily decrease as they become more and more passive.

By 9 to 12 months old, the massive amount of enthusiasm has begun to settle, and a personality has become more apparent. Each cat differs individually, with some being more playful and some lazier. However, these are some typical stages you’ll see as your frisky feline ages. Generally, the first year of a cat’s life contains the most changes. From birth until about 2 months old, a kitten is nursing and moving but has not developed enough muscle or coordination to get around with purpose. At 3 to 6 months, kittens have been completely weaned and are active as hunting instincts develop. The primal drive to hunt is strong, and they will typically want to follow and catch anything that resembles prey. A feline’s balance and motor skills will likely improve right before your eyes. This period of its life is usually when it is the most social and active—spending copious amounts of energy playing and generally acting crazy.

To help your cat settle down, provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained and a consistent routine that includes set meal times, playtime, and sleep time. This will help your kitten feel secure and calm.

Cats are relatively calm from 3-10 years old

Cats are relatively calm from 3 to 10 years old. This is the period when they are well-adjusted to their surroundings and routines, having developed a strong sense of contentment. While they remain active, their anxiety levels decrease, and they become more resistant to environmental changes. This resistance to change may manifest as an aversion to moving homes or introducing new pets to the family.

The first year of a cat's life is a time of rapid growth and development, comparable to the first 15-20 years of human life in terms of the number of physical and mental changes. During this initial stage, cats may exhibit erratic behaviour, alternating between calm and cuddly, and rambunctious and hyperactive. They may go from cuddling to biting within seconds, which can be frustrating for owners. However, this is a normal part of their natural development, and they will eventually move on from this phase.

By the time cats reach 6 to 12 months of age, their abundant enthusiasm starts to settle, and their unique personalities begin to emerge. Some cats may be more playful, while others may be lazier. From 3 to 6 months, cats are completely weaned and become highly active as their hunting instincts develop. Their balance and motor skills improve, and they are at their most social and active during this stage.

The transition to adulthood typically occurs between 1 and 2 years of age. At this stage, cats may retain a lot of energy but should be noticeably calmer, reaching full maturity at 2 years. Providing a consistent routine, including set meal times, playtime, and sleep time, can help your cat feel secure and calm during this period.

Frequently asked questions