1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats

Kitten Care - Online Tutorial

Lesson 8 - Your Kitten's First Year

By Franny Syufy, About.com

Kittens in a basket

At 4 weeks, kittens are well developed, active and curious

Franny Syufy
Your kitten's first year is the most important one, in terms of his physical development as well as the human-feline bonding you will accomplish, which will mold his personality. These are months to cherish, as they pass by all too quickly.

Your Kitten's First Year


It has been mentioned before that kittens are not simply miniature cats. Their development into adult cats is a fascinating process, and each step of the way a kitten is in a unique place in life. The wise caregiver will recognize this fact and use it to understand what your kitten is experiencing, as well as what his actions are telling you.

Share Your Pleasure

With Your Kitten Photos
Even the most jaded person loves seeing photos of adorable kittens. I know that you must be very proud of yours and will be taking loads of photos as he or she grows. Share a photo or two with my readers, and help your kitten gain the fame he deserves.

With the Cats Forum
If you didn't join at the beginning of this course, be sure to do so now. Our caring forum members come from a wide background of experience and knowledge, and will be happy to help you with any future problems or concerns.

Now that you've successfully graduated this course, you will also be able to help out "newbies," a rewarding experience in itself. Bonus: you can share photos there, too!

Coda: Course Feedback Request


How did you like the class?
Your feedback is important to me in helping to make this class as complete and understandable as it can be. I'd like to know your opinions. Did you like it? Was it too long or too short? Were there any important basics that you felt were missing?

Please complete the form linked here, and I'll be in your debt. Although the form asks for a name and email address, you can choose to remain anonymous. In any case, I'll respect your privacy, and you won't be added to any mailing lists by virtue of completing the form.

Start of Course > Lesson One

Kitten Care Course Navigation


  1. Preparing for Your New Kitten
  2. Introducing Your New Kitten to Your Household
  3. Food and Nutrition for Your New Kitten
  4. Grooming and Maintence of Your Kitten
  5. Training and Discipline of Kittens
  6. Playing With Kittens
  7. Indoors vs Outdoors
  8. Your Kitten's First Year <-- You Are Here

Explore Cats

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats
  4. Kitten Care
  5. Kitten Care Online Course - Lesson 8 - Your Kittens First Year

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.