Have you ever thought about how you can best support your 4-month-old kitten growth, behavior, health, and exploration at this critical stage? During this period, your kitten is entering one of the crucial stages of its development, from exploring every corner of your house and forming a close, respectable, and deep relationship with you, as this is a time of fast growth.
Whether you are a first time kitten owner, or an experienced pet parent, you must need to know about this stage that how to make your feline friend happy and healthy? In this article, we will explore key aspects for caring 4 month old kitten including its growth milestone, playful behaviour, and its nutriotional needs. Let’s explore with us it will be very helpful for you.
Table of Contents
Developmental Milestones of a Four-Month-Old Kitten
Your kitten will undergo several changes, including both physical and mental.
Increase in Size
You may notice your kitten becoming longer and slightly bulkier because their body stretches out. Moreover, you may observe that their limbs are elongating, and their general body shape is becoming more refined. However, at this stage, kittens are transitioning from their small body shape to the adult stage.
Weight Gain
Actually, weight is one of the most significant signs of a kitten’s growth. At this stage, kittens gain weight steadily, which is necessary for helping their rapid physical changes like the development of muscles, bones, and organs.
However, the average weight at 4 months is approximately 2 to 4 pounds, but it may vary and depend upon the breed, but mostly it is around 2 to 4 pounds. Generally, a healthy kitten will gain weight steadily, but be careful not to overfeed, as it can lead to obesity.
Kittens teeth at four-month
Usually, at this stage, the kitten is likely in the middle of the teeth, as their baby teeth are starting to fall out and their adult teeth are coming in. Actually, this process begins at the end of 3rd month and may continue till the sixth month. The incisors may have already been replaced by adult teeth, while canines and molars are in the process of coming in.
Remember to introduce the kitten toothbrush after six months or after the complete development of adult teeth.
Height
Generally, height is not easily measured as weight, but you may notice that your kitten’s height may increase as it grows. Particularly, their legs and spine may lengthen as they reach the adult stage.
Therefore, the increase in height goes hand in hand with muscle development, which will help them to develop the ability to jump, climb, and navigate their environment more effectively.
Strength
As far as a kitten’s Strength is concerned, it increases as they gain muscle mass; actually, Strength helps your kitten to become more and more confident, particularly aiding in running, climbing, and playing, and you know very well that these all are important for their overall development.
Coordination
During this time period, kittens’ motor and sensory skills develop rapidly so they can better judge distances and, in particular, manage their movements. You may notice them while performing tasks like climbing onto furniture and catching toys with precision.
Furthermore, their vision and hearing become sharper with the passage of time, so they are learning how to use their senses and navigate the world around them.
Curiosity
Generally, at this stage, their curiosity may increase, and they start to explore the world around them. However, they investigate every corner of your house from a high shelves to a small spaces under the furniture. Actually, this curosity help them to learn the new things about their environment, and problem solving skills.
Kittens at this stage love to jump, climb, and chase moving objects.
Sociable and Playful
At four months your kitten becoming more social and seeking affection and attention from you. Therefore, it will start to build a strong a interactive bond with you and other pets.
However, play is most important at this stage for their mental and physical development. So, engage your kitten with more interactive toys like feather wands and balls.
If you do not have these toys then do click SHENGSEN Feather Cat Toys (4 PCS Bouncy Ball with Feather)
Independence
Generally at this stage some kittens will become more independent seeking time alone or showing a signs of testing their limits. Actually, this is a normal thing, it is important for you to guide them gently with consistent training to ensure that they understand the acceptable behaviour. Similarly, Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can help them understand what’s acceptable.
Behavioral changes in 4-month-old kitten
All of the above changes may also lead to behavior changes. Here are the few of the behavioural changes that takes place in four month old kitten.
- Kitten may started talking more as they learn to communicate their needs using meows, chirps, and purrs inorder to get your attention.
- Chewing process may increases as they lose their baby teeth and adult teeth start coming in, so they may chew furniture, toys, or fingers etc.
- As they gain coordination and Strength, day by day, they become braver, attempting higher jumps, actually showcasing their growing mental and physical skills.
- Kittens love to play at this stage, often chasing, jumping, and particularly practicing their hunting skill.
- Actually, at this stage they are quick learners, so it is a great time to teach them good habits regarding their routine food and play time etc.
- In playing, running, and exploring they actually spend a lot of energy so due to which so they become tired and exahusted and they need to rest.therefore, they need a frequent naps to recover and grow.
- They are very curious at this stage so they explore a every corner and every new thing in your house.
- At this stage, your kitten enjoys your company and feels safe and secure around you.
Food for 4 month old kitten
Besides the development and behavioural changes, the thing that is most important for your kitten is nutrition. At four months, their dietary needs are quite specific.
Perfect your kittens’s diet with our quick Calorie Calculator! Find daily caloric needs based on your kitten’s weight, age, and activity for a joyful life! Pet Calorie Calculator
Nutrient needs
Actually,at this stage your pet will require a diet that is high in protein and fat for their rapid and effective growth. Generally wet food is recommend for kittens as it contains high nutrients, but dry food can also be incorporated for dental health and its benefits.
Wet vs. Dry Food
Generally, both of the food have their own advantages. If we talk about the wet food as it is hydrated and provide essential nutrients for your kitten’s effective growth. While dry kitten food is very helpful for teeth’s of your pet. Therefore, according to our research the combination of both food is best approach for you, but the one thing that you should keep in mind that the food is specifically formulated for kittens.
if you want to buy a dry and vet food, then do click that food is one of the best Purina ONE Natural Dry Kitten Food & Wet Kitten Food, Plus Healthy Kitten Formula Bundle Pack
The frequency of feeding
Generally, at this stage your kitten may eat at least 3 to 4 meals per day. Make sure that the food that you are serving them are appropriate for their size and activity level. Remember that, do not overfeed your pet, as it leads to weight gain, and obesity will bring a health issues for your pet.
Hydration
Make sure that fresh water should always be available, and always serve them the fresh water
What is normal at four months?
As at four months kittens are rapidly growing and developing, and while each kitten grows at its own pace. But there are the key milestones that indicates their healthy and effective progress.
- Actually at this stage most kitten’s weight is around 2 to 4 pounds, depending upon their feed and overall health.
- They are growing in length and muscle mass.
- Their fur is transitioning from a fluffy baby coat to a smoother and shiner like adult coat.
- They may have a very clean eyes without discharge or redness.
- In reality, healthy kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy.
- They eat regularly and enthusiastically and take an interest in food.
- No signs of difficulty in moving.
If you want to know what the different signs of a happy cat are, then click 12 Signs Of a Happy Cat. A Vet Approved Guide
How you can Keep Your 4 month old Kitten Healthy?
Most importantly, regular health care is essential and crucial to ensure that your kitten grows strong and stays free from illness. Here is what to focus on;
- Make sure that at 4 four month your kitten received all the important and necessary vaccines, and your kitten should be up to date to vaccinations. Consult your vet and make sure that your kitten is away for dangerous diseases.
- Groom your kitten regularly at home, so that your kitten may remain safe and healthy and checks for any signs of health issues.
- The parasites like fleas, ticks and worms are very common at this stage, so consult your vet as they provide a preventive treatments to keep your kitten safe from these sort parasites.
Establish a daily routine with your pet that includes playing, feeding, training, etc.
Final verdict
Actually, raising and nurturing a 4-month-old kitten is a very exciting and rewarding journey. Watching them grow, explore, and develop their unique personality is truly special. However, with proper care, love, and affection, your kitten will become a healthy and happy companion. Therefore, enjoy every moment of this playful and curious stage.
