Cats typically enter adolescence or their ‘teenage phase’ at around six months of age. For most cats, adolescence lasts until they are two years old. If you’re not sure what stage of life your cat is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.

Most cats reach sexual maturity between four and six months of age, often coinciding with the start of adolescence. This is the stage where hormones kick in and many adult cat behaviours begin, like roaming, vocalising, spraying or becoming more assertive. Because cats reach sexual maturity so young, vets recommend desexing before your cat hits puberty to prevent unwanted litters and reduce hormone-driven behaviour. Talk to your vet to determine the optimal time to desex your cat.

Adolescence in cats brings a mix of hormonal, physical and behavioural changes – just like it does in humans. You might notice your cat is showing more curiosity, seeking more independence and testing boundaries. They might have bursts of energy – cue zoomies – or mood swings where they’re cuddly one minute and distant the next. Hormonal changes can also trigger territorial or aggressive behaviour in some cats, particularly if they haven’t been desexed, and you might find your cat is less tolerant of other pets in the house. Your vet can keep an eye on your cat’s growth and development, but over time they should settle into a calmer, more balanced adult cat.

Yes – many cats go through what can feel like a ‘rebellious’ phase during their teenage phase. As they hit puberty, they may test boundaries, defy routines and generally act more independent. You might notice they’re more mischievous or moody, too. This is all perfectly normal, and usually temporary, but if you’re concerned about your adolescent cat’s behaviour, chat to your vet.

No – it’s not recommended to feed your kitten adult cat food. Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats – their growth, development and higher energy levels require a diet that’s rich in protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Choose kitten-specific foods that promote healthy growth and development, strong muscles and bones and a robust immune system. Kittens also need to be fed three to four small meals per day. Once your cat reaches adulthood, usually around 18 months of age, their nutritional needs and metabolism stabilise. Look for adult cat formulas that provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals to maintain muscle mass, support energy levels and promote overall health. Adult cats typically thrive on one to two meals per day. If you have any questions about transitioning from kitten-specific food to adult cat food, speak to your vet.