Last Updated: 13/07/2025
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read
Congratulations, you have survived the first year of Paw-renthood and your kitten is all grown up! Now is a great time to reflect on the last year and celebrate all the wonderful achievements that you and your pet have had. While you have many wonderful memories to cherish, there have no doubt been some stressful moments that you would rather forget...toilet training, scratching, biting, midnight zoomies....the list goes on!
The important thing to remember is that you did it, and if you have put in the hard work in the first year then things tend to get a lot easier from here! Now is a great time to celebrate and cherish the wonderful and occasionally stressful memories from the past year.
Now that your fur-baby is officially a cat, out Vet Squad have put together this graduation guide on everything you need to know to make the transition from kitten to adulthood.
Kitten to Cat Graduation Guide
Vaccinations
Now that your pet is over 12 months of age they will be coming up to being due for their annual vaccinations. In general, cats in Australia are routinely vaccinated with an F3 vaccine against Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Parvovirus. Depending on your cat's level of risk, your veterinarian may also discuss vaccination against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus.
It is recommended that an indoor cat still have their vaccinations even if you do not plan to let them outside. Even indoor cats have been known to escape outside from time to time, and not vaccinating can leave them at risk of being exposed to an illness through contact with another cat. Most catteries and groomers require that all cats be fully vaccinated prior to attending any of these facilities.
Tick, Flea, Heartworm and Intestinal Worming
It is important to continue with a regular preventative routine to protect your cat against nasty parasites. There are many different preventative products available which can make choosing the most appropriate product very difficult for pet owners. Generally, vets recommend protecting cats against ticks, fleas, heartworm and intestinal worms, though this can vary depending on which region of Australia you live. Check with your local veterinarian to ensure that your pet is protected against all the relevant parasites.
Looking for more information? Read this helpful guide: Guide To Fleas, Ticks and Worms
Adult Diets
Once your kitten has reached their full growth, you will need to start feeding a diet labelled for 'adults'. Most cats are fully grown at around 9-12 months of age however, large breed cats such as the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat do not reach full growth until 13-15 months and should continue on a kitten diet until this time.
Pets in the adult phase of life are typically fully grown, but not yet middle aged. Apart from dental disease and obesity, this age is typically considered a healthy period in a cats life.
Healthy adult diets designed for this phase in life are typically comprised of less calories, calcium, phosphorus and fat than their previously fed kitten counterpart. Remember to transition your cat slowly to reduce the likelihood of tummy upsets.
Hopefully, these years will go by without too much need for a major diet change. You might like to feed a dental food for teeth maintenance or a diet to support the skin and coat or for a sensitive tummy.
Royal Canin provide a range of breed specific diets to focus on your pet's exact needs. Some popular breed diets include Ragdoll , Maine Coon, Persian and Siamese.
Still not sure what to choose? Read this helpful guide: Premium Pet Food: Is It Worth It?
Toys
Now that your cat has all their adult teeth, it is ok to start giving more durable toys that are suitable for adult cats.
Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pet busy and distracted if you are away from home. There are plenty of interactive toys which dispense treats or encourage your pet to work for their food.
Lickimats are designed to keep your pet stimulated and entertained, reducing boredom and anxiety as well as slowing those that eat too quickly. The flexible mat design and raised grooves allow food to be spread or sprinkled on the surface and encourage licking to retrieve the tasty treat, all while releasing relaxing endorphins. Try loading the lickimat with pastes such as Dine creamy treat or even some natural yoghurt.
Treats
If you struggle to keep up with providing your pet with new fun toys and delicious treats, you might want to consider a Curious Box. Specially designed by our vets with your cat in mind, The Curious Box contains a selection of premium quality enrichment toys and treats, to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated. Excellent value for money, The Curious Box is the perfect gift for birthdays, Christmas or just to spoil your furry family member.
Why not keep the fun coming with a Curious Cat Box Subscription? Conveniently delivered straight to your door and with a new theme every 6 weeks, your cat will receive a regular and delightful surprise. Simply select Auto Delivery when you place your order and choose the frequency that suits you and your pet. Save time and money with quality products your pet will love!
Environmental Enrichment
Encourage and nurture your indoor cat's natural instincts to climb up onto high shelves or into cardboard boxes by providing them with extra levels. Cat Furniture is an easy way to achieve this. Cat trees often provide a variety of levels as well as bonus scratching surfaces.
Hideaways are a great way to help your cat establish a safe space and can help reduce anxiety. Igloo or Elevated beds are a great way to give your feline friend a snuggly little hidey-hole. Window ledges allow a place for your kitty to sit and watch the world go by from the safety of their own home.
Scratching is natural behaviour for cats. Cats scratch for many reasons. They use scratching to mark their territory both visually and through scent, from the glands in their paws. Scratching also helps to shed the outer layer or their claws and keeps them nice and sharp. While this is normal behaviour in our feline friends, it is very undesirable for us if the area that they choose to scratch is our favourite couch or carpet!. Ensure that you provide plenty of different types and texture of scratching posts as your cat will often have a preference.
Grooming
Grooming your cat has benefits that are more than just skin deep! Regular grooming not only stops long coats from getting tangled into matts, it is also beneficial to cats of all coat types in many other ways including:
Reduced hairballs due to removal of loose hair
Improved muscle tone
Stimulation of oil production by the skin for a shiny coat
Provides an opportunity for you to examine your cat for new lumps and bumps or parasites
Strengthens the bond between you and your cat
The best time to start getting your cat accustomed to grooming is when they are young. Start by gently using the brush for very short periods of time so that she gets used to the sensation, then gradually work up to longer grooming sessions. Try to initiate the session when they are calm and restful, for example when asleep on your lap. When you have finished grooming, give plenty of praise and maybe a treat too! Never forcibly brush your cat as this will result in her resenting being groomed.
For short-haired cats use a bristle brush, rubber brush or deshedding tool in the direction of the hair growth to work free any loose hairs in the coat. To finish use a rubber grooming mitt or damp cloth to pick up all the loose hairs and leave the coat with a shiny finish. Grooming once a week should be sufficient for most short haired cats.
For long-haired cats use a wide tooth metal comb or deshedding tool to gently work through the entire coat. Pay close attention to the sensitive 'armpit' and inner leg areas as these are not only sensitive, but also a common place for knots to form. Gently tease apart knots or matts with your fingers, never yank or pull at them. For tough matts avoid the temptation to cut them with scissors, it can be very hard to tell where the hair ends and the skin starts and you may accidentally injure your cat. Once you have groomed the entire coat, use a rubber mitt to pick up the hairs that you have worked loose and leave the coat smooth and shiny. You should aim to groom your long haired cat daily.
Taking the time to get your cat used to grooming is worth it whether they have long or short hair. Regular grooming prevents painful matts from forming and has a host of other health benefits for your feline friends.
Vitamins and Supplements
Natural vitamins and supplements are a great addition to any adult cat, whether you are wanting to provide the added boost of a multivitamin or provide additional assistance such as skin support, stress and anxiety or joint support. Natural supplements, along with a complete and balanced diet, ensure optimal health and well-being for your adult cat.
Further Reading
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
