Behavioral Development Flashcards
The mother cat will spend a good deal of time building a nest prior to giving birth to her kittens
False. While the mother cat will visit and revisit several potential sites to give birth and may choose a well hidden location, there is little to no actual nest building
By what age is the kitten considered to be completely capable of an independent existence from it’s mother?
8 weeks.
Of these types of play behavior, which type has received the least attention from cat behaviorists?
Self-directed.
The metabolic costs of play to the kitten are significant. This leads to a reduction in play when resources are scarce.
False.
The cat-cat socialization sensitivity period occurs:
2 weeks to 4 months.
How much time does the queen spend with her kittens during their first 3-4 weeks?
70%
Why wouldn’t the queen be willing to let her kittens nurse until they are ready to wean, even though they are her own offspring?
There could be a competition for resources and the mother needs her own nutrition.
Kittens open their eyes when?
Between 2 and 16 days after birth.
True or False:
Domestic cats have a weak pair bond?
True. Males and females have a weak pair bond and contribute little to the kittens.
What is the gestation period of a cat?
63 days.
Which behavior pattern do you think is most often used for initiating social play?
Pounce, up to 40% of the time.
