Female cats usually become sexually mature when they are six to eight months old, and males become sexually active a few months later. Like many other mammals, cats like to play. Kittens stalk one another as make-believe enemies and have sham battles. Even old cats enjoy short periods of play. Some scientists believe that in play the animals practice the skills and techniques important for their survival.
Cats are hunters and stalkers.
Many games they play show their ability to creep close to prey, then swiftly spring upon it. Most kinds of cats are skillful climbers, escaping into trees for safety or climbing to lie in wait for prey. The domestic cat climbs not only for safety but also for sport. It will streak up and down a tree or scale the draperies or mantelpiece indoors with equal skill. Inexperienced kittens often dash up trees only to find that they do not know how to get down.