Kitten Stages of Development

Physical and Social Milestones for Young Cats

© Jennifer Copley

Feb 4, 2009

Those with kittens in their homes often wonder what represents “normal” development. Owners can expect kittens to achieve each of the key developmental milestones at the following ages.

When Kittens Open Their Eyes

Kittens normally open their eyes when they're approximately 10 days old, though a range of 7-14 days is normal, depending on the breed. The eyes usually open partially at first, and then fully a day or two later. Never attempt to force a kitten’s eyes open as this can cause damage. If the eyes haven’t begun to open by 14 days or there is swelling, puss, or crusts around the eyes, contact a veterinarian.

Kittens’ vision is not entirely clear until about 4 weeks, and their visual development continues until they’re about 16 weeks old. Hearing develops more quickly, and is fully functional at 4 weeks of age.

When Kittens Begin to Walk and Jump

Newborn kittens are unable to walk until they’re at least 3 weeks old. If separated from its mother, a kitten will use a rowing motion, dragging itself using its front legs. Most kittens can run at 5 weeks and leap and jump in a coordinated manner at 5-6 weeks. By 6 weeks, kittens have the ability to turn in mid-air and usually land on their feet when falling. While this won’t necessarily prevent injury, it increases the likelihood of surviving falls from high places.

When Kittens Can Eat Solid Food

Kittens usually begin to eat a little solid food when they’re about 3 weeks old. During this time, whichever food is offered may shape lifelong food preferences. At 8 weeks of age, a kitten does not require mother’s milk anymore and can live completely on solid food, though many kittens are not ready to stop nursing completely, and will continue to do so sporadically for up to 14 weeks. Allowing kittens to nurse for longer than 8 weeks can provide health and social benefits, so allowing for a longer weaning time is recommended.

When Kittens Are Socialized

The critical period for kitten socialization occurs between 2 and 14 weeks of age, though this can be quite variable. A particularly sensitive period is 2-8 weeks, during which kittens form impressions of humans and other animals. During this phase, a kitten learns how to interpret the social signals and body language of other cats, as well as to cope with members of other species, such as dogs and people.

During the socialization phase, kittens should be handled by lots of people to develop positive associations with many different types (men, women, children, people with beards, people with glasses, people wearing hats, etc.) so that they become comfortable with a broad range of human types. Overall, a kitten should be handled by humans for at least 40 minutes each day.

Problems with people and other pets during the socialization phase can lead to lifelong phobias, aggression, or other psychological problems, so owners should make sure that people provide pleasant experiences and that other pets don’t create problems. In particular, they should watch over situations to ensure that children don’t handle the kittens roughly and dogs don’t torment them.

When Kittens Begin to Play

At about 4 weeks, kittens begin to play. Playing aids the socialization process, because it helps kittens learn how to respond to the actions of other members of their species. As the mother begins to spend less time with her kittens, litter mates spend more time playing with one another, engaging in various stand-offs and leaping and tackling games, some of which can get rough. During this play, a kitten learns to mediate its aggressive responses. Social or interactive play eventually gives way to a more adult style of play that involves chasing, scooping, attacking, or batting around inanimate objects, though chasing and tackling of other animals may still occur.

When Kittens Learn to Use the Litter Box

Kittens usually begin to gain control over defecation and urination and to leave the nest to relieve themselves at about 3-4 weeks of age. If the mother cat has a litter box, the kittens are likely to imitate her, making litter training relatively easy, though when young they are also inclined to play in the litter box or even fall asleep in it.

When Kittens Begin Grooming Themselves

At 5 weeks of age, kittens can groom themselves and their litter mates. This behaviour is critical for temperature regulation and coat health, but it’s also a vital form of social contact and a way to reduce tension. It’s likely that cats enjoy being stroked by humans because it feels similar to being groomed.

When Kittens Can Be Adopted Out

Removing a kitten from its mother and litter mates too early can cause lifelong psychological problems because the kitten will miss key social experiences. Kittens should never be adopted out before 8 weeks, and ideally should spend 12 weeks with their mothers and litter mates before going to a new home.

Further Reading

• For detailed information on normal kitten development and care, see Kitten Development Week by Week
• For information on training kittens to use a scratch post, see Cats and Furniture Scratching.
• For information on effective litter training strategies, see Teaching a Kitten to Use the Litter Box.

Reference:

• Neville, Peter, & Bessant, Claire. (1997). The Perfect Kitten: How to Raise a Problem-Free Cat. Octopus Publishing Group, Ltd.

Kittens open their eyes at 7-14 days of age

Kittens play by 4 weeks of age

Kittens may nurse for 8-14 weeks

Kittens should be trained to use a scratch post

Kittens begin to play at about 4 weeks

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