Just like human babies, kittens’ growth and development patterns proceed along a established continuum. However, also like human babies, there will be individual variations. This is no cause for concern, unless a kitten falls far behind the expected progression of weight gain and developmental progress.
Here are average ages for benchmarks through which a kitten should progress on its journey to maturity:
* Birth
Kittens are born blind, deaf and unable to walk. They are totally dependent on the mother. They weigh about 4 ounces (113 grams).
* Week 1
The kitten eats, sleeps and grows. He will double his birth weight.
* Week 2
The kitten continues to eat and grow, gaining at least 10 grams a day.
By the end of the week, her eyes will be open. They will be blue at first, but may change color later. Her vision will be blurry at first at she should be protected from bright lights.
His sense of smell is developing. He may hiss at unfamiliar odors.
The mother teaches the kitten about dominant and submissive behaviors. By her actions and her tone of voice, she makes him submit to her demands.
You may be able to discover the sex of the kitten, but it’s easy to be mistaken at this early age.
* Week 3
Ear canals become completely open.
The kitten can voluntarily eliminate, and litter box training may begin. Usually the mother will teach this skill. The owner need only provide a clean, nearby litter box.
Kittens begin to socialize now, with each other and with people. Frequent, gentle handling will help the kitten become “people-friendly”.
Feline mothers sometime pick their babies up by the scruff of the neck. Humans should not do this, because it may injure the kitten.
* Week 4
His sense of smell is fully developed.
The depth perception in her vision is fully developed.
His baby teeth start to appear.
She is learning to walk without stumbling.
He interacts more with siblings. He may form alliances with some, and try to dominate others. This interaction teaches kittens to retract their claws, and not bite down hard during play.
* Week 5
The kitten’s diet may be supplemented now with soft kitten food or dry food softened with water. In the wild, the mother would provide him with dead mice and other small prey.
Like human babies, kittens try to taste everything. For this reason, use a natural litter, such as paper or wood chips. NEVER use clumping clay litter.
Kittens begin to groom themselves around this time.
* Week 6
The kittens are active, and they continue to grow fairly quickly.
Socializing skills continue. The kittens generally follow the mother’s example. If she has a comfortable relationship with humans, they will too. They should be kept with their mother and siblings, in a family setting, during this time. Many necessary behaviors will be programmed by the mother to her offspring.
The kittens will try to dominate humans at this stage, if they are allowed to. Do not play aggressively with them. Do not allow them to bite your hands. If play becomes rough, it should stop.
* Week 7
They learn how to coexist with families. They learn which behaviors are allowed and which are not.
They learn their names and a few simple commands.
They begin to develop their hunting abilities.
Do not take unvaccinated kittens outdoors.
* Weeks 8-15
The first physical exam, stool check and immunization should take place around 9 weeks.
Full weaning occurs. Kittens may go to their permanent families as soon as they are fully weaned.
Males begin to outweigh females.
Eye color changes to permanent adult hue about 12 weeks.
* Weeks 15 to Adulthood
Adult teeth appear between 12-18 weeks.
Spaying and neutering may take place at 16 weeks.
The 6 to 12 month stage is the feline adolescence period. Cats may behave very independently at this time.
Female cats reach their adult weight at one year, males keep growing until about 15 months.
Total independence from the mother occurs at 6 months.
The average kittens progress through many of the same stages as human youngsters, but they do it faster. They have the advantages of not talking back, not suffering from colic, and not requiring baby-sitters.
If you choose to have a kitten as a pet, you’ll be rewarded with a lively, affectionate companion who will bring warmth and fun to your heart and your home for years to come.
