Like all animals, kittens do not grow into adult cats overnight. Rather, they go through a series of developmental stages as they mature. Learning about these stages and what happens in them will help you better care for your kitten(s).听
0-2 weeks: Neonatal
- Orient towards sound
- Eyes begin to open, usually by 2 weeks
- Uncoordinated
- Neonatal kittens should not be separated from their mother.
2-7 weeks: Primary Socialization Period
- Coordination improves, begin taking small steps
- Sight and vision improve rapidly
- Teeth begin to emerge and develop
- Sturdy and eager to explore their surroundings, usually by week 4听
- Begin introducing litter box
- Develop social skills with humans and other animals
- Grooming skills and coordination perfected, usually by week 6
- Develop adult-like sleeping patterns听
7-14 weeks: Most Active Play Period
- Baby teeth fully developed
- Eye color begins to change
- Ears fully proportionate, usually by 8 weeks
- Energy spikes, sleep will decrease and time spent playing will increase
- Able to run, climb, jump with confidence听
- Agility and coordination fully developed, usually by week 8
- Develop independence
3-6 months Ranking Period
- Influenced by those surrounding them, including other pets听
- Begin to see and use ranking within the household, including humans
6-18 months Adolescence听
- Continues to explore dominance, including challenging humans
- If not spayed or neutered, begins to exhibit sexual behavior听