Finding a litter of lost kittens can tug at your heartstrings. Before you shower them with love and cuddles, it's crucial to determine their age. Knowing how to tell how old a kitten is helps establish proper care needs.
This guide will help you decipher those adorable clues to figure out how old a kitten is.
The Early Days
Freepik | wirestock | Newborn kittens are vulnerable within the first week.
Newborn kittens, under a week old, are vulnerable. Their eyes are sealed shut, and their ears are folded flat against their heads. They can't walk yet, but they can vocalize with soft purrs and meows. You might even see the remnants of their umbilical cord. These fragile creatures rely on their mother's milk for nourishment.
Week One to Two
Around one to two weeks old, a kitten's world starts to come into focus. Their eyes begin to open, revealing those captivating blue peepers. Their ears will also unfold. While still wobbly on their feet, they'll start crawling and snuggling with their siblings.
This is also the stage where they'll start kneading with their paws, a behavior reminiscent of nursing.
Three to Four Weeks
Freepik | montypeter| At three to four weeks old, kittens start to interact more. With open eyes, they can stand and walk.
By weeks three and four, kittens become more interactive. Their eyes are open, and they can stand and walk, albeit . These curious explorers will start responding to sounds and movement. This is also a critical time, as their baby teeth begin to erupt.
Weeks Four to Eight
From four to eight weeks old, kittens blossom. They become little balls of playful energy, running, jumping, pouncing, and digging. This is also the weaning period, where they transition from their mother's milk to solid food.
They'll learn to lap up formula or kitten food and even start using the litter box. Those baby blues will transform into their permanent eye color during this stage. By eight weeks, they'll resemble miniature cats, weighing around two pounds.
How to Tell How Old a Kitten Is? Beyond the Basics
Freepik | elshamilini | Teeth offer valuable clues about growth and development.
While these are general guidelines, there can be some variations in kitten development. Here are some extra tips to help you tell how old a kitten is:
- Weight: Generally, kittens gain weight in their early weeks. A veterinarian can weigh the kitten and use this information in conjunction with other factors to estimate their age.
- Teeth: The presence and development of teeth are valuable clues. As mentioned earlier, baby teeth erupt around three weeks, with adult teeth coming in around four months.
Note: If you find a litter of kittens, it's important to assess their health. If they appear weak, malnourished or have any signs of illness, seek immediate veterinary attention. For healthy kittens, four months or older, returning them to their outdoor environment with their mother (if possible) is the most humane course of action.
These older kittens are more challenging to socialize and integrate into a domestic setting. But, spaying or neutering and vaccinating them is crucial before returning them outdoors.
By comprehending these developmental milestones, you can effectively discern the age of a kitten, enabling you to provide the precise care necessary for their well-being. Understanding "how to tell how old a kitten is" equips you to cater to the needs of these vulnerable creatures, ensuring their optimal growth and health.
