A lot happens during a kitten's first year. a whirlwind of developmental changes as the tiny baby that fits in the palm of your hand grows into a full-fledged adult cat. Born blind and defenceless, by 8 weeks of age, the little kitty will be running, playing, and looking like miniature cats. They grow so fast during the first few weeks of their lives. As the tiny bundle of fur grows, it's essential to understand their growth milestones and provide appropriate care. From their physical growth to behavioural changes, this article will guide you through the crucial stages in a kitten's life from birth to six months.
Kitten newborn stage - the first 2 weeks of life
During the first two weeks of life, kittens are highly dependent on their mother for survival. They are totally defenceless. Their eyes are closed, ears folded and they do not have the ability to thermoregulate. They cannot hear or see yet. They can only navigate the world around them through scent and through seeking warmth and comfort.
Physical Development
Size and Weight: Newborn kittens weigh around 85-115 grams and double their birth weight within 7-10 days.
Senses: Initially, their eyes and ears are closed, but they gradually begin to open between 7-14 days.
Movement: Kittens are born unable to walk or crawl efficiently and rely on their mother for warmth and mobility.
Behavioural Development
Nursing: Kittens spend most of their time nursing, as mother's milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies.
Sleep: They sleep for approximately 90% of the day, which aids in growth and development.
Reflexes: Kittens exhibit basic reflexes like sucking, kneading, and the ability to find their mother's teats.
Care
Newborn kittens need their mother full-time. The mother will provide them with food, cleaning, warmth, and bathroom support. If no mother cat is present, they must be bottle-fed with a kitten formula every two hours, stimulated to go to the bathroom, and kept at an appropriate temperature which is between 29 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Warmth: Provide a warm and cosy environment with a heating pad or heat lamp to maintain their body temperature.
Feeding: Ensure the mother receives proper nutrition for milk production, or consult a veterinarian for appropriate milk replacement formulas if necessary.
Monitor: Regularly check for any abnormalities, such as infections or congenital issues, and consult a veterinarian if needed.
2 to 4 weeks: Kitten transitional stage
As the kitten enters the transitional stage, you’ll notice significant changes in their physical and behavioural development.
Physical Development
Growth: Kittens gain weight rapidly and begin to develop their first set of baby teeth around 3 weeks.
Mobility: They start to wobble around, attempting to walk and play with littermates.
Senses: Vision and hearing improve, allowing them to explore their surroundings more actively.
Behavioural Development
Socialisation: Kittens interact more with littermates and their mother, learning crucial social skills.
Play: They engage in playful behaviours; developing their coordination, agility, and predatory instincts.
Litter training: Kittens begin to mimic their mother's grooming habits and may start using a litter box.
Care
Introduce solid food: Start introducing moistened kitten food. Soft, wet food like this Kit Cat Kitten Mousse Chicken Wet Cat Food is a good option to start with you gradually transitioning little kitty from milk to solid diet.
Provide a safe environment: Create a kitten-proof space, ensuring there are no hazards or toxic substances.
Regular vet visits: Schedule a veterinarian appointment to initiate vaccinations and deworming treatments.
4 to 8 weeks: Kitten socialisation and growth stage
During this stage, kittens become more independent and develop essential skills for adulthood. Four-week-old kittens will be confidently exploring and developing more coordination that allows them to walk, run, and even begin to play.
Physical Development
Coordination: Their movements become more coordinated, and they can run, jump, and climb with increasing proficiency. Prepare some toys designed for kittens like this Kong Kitten Kickeroo Cat Toy that encourages lots of healthy hind paw kicking, promoting full-body action for young kittens.
Dental: Kittens' deciduous teeth start to fall out, making way for their permanent teeth.
Sexual characteristics: Around 6-8 weeks, the gender-specific physical traits become apparent.
Behavioural Development
Exploration: Kittens show curiosity and explore their environment, learning from various stimuli.
Social bonds: They form close bonds with littermates and humans, establishing trust and affection.
Weaning: By 6-8 weeks, kittens are usually weaned from their mother's milk completely.
Care
Vaccinations and deworming: Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule and deworming treatments.
Nutritious diet: Provide a balanced diet formulated for kittens, supporting their growth and development.
Gentle handling: Regularly handle and interact with the kittens to help them become familiar with the human touch. Getting them comfortable with your touch, especially around the mouth, teeth and paws may also help with grooming activities like teeth brushing and nail trimming at a later stage.
2 to 6 months: Kitten juvenile stage
Kitten has now transitioned into adolescence, undergoing rapid growth and further behavioural changes:
Physical Development
Growth spurts: Kittens experience growth spurts, gaining muscle mass and reaching a significant portion of their adult size.
Sexual maturity: Around 5-6 months, kittens reach sexual maturity, and the first signs of sexual behaviours may emerge.
Coat changes: Their fluffy kitten fur is gradually replaced by their adult coat. Regular grooming during this period is important to help manage shedding and ensure a healthy coat. Brushing your kitten with a suitable cat brush or comb can help remove loose fur and prevent matting. Additionally, it allows you to bond with your kitten and helps to familiarise them with grooming routines.
Dental changes: Kittens typically begin to lose their baby (deciduous) teeth and develop their adult teeth between 11 and 30 weeks of age. When kittens are teething, they may experience discomfort or pain, leading to some noticeable signs, such as increased chewing behaviour, drooling, swollen gums, and sometimes even slight bleeding. They may also show a decreased appetite or be more irritable during this period. To help alleviate any discomfort during teething, provide your kitten with appropriate teething toys or chew items specifically designed for cats. These can help soothe their gums and provide an outlet for their chewing instincts. Avoid giving them items that are too hard or small, as they can pose a choking hazard. As your kitten's adult teeth emerge, it becomes important to establish good dental care habits. Regular brushing of your kitten's teeth using a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is recommended to maintain their oral health. It is advisable to start toothbrushing gradually and make it a positive experience for your kitten.
Behavioural Development
Independence: Kittens become more independent, testing boundaries and asserting their individuality.
Energy levels: They exhibit increased energy and playfulness, requiring more interactive play sessions. This is a good time to introduce self-play, interactive toys like this Kong Glide ‘N Seek Interactive Cat Toy to keep them occupied and fulfil natural hunting instincts.
Training: This is an ideal time to start basic training, including litter box habits and appropriate scratching behaviour. Kittens typically start showing interest in using a scratcher as early as 8 to 10 weeks of age. However, the exact timing can vary from kitten to kitten. When kitty reaches 8 weeks old, it is a good time to prepare a scratcher if you have not already done so. Check out this Honey Care Cat Scratching Post designed with premium scratching textures that closely mimic tree bark. It is an effective tool for fulfilling a cat’s scratching instinct and preventing damage to your furniture!
Care
Spaying or neutering: Consult with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate time for spaying or neutering.
Environmental enrichment: Provide toys, scratching posts, and interactive activities to keep them mentally stimulated.
Ongoing veterinary care: Regardless of kitty’s age, maintain regular vet check-ups for vaccinations, dental care, and general health assessments.
Understanding the developmental milestones of a growing kitten is crucial for providing appropriate care and nurturing their overall well-being. From the newborn stage to the juvenile phase, monitoring their physical and behavioural changes, providing proper nutrition, socialisation, and veterinary care will ensure a healthy and happy transition into adulthood. Enjoy the journey of watching your adorable kitten grow and thrive!
KATHERINE KHOO
Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.
