Kitten Development – Birth to 2 Weeks
Normal Developmental Events for Kittens 0-14 Days Old
Sep 23, 2009
Healthy young kittens are firm and plump, with closed eyes and ears folded down. During the first 14 days, a kitten spends its time sleeping and eating. It can crawl a little using a swimming motion, but cannot stand.
Kittens grow rapidly during this period. They should gain a bit of weight each day and double their birth weight by 7-10 days. Major events in the first 2 weeks include:
- Remains of the umbilical cord fall off – around day 3.
- Eyes open – this process usually begins somewhere between 5-10 days of age and finishes gradually over the course of 2-3 days (if eyes aren’t fully open by 14 days or there are crusts or pus around the eye area, consult a veterinarian – never attempt to force the eyes open). Vision won’t be totally clear until around 4 weeks of age.
- Ears begin to open – 5-10 days (they will not stand up on their own until around 3 weeks).
- First teeth start appearing – just before the 2-week point or early in the 3rd week (this process continues until the around the 5th week).
Kitten Eye and Fur Colour
All kittens are born with blue eyes. Eyes change to their permanent colour later on, usually at around 4-5 weeks of age.
Kittens with dark markings on their faces, ears, tails, and paws (Balinese, Birman, Himalayan, Ragdoll, Snowshoe, and Siamese) do not have these points at birth. They are born white or cream-coloured and the points come in gradually over the course of several months. The environmental temperature will determine the darkness of these markings – colder temperatures create darker points, whereas warmer temperatures cause the points to come in lighter. The reason the points appear on the extremities is that these areas are a little cooler than the body’s core temperature.
How to Care for a Mother Cat and Her Newborn Kittens
Kittens are extremely vulnerable in the first 14 days of life. To increase the likelihood that kittens will survive and thrive:
- Provide extra food for the nursing mother as her calorie demands will be high. Kitten food is a good choice because it has more calories and protein per serving.
- Keep the temperature between 85ºF and 90ºF for the 1st week and 80ºF-85ºF during the 2nd. Reduce the temperature gradually.
- Maintain humidity at 55-65% to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid exposing kittens to bright lights and loud noises.
- Wash hands with soap and water before touching kittens or their bedding to avoid introducing harmful bacteria and viruses.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
Consult a veterinarian if the kitten has any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Excessive crying
- Failure to nurse
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration (check by gently pinching a fold of skin on the back of the neck – if it stays up rather than springing back quickly, the kitten is dehydrated)
If unsure as to whether a symptom warrants veterinary intervention, err on the side of caution and call a veterinarian for advice.
Handling Newborn Kittens
Many people wonder if it’s safe to touch or hold kittens during the first couple of weeks. As a general rule, if the mother is comfortable with a person and doesn’t appear agitated when the kittens are touched, that person can handle the kittens regularly after the 1st week (during the first 7 days, handling should be kept to a minimum).
During week 2, engage in very brief sessions of gentle handling on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief, gentle handling of kittens, particularly after the 1st week, is unlikely to cause a mother cat to reject them. When a mother rejects a kitten, it is usually because that kitten is ill or has a congenital defect that reduces its survival prospects. It’s sad, but she has to put her energies into raising the kittens that are more likely to thrive. A mother cat may also reject her kittens because she is ill or suffers from psychological problems.
Handling kittens from the second week onward is beneficial, as the critical period for socialization begins during week 2. Studies show that kittens that are handled properly from a young age are friendlier and less fearful as adults.
When handling kittens, be sure to put them back into the nest immediately if the mother shows any signs of distress, and don’t allow young children to pick them up. Clumsy handling can easily kill a small, fragile kitten. When handling kittens, keep them very near the nest – their mother should be able to see them while they are held.
Premature Kittens
Premature kittens are more fragile and vulnerable to chilling and infection. Kittens born more than 2 weeks early don’t usually survive. Those born closer to term have a fighting chance, though they may require veterinary care and tube feeding. Signs of premature birth may include:
- Low birth weight
- Tiny, thin bodies
- Lack of fur or very fine fur
- Wrinkled skin
- Difficulty moving or holding up their heads
Premature kittens are slower to gain weight and reach various developmental milestones, though with luck and good care, they should catch up eventually.
Raising Orphaned Kittens
If kittens are orphaned while very young, their only chance of survival is a loving caretaker who knows what to do for them. See How to Care for Orphaned Kittens for information on feeding, socializing, and other aspects of kitten care.
For more information on kitten development and care, see Kitten Development Week by Week.
References:
- Animal Services – Virtual Shelter. (n.d.). Cat and Kitten Supplement. JointAnimalServices.org.
- Burns, T., LVT. (n.d.). Hand-Raising Orphaned Kittens. TheCatPracticepc.com.
- Davis, K.L. (2007). The Everything Cat Book. Avon, MA: F+W Publications, Inc.
- Cheng, A.M., DVM, CVA. (19 April 2009). “Animal Health – General (Expert Forum): Eye Color Change.” MedHelp.org.
- Hartwell, S. (2002). “Hand Rearing Kittens.” MessyBeast.com.
- IBOK Rescue. (n.d.). “Stages of Kitten Development.” IBOKRescue.RescueGroups.org.
- Kitten Rescue. (2004). “Premature Kittens.” Kitten-Rescue.com.
- Neville, P., & Bessant, C. (1997). The Perfect Kitten: How to Raise a Problem-Free Cat. London, UK: Octopus Publishing Group, Ltd.
- Turner, D., C., & Bateson, P.P.G. (Eds.). (2000). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
 |
