How Old Is That Kitten?
Kitten Progression: At-a-Glance
Kittens are adorable at any age, but did you know that figuring out how old a kitten is can help determine what sort of care they need? It can be tricky to tell, but our at-a-glance kitten progression guide, featuring Darling the kitten, is here to help you out.
Learn what to do when you find kittens outdoors.
When kittens are first born they are completely helpless—their eyes are closed, their ears are folded, and they can’t stand, keep themselves warm or eat on their own. They rely on mom for everything!
One Week Old
Darling is starting to become more aware of his surroundings! At about seven days old, a kitten’s ears will unfold and their eyes may start to open.
See more photos and information about one week old kittens. »
Old Look at those blue peepers! Darling’s eyes are fully open, and he is taking his first wobbly steps. Kittens this age start interacting more with each other, but still need mom.
See more photos and information about two week old kittens »
Old Darling’s now playing with his siblings and getting more mobile. You should be able to tell if kittens are boys or girls. You can start providing a litter box and wet food.
See more photos and information about three week old kittens »
Old Look how much Darling has grown! At four weeks kittens are sturdy on their feet and playing with each other, toys, and people.
See more photos and information about four week old kittens »
Five Weeks Old
Get ready for a lot of fun! Darling is now full of energy and plays exuberantly. Interacting with people is important for kittens at this age. Darling is developing lots of personality!
See more photos and information about five week old kittens »
Six Weeks Old
Every day Darling is getting more sure of himself through socialization and play. He’s using the litter box and eating cat food – though he still visits mom for snacks and comfort.
See more photos and information about six week old kittens »
Seven Weeks Old
Darling is almost fully weaned, and continues to play and learn. Being introduced to new people, places in the home, and other pets is an important part of socialization.
See more photos and information about seven week old kittens »
Eight Weeks Old
Two pounds! Darling now weighs enough to be neutered. He’s also getting more skilled and adventurous. Darling is learning so much from his mom, siblings, and human caregiver.
See more photos and information about eight week old kittens »
Nine Weeks Old
Looking pretty grown-up, Darling! At this age kittens are behaving and using their body language like adult cats. Darling is eating all solid food, and his eyes have gone from blue to yellow.
See more photos and information about nine week old kittens »
Ten Weeks Old
Darling is fully weaned, neutered, and—because he was socialized to people—ready for his loving adoptive home. They grow up so fast!
Something to keep in mind: Kittens develop at their own speed based on environmental and genetic factors. Observing physical signs, such as how open their eyes are and their weight, as well as behaviors, like when kittens begin venturing from their mother or using a litter box, will help determine about how old they are.