Interesting Things About Kittens: Essential Care & Growth Info

Kittens are irresistibly cute even when first born with their eyes shut. In these fragile early days and weeks, kittens require careful nurturing to thrive. Their mothers provide not only warmth but vital nutrients and antibodies. This guide details what newborn kittens need for healthy growth, helping new owners provide the best start.

1. Average Weight and Growth Benchmarks for Newborn Kittens

Newborn kittens typically weigh about 110 grams (4 ounces) at birth. They generally gain around 100 grams weekly, so by four weeks, a healthy kitten weighs about 450 grams. Consistent weight gain of roughly 450 grams monthly until six months of age marks proper development. Monitoring weight helps early identification of feeding or health issues.

2. Importance of Colostrum in Early Immunity

During the first 24 to 48 hours, the mother’s colostrum is critical. This nutrient-rich first milk carries antibodies that protect kittens from infections, helping establish a strong immune system. Without this, kittens face greater risks of illnesses. Ensuring the mother is healthy and free from diseases is vital for her colostrum to be beneficial.

3. Maintaining Ideal Warmth for Survival

Newborn kittens cannot regulate their body temperature, so warmth is essential. Studies suggest an ideal ambient temperature near 32°C (90°F) during the first weeks. However, kittens must also have space to move away from heat when overheated. Provide soft bedding and avoid drafts to maintain steady, safe warmth.

4. Sensory Development in Newborn Kittens

Kittens are born blind and deaf, relying mostly on touch and smell. Their eyes begin to open between 7 and 14 days, with hearing developing around the same period. Initially, their eyes appear blue, gradually changing to their permanent colour by eight weeks, except for some breeds like Siamese maintaining blue eyes indefinitely.

5. Feeding Frequency and Nutrition for Newborn Kittens

Kittens need feeding every 2 to 3 hours via suckling from their mother in the early days. If hand feeding, bottle feed in the same frequency, positioning kittens belly down to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Solid food introduction generally starts between 3 and 4 weeks old. Insufficient feeding risks hypoglycaemia, which can be life-threatening and requires urgent attention.

6. Assisting with Toilet Needs

Newborn kittens cannot urinate or defecate unaided. The mother stimulates bowel and bladder movements by licking the kitten’s genital area. If the mother is absent, gently simulate this by stroking the kitten’s rear with a warm, moist cloth. This should be done until they gain sufficient muscle control, at about 3 to 4 weeks old.

7. Teeth Development Milestones

Kittens start developing baby teeth at around 3 weeks, which are eventually replaced by adult teeth from 14 weeks. By six months, kittens usually have a full adult set of sharper teeth. Dental care and checkups are important as teething can sometimes cause discomfort or oral health issues.

8. Motor Skills and Play Behaviour Emergence

At roughly 10 days old, kittens begin standing, progressing to walking unsteadily by 21 days. Play behaviour starts around 4 weeks, an essential stage for developing coordination and social skills. Supervised play encourages mental and physical growth while building healthy feline confidence and bonds.

9. Vulnerability to Fleas and Health Risks

Kittens are delicate and susceptible to flea infestations, which can lead to anaemia and serious health complications even in otherwise healthy eight-week olds. It is crucial to ensure the mother is flea-free before and after birth. Consult a vet before applying any flea treatments to young kittens to ensure safety.

10. Weaning Process and Social Development

Kittens typically wean fully by 8 weeks old. Removing kittens earlier can risk health issues and deprive them of vital social learning from their mother and littermates. Responsible breeders and owners should respect this developmental period to support kittens’ emotional and physical well-being.

11. Key Questions When Considering Getting a Kitten

Before bringing a kitten home, ask reputable breeders or shelters about the kitten’s health, vaccinations, worming, and socialisation history. Confirm the kitten will stay with its mother until at least 8 weeks old. Find a kitten for sale responsibly to ensure ethical and healthy origins.

12. Promoting Responsible Kitten Ownership and Care

Providing a safe environment, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care is essential for kittens’ healthy development. Responsible ownership includes timely vaccinations and parasite control. Socialising kittens with gentle, positive interactions promotes lifelong well-adjusted pets. Remember, every kitten deserves a loving home nurturing their growth.

When Can Kittens Leave Their Mother?

Quick Answer: Kittens should not leave their mother before 8 weeks old to ensure proper health and social development.

It is important for kittens to remain with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age. This period allows them to benefit from essential milk nutrition, develop critical immune protections, and learn social behaviours that are foundational for good feline mental health. Taking a kitten too early can cause lasting behavioural issues and increased susceptibility to diseases. Always choose breeders and shelters who follow this guideline for the welfare of kittens.