Kittens change almost daily in their first few months. This chart shows typical milestones from birth to about six months, so you can estimate a kitten's age and know what care comes next.
Every kitten develops at its own pace, and kittens that are underfed or unwell can look younger than they are. Treat the ages below as a guide, and ask a vet to confirm the age of a kitten you have found.
Kitten development chart
| Age | Eyes and ears | Teeth | Feeding | Behaviour and movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth to 1 week | Eyes closed, ears folded | None | Mother's milk only | Cannot walk well, crawls toward warmth and the mother |
| 1 to 2 weeks | Eyes begin to open, blue | None | Milk only | Starts to wobble about and vocalise |
| 3 weeks | Blue eyes, ears starting to stand | Front teeth coming in | Can start wet food as a supplement | Walks, begins to play |
| 4 weeks | Ears upright | Canine teeth (fangs) appear | Weaning begins | Playful, may use a litter box |
| 5 weeks | Eye colour starting to change | Premolars appearing | Eating solid food alongside milk | Runs, jumps and pounces |
| 6 weeks | Moving toward adult eye colour | Full set of baby teeth | Largely weaned, eats kibble | Coordinated and playful. First vet check |
| 8 weeks | Adult or near-adult colour | Baby teeth | Solid food | Litter trained, full personality. Often ready for a new home |
| 12 weeks | Adult colour | Baby teeth may start falling out | Solid food | Strong and agile |
| 4 to 6 months | Adult | Adult teeth coming in, complete by about 6 months | Solid food | Can become sexually mature as early as 4 months, so plan spay or neuter |
How to estimate a kitten's age
- Eyes closed: under about 10 days to 2 weeks old.
- Ears still folded or small: under about 4 weeks.
- Walking unsteadily, blue eyes: around 3 to 4 weeks.
- Running and pouncing: around 5 to 6 weeks.
- Eye colour settled: older than about 8 weeks.
- Baby teeth loose or missing: around 3 to 4 months or more.
Weight is another clue, but it varies by breed and nutrition. A vet can give you the best estimate. For adult cats see how to tell how old a cat is.
Vet care in the first months
Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests a first vet visit at about six weeks, or sooner if the kitten seems unwell. Exams and vaccinations then follow every two to three weeks until the first core vaccine series is complete at around 16 weeks. Your vet will also advise on parasite control, microchipping and when to spay or neuter.
Many vets can spay or neuter once a kitten reaches a safe weight, and some practices use a weight rule of around 3 lb at 12 weeks, though timing varies. Ask your own vet which plan they follow.
Feeding a growing kitten
Kittens need a diet made for growth, fed in small, frequent meals. Guides commonly suggest switching to adult food at about one year, though some cats stay on kitten food a little longer. Your vet can tell you when the change suits your kitten.
When is a kitten no longer a kitten?
The AAHA/AAFP guidelines classify cats as kittens up to one year old, and some care guides treat the first six months as the kitten stage and the next stretch as "junior." Cats may keep a kitten's playfulness for longer than that. See all cat life stages.
Frequently asked questions
When do kittens open their eyes?
Usually within the first one to two weeks. Their eyes start out blue and settle into their adult colour over the following weeks.
At what age are kittens weaned?
Weaning usually starts at around four weeks and is largely complete by about six to eight weeks.
When do kittens start using a litter box?
Often from about four weeks, and most are reliably trained by eight weeks.
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
From around three to four months, with a full set of adult teeth by about six months.
How old is a kitten that weighs about 1 lb?
Weight only gives a rough guide and varies a lot, so use eyes, teeth and behaviour together, and ask a vet if you need a precise age.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you have found a young kitten, contact a vet or local rescue promptly.