Cats are the second most popular pets in the US, and most pet parents start caring for them as kittens. Today, our Fort Worth vets give you some information about when newborn kittens open their eyes and other tips about their early development.
When do kittens open their eyes and start walking?
Kitten growth rates are determined by a variety of factors, but most newborns open their eyes between the ages of two and sixteen days. During this time, their vision gradually improves, but they may not open both eyes at the same time. The eyes typically dilate by 2 weeks of age, and many kittens can focus with both eyes by 3 weeks of age. They will also begin walking around this time. Newborn kittens have blue eyes, which change color as they grow, usually settling on their true color around 8 weeks of age.
Caring for your newborn kitten's eyes
Very young kittens should be kept away from bright lights, which can harm or kill their developing eyes. You are responsible for keeping the newborn kitten clean and healthy if it does not have a mother or is not well cared for by its mother. To keep their faces clean, use a warm, damp washcloth. Most importantly, avoid forcing a kitten's eyes open before they naturally open. You must be patient!
Issues to watch for & how to treat them
The crust may prevent newborn kittens from opening their eyes. A bacterial or viral infection can cause this common problem. Keeping your kittens' bedding and shared areas clean and sanitary is another way to keep infections from recurring or spreading to other littermates. If your kitten's eyes have developed a matted crust, gently clean them with a cotton ball dampened with warm, clean water. You should avoid soap at all costs. If your kittens' eyes do not improve or worsen, contact your veterinarian right away so that they can be treated.
Other newborn kitten care tips
Like newborn human babies, newborn kittens spend most of their time sleeping, only waking up to be fed and cared for. Kittens can detect warmth and use their sense of smell to move towards their mother's belly, and they rely on a source of milk and warmth to develop.
Newborn kittens sleep for approximately 22 hours per day, whereas more mature kittens and adult cats require less sleep. Your kitten's mobility will improve around the time his or her teeth begin to emerge. They will begin crawling at two weeks and be able to walk, jump, and play more consistently at four weeks. They are more likely to cause mischief during this time because they are curious and adventurous - and frequently eager to practice climbing!
Warmth is important for newborn kittens
Because they are unable to regulate their body temperature, newborn kittens congregate near or on their mother. If your newborn kitten does not have a mother or littermate to keep their body temperature stable, you must take extra precautions to keep them warm. Use a heating disk in the crate or a heating pad set to low heat beneath a blanket in their enclosure. Create a small nest of blankets for the kitten to sleep in. You must check the temperature of the heating pad with your hands and provide a comfortable place in your kitten's cage/crate that is not heated for them to go if they become too warm.
To prevent hypothermia, keep your kitten's room at 85ºF or 29ºC until they reach 6 weeks old.
Newborn kittens need proper nutrition
Of course, when caring for a newborn kitten without a mother, it is critical to feed and nourish them properly. You will need to bottle-feed your kitten a special kitten formula every 2-4 hours. As each kitten is unique, your veterinarian will advise you on the best formula to use, how much to feed each kitten, and how frequently to feed them. Kittens must gain about 12 ounces (14 grams) per day or 4 ounces (113 grams) per week to grow properly. Never give cow milk to your cat, and always feed them the same formula. In addition, you should keep your cat warm to ensure proper digestion.
Preventive Care for Your Kitten
No matter how old your kitten is, it's important to take them for their first veterinary appointment when appropriate. Your veterinarian will evaluate the health of your kitten as well as inform you of their dietary needs. This also provides you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have in regards to the care of your new family member.
It is critical that your kitten receives routine preventive care, such as wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
Regular wellness exams give your vet the opportunity to assess the overall health and well-being of your kitten including their dietary requirements. Your vet will also be able to detect any diseases early before they become severe when they are easier and more affordable to treat.
You also need to make sure your kitten gets all of its vaccinations and parasite prevention care on schedule. Your kitten should come in for their first round of shots when they are 6 to 8 weeks old, and you should have them spayed or neutered when they are 5 to 6 months old. This prevents any serious diseases or conditions from arising in the first place.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.