I have adopted a kitten. I was watering the garden nearly two weeks ago, on a Sunday, when I heard this kitten crying. I found a very wet kitten. The kittens eyes had just opened, roughly putting the kitten at two week old. I bought a kit from the vets, which consisted on a bottle, three teats, 3 packets of substitute milk powder and a measuring spoon.
The kitten is going on for three weeks now. He can stand now, which according to how they develop, he should be around four weeks old. The kitten cannot eliminate. The kitten can purr, so that confirms that he is differently three weeks old.
The development of a kitten is predictable, all kittens show similar milestones throughout their first year.
Week One
A new born kitten is tiny. The eyes and ear canals have have not opened. The umbilical cord stump is still attached to the stomach. She cannot move about much. The kitten does not have teeth.
The mother's immunity is shared through the colostrum the the mother produces 24 to 48 hours before producing milk. This immunity will help keep the kitten healthy.
The mother cat stays close to her new born kittens and keep the kittens warm. She bathes them and massages their bellies with her tongue to help them urinate and defecate. The digestive system is not working at this point.
The kitten will weigh an average of about three and one half ounces and will probably double the weight by the end of the week. The kitten's umbilical cord stub will fall of early in the second week.
Week Two
During week two, the kitten's eyes will begin to open and will be completely open by the end of this week. Her eyes will start out blue and may remain blue for several weeks before turning to the permanent color. Although her eyes are open, your kitten does not see very well, the kitten vision is blurry.
Week Three
The mother no longer needs to massage the kitten's belly to help the kitten eliminate. The kitten starts purring in week three.
Although the ear canals will be completely open by the end of this week, the kitten's hearing is still developing. The ears will stand up and the kitten may be startled by loud sounds. She may also be more interested in where an interesting sound is coming from.
The kitten's baby teeth have started to come in, and this prepares her to eat solid food.
Development from Week Seven Through Twelve
During the rest of the first year, the stages of kitten development will not be so dramatic. Changes will happen slowly and surely. The kitten will continue to grow and learn to socialize with you. She will hone her hunting skills on unsuspecting pieces of paper and socks. She will learn to be part of your family, and that is the most important development of all.
Although the ear canals will be completely open by the end of this week, the kitten's hearing is still developing. The ears will stand up and the kitten may be startled by loud sounds. She may also be more interested in where an interesting sound is coming from.
The kitten's baby teeth have started to come in, and this prepares her to eat solid food.
Week Four
The kitten may attempt to walk. She will explore her environment and interact with her litter
mates. By the end of the week, she will romp and play in between naps and nursing.
Week Five
At this point, it will be almost impossible to contain the energetic ball of fur. She will spend time playing with her littermates and learning more about her surroundings. This is a good time to socialize the kitten and get her used to being handled by humans.
mates. By the end of the week, she will romp and play in between naps and nursing.
Week Five
At this point, it will be almost impossible to contain the energetic ball of fur. She will spend time playing with her littermates and learning more about her surroundings. This is a good time to socialize the kitten and get her used to being handled by humans.
Start the kitten on canned food this week. Ensure that the food is formulated specifically for kittens and be patient. While she may begin to eat canned food, the kitten still needs to nurse and is not ready to be weaned.
This is the time to introduce the kitten to the litter box. For safety's sake use an all natural litter, not clumping clay litters. Use a shallow box lid and a few inches of litter until the kitten is
accustomed to using the box.
accustomed to using the box.
Week Six
It's time for the kitten to receive her first set of vaccines and be wormed. Your kitten will enjoy having toys to bat around and play with. She continues to grow and become more independent.
It's time for the kitten to receive her first set of vaccines and be wormed. Your kitten will enjoy having toys to bat around and play with. She continues to grow and become more independent.
Development from Week Seven Through Twelve
Week Seven - The weaning process continues as the kitten eats more canned food. This is a good time to introduce a scratching post to allow her to get used to the idea of using a post rather than the furniture.
Week Eight - The kitten's teeth are fully in place, and they are a sharp as needles. She will probably be weaned during this week or next. It is time for the second worming treatment.
Week Nine - By the end of this week, your kitten will weigh close to three pounds. Her eyes will be their adult hue, and she will need her next set of vaccinations.
Week Ten - The kitten is ready to begin her life away from her mother.
Week Nine - By the end of this week, your kitten will weigh close to three pounds. Her eyes will be their adult hue, and she will need her next set of vaccinations.
Week Ten - The kitten is ready to begin her life away from her mother.
During the rest of the first year, the stages of kitten development will not be so dramatic. Changes will happen slowly and surely. The kitten will continue to grow and learn to socialize with you. She will hone her hunting skills on unsuspecting pieces of paper and socks. She will learn to be part of your family, and that is the most important development of all.
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