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Kitten Progression: At-a-Glance

Determining a kitten’s age can be difficult. 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. The photos and descriptions below can help you gauge the age of kittens with an unknown birth date.

Get more information (and more photos!) by viewing Kitten Progression: Week-by-Week »
Learn more about kitten age and what to do when you encounter kittens outdoors.
Kitten Advisory PDF

1 day old Eyes closed, can not stand. Ears folded.
3 days old Eyes closed, can not stand. Ears starting to unfold.
6 days old Eyes starting to open. Beginning to crawl.
1 week old Eyes almost completely open.
8 days old Becoming aware.
9 days old Beginning to venture away from mama.
10 days old Looking very alert. Closed eye on kitten #1 is from eye discharge.
12 days old Mama has moved kittens. Kittens are now able to walk, although wobbly.
13 days old
14 days old 2 weeks.
15 days old
16 days old
20 days old Using litter box.
21 days old 3 weeks.
22 days old
23 days old You can see that kitten #3 is going to be a med-long hair, and #2 med hair.
28 days old 4 weeks.
31 days old
32 days old
35 days old 5 weeks.
37 days old
40 days old
42 days old 6 weeks.
45 days old
47 days old
50 days old 7 weeks.
54 days old
54 days old
56 days old 8 weeks.
57 days old
60 days old
62 days old
63 days old 9 weeks.
70 days old
75 days old 10 weeks.

photo credit: Jamie Nicholas

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