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Kitten Progression: 1 day - 10 weeks

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.

Learn more about kitten age and what to do when you encounter kittens outdoors.

 

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