How to save & take care of a kitten and feral cats - an advocacy tool kit

How Old Is That Kitten? Kitten Guide: Nine Weeks

Guide/How-to| Kittens / "Leave Them Be"

Characteristics

Weight: 1060-1090 grams/37.3-38.4 ounces
Teeth: 26 baby teeth
Eyes: Any color
Ears: Fully upright


Behavior

Kittens are so grown up by nine weeks old! Their adult eye color should be apparent, and they exhibit all the behaviors and body language of adult cats. Kittens of this age like to stalk toys and they may begin to react to catnip.

Socialized kittens at this age should clearly show an attachment to their caregivers, cuddling on laps and seeking out attention. They’re almost ready for adoption!

Care

Feeding:

Eating exclusively solid food.

Feeding frequency:

Regular intervals, two or three times a day.

Bathroom habits:

Kittens should use the litter box.

Socialization

Kittens should be socialized by now. If they are not and you did not raise them from the time they were neonatal (under four weeks old), it is completely fine to return them back to their feline families outdoors as community cats. Just make sure they are healthy and have been spayed or neutered.

For more about socializing kittens, go to alleycat.org/Socialization.