Characteristics
| Weight: | 640-670 grams/22.5-23.6 ounces |
|---|---|
| Teeth: | Premolars coming in |
| Eyes: | Blue |
| Ears: | Fully upright |
Behavior
When kittens are six weeks old, things get easier for their caregivers. The kittens will be able to clean themselves (and groom each other to reinforce their sibling bonds) and should be using the litter box.
At this age, kittens can run well and are very active and playful. Though they should be weaned and are becoming more self-sufficient, they may still nurse and seek comfort from their mother.
Socializing kittens only gets more important at this point, so continue to play with them and get them used to routine activities, like nail clipping.
Care
Feeding:
Kittens who are six weeks old should eat kitten kibble mixed into wet food. You can start to separate the wet food and kibble, but do so gradually so the kittens won’t have digestive problems.
Feeding frequency:
Two or three times a day.
Bedding:
Kittens can regulate their own temperature now, but you should still provide a cozy nest they can go to as needed.
Bathroom habits:
Kittens should use the litter box.
Socialization
Socializing kittens becomes more important as they get older, so they have the skills to thrive in their homes when they are adopted.
Grooming:
At six weeks old, kittens are grooming each other as an important bonding behavior. Imitate that by making sure you incorporate grooming into your interactions with the kittensespecially if you have a single kitten or are raising a litter without the mother cat.
Introductions:
Introduce kittens to different parts of the house, different objects, different pets and people, and different experiences. This will help them adjust to new situations.
Introduce the kittens to scratching posts and trim their claws for the first time. Training the kittens to understand these routines helps prepare them for their new homes.
Playing:
Playing is an important part of kitten socialization because it helps them bond with each other and build confidence around people. Play with kittens for at least two hours a day (all together or broken up). Take time to socialize each of the kittens in a litter individually. At this age, kittens will love to play with toys and you should encourage that!
If your kittens are behind on socialization, learn more about how to get started at alleycat.org/Socialization.