Past Litter - May 2014

The Fantastic 5.

New Born Kittens Development - Week 5

Activity increase. The kittens sight is fully developed at five weeks. The kittens are also very active and confident - I often find them climbing my guitar case and book shelf. Kitten at this stage will start exploring a lot more, often stalking, wrestling and pouncing on their litter mates. The kittens may also experiment sleeping in different and somewhat awkward places (mine decided that my guitar amp is a great place to have a nap), gently move them to their bed so they can get used to their place of rest.

Weaning process starts. The weaning process can begin around five weeks of age. I started by leaving dry and wet kitten food available. Not all kittens will take to food immediately, so patience is important. Introduce a small amount, initially. You can introduce solids either by placing a small amount of food on your finger or in a cat bowl. Select a quality brand of canned kitten food (ask your vet) with a named meat source as the first ingredient (chicken is good). Many breeders and rescuers will have been feeding this food to the mother cat, and the kittens will quickly accommodate to eating mom's food.

Litter training. You can start this from week three. From week five however they should be able to confidently use the litter tray. Although you could still find some "accidents". Be patient! Make sure that the bedding is easily washable, so you can ensure the area remains clean. Provide your kittens with a small litter tray, and make sure it has litter which is safe for young kittens to use (and possibly eat).

New Born Kittens Development - Week 4

I can't believe four weeks have passed already. A month has passed and the kittens are developing at fast speed - they do grow up too fast! At this stage you will notice the following:

1. Depth perception has developed. That's why they cling on to you for they dear lives with their tiny claws.

2. Sense of smell is fully developed.

3. The sense of hearing is now well developed. They will run and hide if they hear loud noise.  

4. Baby teeth will start to show. 

5. Kittens are learning to walk without stumbling. Some of the kittens may even started running randomly. 
 

6. The kittens are becoming more and more active. They also look for adventure outside their kitten "cot". They will interact more with their siblings. I've heard this interactions can even lead them to form "alliances" which may or may not be gender-based.

7. The mother will begin to leave her kittens for short periods of time. At this stage, you can provide a small bowl of water for the kittens to drink from.

New Born Kittens Development - Week 3

You will start to notice more activity now that the kittens have reached week 3 as they sleep less and want to play more, also 4 things have taken place:

1. Ear Development. Ear canals are now completely open.

2. Digestive System. Kittens can voluntarily eliminate as their digestive system is developing. 

3. Awareness. They interact with each other and with people, and will want to carefully explore their surroundings. 

4. Grooming. They also groom themselves and one another and are looking cuter and cuter as the days go by.

New Born Kittens Development - Week 2

By now you should have noticed that your newborn kittens are developing at a very fast pace. I have also noticed kittens starting grooming themselves. At two weeks at least 4 things become more prominent:

1. Growth - Kittens are continuing their growth at a very fast rate (around 10 grams per day). 

2. Eyes development - Their eyes have started to open and will be completely open at 9 to 14 days old or so. All kittens' eyes are blue, and will remain so for several weeks. Their vision will be blurred at first, and their pupils don't dilate and contract readily, so they should be protected from bright lights. 

3. Sense of Smell - The kittens' sense of smell is developing, and they might even hiss at unfamiliar odours.

4. Sex - You might be able to determine the sex of the kittens around this time.

New Born Kittens Development - Week 1

During the first week of a kitten's life he will be concentrating on feeding and growth. At this point you might be asking yourself a few questions, here are a few answers that might help:

1. When will the new born kittens open their eyes? By the second week their eyes will begin to open although their vision will not be very clear at this stage. Do not force their eyes open as it could result in damage. All kittens have blue eyes at this stage.

2. When will the umbilical chord fall off? The umbilical cord should fall off within two or three days, but it could also take up to a week or so. However their eyes and ear canals will not be open yet.

3. When should I get my kitten vaccinated? Provided the mother has been vaccinated, or has natural immunity, the kittens will receive the same immunity for the first 24-48 hours through her colostrum (first milk). They will need to receive a vaccination course at 9 and 12 weeks. 

4. Should I let other animals near the new born kittens? Animals can be unpredictable, I have heard of male cats damaging new born kittens, so the short answer is NO.