by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: July 21, 2008

Just like human babies, kittens' growth and development patterns proceed along a established continuum. However, also like human babies, there will be individual variations. This is no cause for concern, unless a kitten falls far behind the expected progression of weight gain and developmental progress.

Here are average ages for benchmarks through which a kitten should progress on its journey to maturity:

* Birth

Kittens are born blind, deaf and unable to walk. They are totally dependent on the mother. They weigh about 4 ounces (113 grams).

* Week 1

The kitten eats, sleeps and grows. He will double his birth weight.

* Week 2

The kitten continues to eat and grow, gaining at least 10 grams a day.
By the end of the week, her eyes will be open. They will be blue at first, but may change color later. Her vision will be blurry at first at she should be protected from bright lights.
His sense of smell is developing. He may hiss at unfamiliar odors.
The mother teaches the kitten about dominant and submissive behaviors. By her actions and her tone of voice, she makes him submit to her demands.
You may be able to discover the sex of the kitten, but it's easy to be mistaken at this early age.

* Week 3

Ear canals become completely open.
The kitten can voluntarily eliminate, and litter box training may begin. Usually the mother will teach this skill. The owner need only provide a clean, nearby litter box.
Kittens begin to socialize now, with each other and with people. Frequent, gentle handling will help the kitten become "people-friendly".
Feline mothers sometime pick their babies up by the scruff of the neck. Humans should not do this, because it may injure the kitten.

* Week 4

His sense of smell is fully developed.
The depth perception in her vision is fully developed.
His baby teeth start to appear.
She is learning to walk without stumbling.
He interacts more with siblings. He may form alliances with some, and try to dominate others. This interaction teaches kittens to retract their claws, and not bite down hard during play.

* Week 5

The kitten's diet may be supplemented now with soft kitten food or dry food softened with water. In the wild, the mother would provide him with dead mice and other small prey.
Like human babies, kittens try to taste everything. For this reason, use a natural litter, such as paper or wood chips. NEVER use clumping clay litter.
Kittens begin to groom themselves around this time.

* Week 6

The kittens are active, and they continue to grow fairly quickly.
Socializing

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