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September 2, 2025
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New cat parents ask when do kittens open their eyes the moment a litter arrives. The short answer: most kittens begin cracking their lids at 7–10 days, and eyes are fully open by 2 weeks. However, every kitten develops on a slightly different clock. In this long-form guide for PETBLOGS, we explain when do kittens eyes open, how to spot normal milestones, and how do I know how old my kitten is using a clear kitten age chart. You’ll also see safe feeding tips, a quick note on can cats eat bacon, and what to try if your cat not eating worries you.
Most litters follow this pattern:
Because the question of when do kittens open their eyes comes up daily, remember two rules: never force eyelids open, and keep lighting soft during the first weeks.
Even within one litter, you’ll see small differences. Genetics, birth weight, temperature, hydration, and overall health all influence when do kittens eyes open. If lids remain fully sealed after 14 days, or you notice swelling, thick discharge, or crusts, call a vet. That’s the safest path while you learn how do I know how old my kitten is without risking eye damage.
Use this kitten age chart to match milestones to age. It answers when do kittens open their eyes, but also covers ears, teeth, weight, and movement so you can estimate age at a glance.
| Age | Eyes | Mobility | Weight (typical) | Feeding notes |
| 0–3 days | Closed | Rooting only | 85-115 g | Queen’s milk or kitten formula every 2–3 hrs |
| 4–6 days | Closed | Stronger rooting | 115-150 g | Keep warm; weigh daily |
| 7–10 days | Begin to open | Head lifts; small scoots | 150-200 g | Gentle light only |
| 11–14 days | Fully open | Wobbly crawl | 200-250 g | Formula/queen’s milk; stimulate to potty |
| 3 weeks | Blue, sensitive | Shaky stand | 250-350 g | 6–8 feeds per day |
| 4 weeks | Better focus | Short walks | 350-450 g | Start slurry (wet kitten food + formula) |
| 5–6 weeks | Tracking toys | Play bursts | 450-650 g | 4 small wet meals; water access |
| 7–8 weeks | Eye color may shift | Fast play | 650-900 g | Mostly wet food; litter trained |
| 9–10 weeks | Clear focus | Agile jumps | 900-1,100 g | 3–4 meals; vaccines begin |
| 11–12 weeks | Stable vision | Confident | 1.1-1.4 kg | Adoptable; steady meals + water |
When rescuers or new adopters ask how do I know how old my kitten is, run this quick scan:
Occasionally, very early openings happen. Treat the eyes as extra sensitive: low light, minimal handling, and quick vet advice if you see redness or discharge. It’s still the same question, when do kittens open their eyes, just earlier than usual, so caution matters.
Eyes open on time when kittens stay warm, hydrated, and well-fed. Newborns cannot regulate temperature, so nest warmth and frequent feeds matter more than gadgets. If the queen is absent, follow a strict bottle schedule with kitten milk replacer, not cow’s milk to support growth across the kitten age chart stages.
Because how do I know how old my kitten is affects feeding:
Feeding on schedule keeps weight tracking aligned with the kitten age chart and supports the natural window for when do kittens open their eyes.
Understanding problems helps answer when do kittens open their eyes safely, not just quickly.
Any cat not eating, especially a small kitten needs prompt care. At this age, skipping meals risks dehydration and low blood sugar.
New owners often snack near the nest and ask can cats eat bacon. The answer is no as a routine food. Bacon is salty, fatty, and sometimes seasoned with ingredients that upset kitten stomachs. If a tiny lick happens, offer water and return to kitten food. Keeping treats species-appropriate helps growth stay on track across the kitten age chart.
If your cat not eating worries you, especially a kitten work through this:
Solving appetite problems keeps timelines for when do kittens open their eyes and other milestones from falling behind.
As vision sharpens, kittens learn faces, voices, and toys. During weeks 3-4, start gentle handling from different people. Use soft eye contact, then slow blinks to build trust. Short play sessions with a feather wand teach tracking while protecting delicate eyes. Positive exposure here shapes confidence long after when do kittens open their eyes stops being the headline.
Most kittens begin using a shallow tray around 4-5 weeks. Choose unscented, non-clumping litter at first so curious mouths don’t ingest clumps. Place the tray near the nest and after meals. Litter skills are one of the easiest clues when you ask how do I know how old my kitten is.
Another landmark after when do kittens eyes open is color change. Most kittens start blue, then shift between 6-8 weeks. Final colors set by 3-4 months. A gradual, symmetric change is normal. Sudden cloudiness, book a check.
Week 1: Eyes closed, weight gain daily, warmth constant.
Week 2: Now. Keep the lights soft.
Week 3: Ears up, incisors erupt, shaky standing.
Week 4: Canines appear, slurry meals start, shallow litter tray.
Week 5: Premolars; playful pounces; clearer focus.
Week 6–7: Strong play cycles; vaccines may begin.
Week 8: Confident movement; adoptable age in many regions.
Use this alongside the kitten age chart whenever you estimate age from a photo or rescue note.
When do kittens open their eyes?
Most open between 7 and 10 days, fully by 2 weeks. Keep lights low and never force lids.
When do kittens eyes open if they’re tiny or sick?
Sometimes later. If fully closed after 14 days, or if there’s swelling or pus, see a vet.
How do I know how old my kitten is from appearance alone?
Match eyes, ears, teeth, and movement to the kitten age chart. Weight and behavior help confirm the estimate.
Can cats eat bacon as a treat?
No as a routine treat. Bacon’s salt and fat are not kitten-friendly. Stick to kitten foods.
What if my cat not eating after adoption?
Warm the food, reduce stress, and try a different texture. If refusal continues or your kitten seems weak, call a vet.
Do blue eyes mean a certain breed?
All young kittens look blue; adult color emerges by a few months.
Light sensitivity after eyes open, normal?
Yes in week 2. Keep rooms dim and avoid flashes until vision sharpens.
By 8-12 weeks, kittens see clearly, eat on schedule, use the box, and handle short alone times. That’s when social skills form best. Even though the headline is when do kittens open their eyes, the adoption sweet spot is later, when play, litter habits, and vet checks line up.
If you pass day 14 still asking when do kittens open their eyes, try this checklist while you arrange a vet call:
If you remember one thing about when do kittens open their eyes, it’s this: most kittens open 7-10 days after birth and finish by 2 weeks. Use the kitten age chart to cross-check ears, teeth, movement, and weight, and you’ll answer how do I know how old my kitten is with calm confidence. Keep the nest warm, feed on schedule, and choose species-appropriate foods, can cats eat bacon is still no, so growth stays smooth. If a cat not eating or an eye concern worries you, call a vet early. For printable charts, feeding plans, and friendly pet guides, bookmark smartcric and come back whenever when do kittens open their eyes pops up again.
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