There’s nothing more exciting than watching your little kitten grow — one adorable milestone at a time.
As the owner of a kitten-turned-cat, I can tell you from personal experience that your kitten’s journey into adulthood will be highlighted by a wide array of precious memories for you and your family.
But what exactly does that journey look like?
From the moment they open their eyes for the first time through their “teenager” phase and beyond, let’s take a look at the five major growth and developmental milestones for kittens.
Stage 1. The Neonatal Stage (0-2 Weeks)
The neonatal stage marks the very beginning of your kitten’s life journey. Since newborn kittens are unable to see, hear or regulate their own body temperature, they spend much of the first two weeks cuddled up by their mother — primarily for food, warmth and protection.
With no teeth, kittens in the neonatal stage either feed off their mother’s nipple or through a bottle.
While they aren’t entirely mobile, neonatal kittens are able to instinctively crawl short distances to find their mother and possess a natural reflex allowing them to right themselves if rolled onto their backs.
If properly nourished, most newborn kittens will nearly double their weight after the first week.
Stage 2. The Socialization Stage (2-9 Weeks)
It’s during weeks two and three that the kitten’s eyes open and ears curl up. It’s also during this time that they become more comfortable venturing away from their mother — albeit still completely dependent on her for food, warmth and waste elimination.
The next six weeks or so are what many experts consider the “critical phase of social development.”
By the end of the first month, your once tiny companion is beginning to play with their littermates and show an interest in humans and toys. They’re also starting to experiment with solid foods.
With each week that goes by, they grow more independent and self-sufficient.
By two months old, they’re almost fully weaned from their mother, are standing sturdy and starting to exhibit instinctual behavior — such as hunting, pouncing and stalking.
It’s also at the end of this stage that the kitten is ready to be neutered and prepped for adoption.
Stage 3. The Differentiation Stage (10-14 Weeks)
The differentiation stage is when kittens start to gain a personality apart from their mothers and siblings. As they become more mobile and active, they begin to engage in more social and object play — so make sure you have plenty of time (and toys) to play with your three-month-old cat.
Social play might include belly-ups, hugging, ambushing and licking, while object play includes scooping, tossing, pawing, mouthing and holding certain items.
These activities are essential for developing physical coordination and teaching them social boundaries.
With that said, this is also the stage where many kittens start scratching furniture, chewing shoelaces and gnawing at just about anything in their path — making this the perfect stage to introduce scratching posts.
At the end of the day, expect your kitten to exhibit a lot of activity as they explore their surroundings.
Stage 4. Reaching Sexual Maturity (4-6 Months)
By four months old, kittens are either already or on the verge of reaching sexual maturity. Their baby teeth have been replaced by adult teeth, most if not all of their vaccinations are complete and their growth rate remains high — albeit not as high as earlier months.
Females can go into heat as early as four months and become pregnant during their first heat cycle.
Many experts recommend getting your kitten spayed or neutered by the time they reach sexual maturity to prevent any unwanted litter, though this can be done as early as eight weeks old for most kittens.
Kittens also grow much more independent and explorative during this stage.
They still require socialization and gentle training to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage unwanted ones, but your kitten is starting to learn how to find for itself.
Stage 5. The Teenage Era (6-12 Months)
Once your kitten hits six months old, they’ve officially entered their “teenager” era. Their bodies become much more proportionate and develop the muscular definition of adult cats — with most kittens reaching their adult size between 12-18 months.
Behaviorally, teenage kittens often exhibit what might be described as “rebellious” traits.
They start to challenge established boundaries, show heightened exploration of dominance and even challenge their human companions. They also exhibit an increase in energy levels and desire to play.
By the end of their first year, your once-little kitten is considered an adult cat.
While kitten growth and kitten development will continue for another six months in some cats, most are fully-grown by the time they turn one — though their playful nature may never go away.
Tips for Raising a Healthy Kitten
A kitten’s growth and development can be affected — positively and negatively — in a variety of ways.
Some of those things, such as what the kitten eats, how often they play, what they play with, how much they drink and the care they receive, are within an owner’s control and should be taken seriously.
Other things — such as being born with a defect and some health conditions — are just luck of the draw.
Your job — as an owner and companion — is to control what you can control and do whatever’s needed to provide an environment where your kitten can not only grow and develop but thrive and flourish.
Here are a few beginner’s tips to help you raise your adorable kitten into a healthy adult.
Diet & Hydration
Kittens are either fed by their mothers or bottle-fed by a human until about five weeks of age. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually increase the amount of solid food they eat — and their mother will naturally do the same if they’re still around.
It’s important that the food you provide for the kitten is both balanced and nutritious.
That means only buying brands that feature the nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — for both dry and wet food.
It should also contain adequate protein and fat levels, omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamins C and E.
Most kittens will require three feedings per day for the first few months. By the time they reach five months, two feedings daily should be enough. They can transition to adult food at one year old.
Activity & Play
An active cat is a healthy cat — and a healthy cat means a happy owner. That’s why it’s important to introduce your kitten to a variety of toys as soon as they begin to move around and explore their surroundings. This can happen as early as three weeks old.
Laser pointers are a great way to mimic real-life prey, while other interactive toys — like wand toys and the SmartyKat Hidden Hijinks — help kittens tap into their natural hunter mentality.
You can also start using a clicker to teach your kitten tricks as early as five weeks old.
What’s most important is that you take the time to play with them — especially if they don’t have siblings to play with. It not only helps them grow and develop but also keeps them healthy and strong.
Kitten-Proof the Home
Before bringing your new kitten home, conduct a thorough safety inspection inside your home.
Secure loose wires and cords with cord covers or bitter apple spray to discourage chewing. You’ll also want to remove small objects that could be swallowed — and ensure all houseplants are non-toxic.
Lilies, for instance, can be fatal to a cat.
I also recommend being mindful of any potential hiding places and checking for any potential getaway opportunities in the home — especially if you don’t want your cat to have outdoor access.
Either way, keep in mind that kittens are naturally curious and will explore everything within reach.
Taking time to kitten-proof now prevents emergencies and creates a safe environment for them to grow, develop and explore in peace.
Visit the Vet Often
Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian is crucial during your kitten’s first year. Schedule an initial check-up within a week of bringing your kitten home, even if they appear healthy, and maintain regular visits as directed by your vet. They can help guide you through the growth process.
They’ll also create a vaccination schedule, typically beginning at 6-8 weeks.
By the time your kitten reaches sexual maturity (4-6 months), talk with your vet about spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain health risks.
Remember, preventative care is more effective and less costly than treating preventable conditions later in life.
