When Is to Young to Pic Up Baby Kittens

Brandi has been a content writer for the past 10 years. Subsequently owning several cats, she has become knowledgeable about their care.

My friend's true cat, Lynx, and her 3 kittens.

Brandi Goodman

What to Do When Your Cat Has Kittens?

Your cat just had kittens. What now? The reply to that depends on how well the cat knows and trusts you. If it's your cat that y'all've had for a long period of time, she probably won't mind if y'all affect her kittens. If information technology'south a stray, or a true cat you've only had for a short while, she might not similar information technology if you lot come up near her babies.

Have it slowly, and make sure she is okay with it before you touch them. Either way, they really should not be handled that much at all until they are virtually two weeks old. If y'all do handle them, be sure to either wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before and later.

Exist Conscientious With Kittens

Kittens are born with their optics closed. They will open eventually, merely non for a week or two (Between 7 to xiv days approximately). Never endeavor to open a kitten's eyes, they will open on their own. If you lot do try this, it tin crusade impairment to their eyes and even blindness. If, however, the optics seem swollen, you may try to take a damp washcloth (with warm water) and very gently wipe their optics so it may be easier for them to open. Don't try this until later the xiv days are up. If that doesn't help, they need to exist taken to a vet then the vet can open their eyes and cheque for infection.

Newborn Kittens: The Beginning Six Weeks

The first 6 weeks are the almost important in a cat's life. During this fourth dimension they are developing, and what they do and y'all do in this period will determine their personality.

The kittens drinking from their mother. They were just a couple days old.

Brandi Goodman

The First Week

During the commencement week, all kittens do is eat, sleep, and have their mother help them become to the bathroom. They will typically weigh effectually 3–4 ounces and are smaller than the palm of your hand.

The kittens at 1 week old. (technically ane week and 1 twenty-four hour period)

The 2d Calendar week

During the second week, the kitten'south eyes should be opening. They tin open sooner, even at six or 7 days, simply it's usually closer to 10–14 days. Just like children, all kittens will exist born with blue eyes. This won't modify for a few weeks. Their vision will exist blurry at beginning so endeavor to keep them away from vivid lights.

My kitten, Tux, started opening his eyes at ix days. He started with both eyes half-open. At eleven days he had 1 eye fully open and 1 center three/iv of the manner open. Past 12 days both optics were open. My sister's kitten, Binx, started opening his eyes at 10 days. He started with one heart ane/4 of the manner open and the other just barely a slit in the corner. At 11 days he had ane eye 1/2 open up and the other heart ane/4 of the way open. Past 12 days both eyes were open up. The other kitten, Twix, didn't start opening her eyes until thirteen days old. She started with one middle 1/3 of the way open up and one eye 1/4 of the style open up. By 14 days she had ane eye all the way open up and 1 eye i/2 of the fashion open up. At 15 days both of her eyes were open up. Twix was the showtime built-in but was the terminal to open her optics. It all just depends and they practice it in their own time. Past 2 weeks they will probably be open, but if they're not, requite them until virtually three weeks before worrying and contacting your vet.

The kittens at two weeks erstwhile.

Brandi Goodman

The Third Week

During the third week, kitten's ear canals will be open up and they may get startled by loud sounds. Their sense of aroma should be fully developed by now. Also, kittens have their digestive organisation developing so they may now start to go to the bath on their own. Teeth may also start to come in.

The kittens at 3 weeks quondam. They're sitting up, walking effectually, and play-fighting with each other now. :)

Brandi Goodman

The Quaternary Calendar week

During the fourth calendar week, kittens will be starting to stand up and walk. They will also be more interactive with their brothers and sisters.

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The kittens at iv weeks erstwhile. They are now a month old and getting so large. They walk and endeavour to run effectually. They even drink out of their mom's water dish sometimes.

Brandi Goodman

The Fifth Calendar week

During the fifth week, kittens should be socializing with humans. They are now more than independent and getting out on their ain. During this time, 2 important things tin can happen. Beginning, you can introduce them to canned kitten food. This food should have a chief meat source every bit the first ingredient, like chicken.

Second, the kittens can also outset to larn to use the litter box. They volition demand a pocket-size shallow box (y'all could fifty-fifty try the lid off of a shoebox) and just an inch or and then of litter. Yous should line this with a plastic liner so information technology doesn't leak through. Kittens volition attempt to taste everything, then you should endeavor to use a natural kind of litter instead of clumping clay. You lot can buy a special litter from a pet store or make your own. But shred up some newspaper or even utilize some sand or soil from outside.

The kittens at v weeks old.

Brandi Goodman

The Sixth Week

During the sixth week, kittens can run and play at present and should be socializing with humans if you desire them to exist a friendly firm cat. At this time you should teach your kitten that hands are not for biting so they learn non to play also crude or try to bite when yous are simply holding or petting them. You can try to use a plastic straw for this lesson. Drag it across the floor and let the kitten pounce on the straw and bite it, only non on your hand. Chewing on the harbinger is also good for teething.

The kittens at 6 weeks old. They are eating and drinking by and large on their own, but still sometimes drink from their mother. They love to run around and play.

Weeks 7–10

Between the 7th and 10th week, kittens could get to new homes, simply they are still learning from their mother. They would be okay, only it's still all-time to wait until subsequently 10 weeks. Cat breeders don't unremarkably give their kittens to new homes until they are 12 weeks sometime. If you do give them away earlier 7 weeks are up, they volition exist more likely to develop behavioral bug. They really need equally much time as possible to learn from mama cat and develop skilful social skills with other pets and humans. They could become "fraidy cats" or even become hateful. It also depends on the maturity of the cat.

If they are litter-trained, eating only cat food (and completely weaned from their mother) and can walk around and play well with their brothers and sisters and you, they will probably exist ready. This isn't usually possible before viii weeks are up. Others may need a footling more time, until ix or 10 weeks. If you absolutely tin can't keep them and have to give them upwardly, then 6 or 7 weeks isn't the worst you can do, just definitely not earlier.

Also, effectually betwixt viii–10 weeks you can start your kitten on hard kitten food. Regular hard true cat food shouldn't be given until they are near their adult weight, which is typically effectually 9 months.

Six Months In

By vi months, your kitten is now basically a "teenager." They will now be showing signs of sexual behavior. So around half-dozen months, you should really take your cat spayed or neutered. If yous don't, that's fine, simply be enlightened that female person cats can get pregnant easily, even while they are notwithstanding nursing, and male cats will spray (which is non a pleasant aroma to take in your domicile.) The but main side consequence of this will be that your pet may proceeds weight due to the fact that they are no longer roaming around looking for other cats to mate with and may become "lazy." All the same, this can be hands managed past a salubrious nutrition. Having your cat spayed or neutered will exist for the good of society as many shelters are full already due to an over-population of cats. In that location are not near enough homes for the number of kittens cats can have.

Other than that, your kittens should grow into happy, healthy adult cats every bit long equally you requite them lots of love and attention!

This article is accurate and true to the all-time of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, handling, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional person. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should exist seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2012 Brandi Goodman

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on August xviii, 2020:

She definitely could have just been showing off her baby to you. She probably trusts you lot.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on August 18, 2020:

Past six weeks old she would definitely not exist waddling and stumbling as much. I would have her to a vet for sure and find out exactly how old she is. Distressing for the late reply. Hope you can help your fiddling kitten.

Paige on August 12, 2020:

My outdoor cat just had kittens and I sat beside her box to run across them and she picked one upwards and laid information technology in my lap and so laid her head beside it I honestly don't know what she wanted except possibly to show me her baby

theendersheep on Baronial 06, 2020:

We simply brought home a female kitten. The lady said that she was six weeks old, but it's obvious that she'southward not even close to being six weeks old. My son picked her up, because I'k loftier adventure so I'm not supposed to get out the house. When he picked her up he thought she was too immature based on her size, but he already had her and left past the fourth dimension I found out. She'due south eating just from a canteen, bright lights still hurt her optics, and noise still hurts her ears. She's not eating whatsoever type of nutrient other than the canteen. She panics when I leave her(I've been adopted equally mama). She still waddles and stumbles more than walks. She's still not able to use the bathroom. Also, her eyes are still bluish. I remember she'south probably two to three weeks. What exercise you think? She'southward not eating equally much as she should so I'm going to start pushing food on her today. I just brought her home yesterday, so please don't think we've had her long. I will take her to the vet, but it'll have to be in a week. I am not allowed to bulldoze anymore, and then I take to wait till my son can take off. I capeesh whatsoever advice, and so will my children and little Neko.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on August 06, 2020:

It all depends. They should be alright, particularly if the mom cat is there to proceed them in line. But I would only proceed a close centre on things.

tyrese on August 03, 2020:

my cat has three kittens and is gonna have more than will the other kittens be kind to them

AnimalLover on July 17, 2020:

My neighbors accept two boys 7 and iv And they can be a bit destructive at times and one of there cats just had a litter of three a couple month Ago and the true cat is having more so I want to teach them to be more than social while the kittens are yet young this gave me a lot of great tips! Thank you

Brandi Goodman (writer) from Holland, MI on June 25, 2020:

Sorry I missed your comment. Yes information technology's possible. Just like children, all cats are going to get through phases at their own pace. Some may exist faster than others.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on June 25, 2020:

Yeah they will notwithstanding grow and be perfectly healthy in most cases.

Lily on May 31, 2020:

if you catch a kitten when there optics are closed do they grow.?????

Morgan Carraway on April 29, 2020:

This makes me feel similar I'm losing my mind, i have 7 kittens that are only 9 days old. They opened their eyes wide open at four days old. At 6 days old they started to walk more than creep clamber and i only witnessed one of the kittens try to climb into the low shallow cat litter box. Am i really going crazy or is this v truly possible for this to happen?

Bella on Oct xiii, 2019:

I got a foster kitten at 4 weeks and she was doing peachy very excited for the new world she is around 9 weeks old at present and my true cat that is nutered got pregnant and had kittens final night so it has been a fun couple of days

Kaitlyn Steers on August 03, 2019:

I accept to foster an abandoned newborn kitten. At three days she started hearing my vocalism, at half dozen days she started opening her eyes, and now at 12 days she is responding to me and coming to my vox. She started trying to walk around 4-5 days. I think she is an advanced Kitten.

Jane McNeil on March 24, 2019:

I took in a devious cat. She ate like a horse. Later on a couple of weeks she starting gaining weight. I was pleased. But she continued to gain weight, only for the light bulb to proceed, and for me to realise she was pregnant. She has at present given nativity to three ambrosial kittens who are three weeks old. I'm planning to go on one plus mummy, and the other 2 already have homes together

Barbara on February 28, 2019:

Your kitten tin can get pregnant at iv months. And then please practise not wait till 6 months to fix your kitten. 3.5 month or 3lbs is condom to set up your kitten. Please set your kitten earlier she has a litter. In that location are more cats than homes for cats!

Jish on July xiii, 2018:

Not all children are born with blue eyes. Both my kids eye were brown

Tracie on May 21, 2018:

How onetime should they be to put them exterior

Brandi Swieter on April 11, 2018:

Meziluna,

the kittens should non exist introduced to the other cats until at least a couple of weeks accept gone by. Information technology'southward best to take a towel, blanket, or even piece of wear and let the kitten lay on it or rub it on its fur. Introduce that to the other cats first to provide them with their smell. Once you lot're set to bring them around the other cats, do and then by putting them in a carrier and allowing the others to come and see them/smell them. It'southward really best to accept it deadening and allow them to become familiar with each other earlier just putting them all together at once. It helps avoid ambitious behavior.

Meziluna on April 07, 2018:

I raised 4 kittens from the time they were 2 days old. For offset time kitten rescuers, KMR should exist given as a replacement- never cows milk. Goats milk will suffice until KMR can be plant. I taught these girls (all 4 of them ) to exercise everything a female parent cat would except hunt but that cane naturally while playing with their toys. In this litter were twin calicos, that bonded, and then I kept them. They are now 2 years former and Hope, who was the runt, just gave birth to 4 kittens of her own. I had Sophia, her sister spayed and every time I fabricated an appt. to have Hope done, she would become into heat. I do rescue from time to time but have always had females until Jack came along. I would continue them separated during Hope's estrus just accidents happen, hence the four 9 mean solar day former kittens. I worried because the merely existent mother Hope had was me. She had them in my front closet and I was able to transfer them after a few days to a bigger bin with blankets and a heating pad. I have other adult cats that were rescues as well and have them in different rooms. Yet, this can't go on forever- I take a "kitten playpen", I just want to know when I should move them. Their eyes and ears are nevertheless closed. I welcome all suggestions. Also Jack, their father has been neutered and Hope has an appointment when they fully wean.

Brandi Goodman (author) from The netherlands, MI on Oct 24, 2017:

He could either be bitter information technology to teach it or sometimes adult cats will kill off a kitten that is too weak or ill that they know won't survive anyways.

Yareli on October 18, 2017:

Hey is it a good idea to exit the male parent with the kitten because when I do he starts biting it sometimes

Monalisa paul on June 26, 2017:

Hullo, a kitten was found on out terrace without her mother.. 4days old information technology was. Now I am taking care of information technology. Simply trouble is I don't know whether feeding milk is proper or non. Also it mews a lot. Can't understand if in that location is any problem. If u tin assist with its feeding chart and how to take care of it. Thanks

Beautiful cat on Apr 10, 2017:

Thanks it is the first time ever having kittens so this did help

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on November 16, 2016:

Sorry, I just plant this comment at present. Do you still have the kitten? The only real recommendation is to but piece of work with the kitten the best you can. There is no mother cat showing information technology and teaching it the things it needs to know, and so that is up to yous to show her how to practice certain things. You'll take to keep introducing her to the litter box to get her comfortable with it and she should take hold of on eventually. It will just take fourth dimension.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on Nov 16, 2016:

It depends on the cat. It'south not unremarkably recommended to impact kittens from a devious because you never know how the mom will react. But if she is fine with you touching them and it hasn't been a problem for her, then it should be ok to continue to practice so moderately.

Danny on November 03, 2016:

Fantabulous advice just what I was looking for simply what I needed. Thanks

Cynthia on August 01, 2016:

Ok so i found a small kitten a couple of days ago. I am not sure how sometime she is but i estimate maybe about 3 to 4 weeks old. She wasn't walking properly the offset 2 days, she didn't have full strenght on her back legs and her teeth were very very small, but she did have her fangs. I named her chilli, she was in a box next to the garbage. My question is she was abonded what can i do to help her not exist a trouble true cat. I don't desire her to have behavioral bug considering she was separated from the her mom and litter at such a young age. For the the first 2 days i fed her milk and helped her with her necessities because she was unable but now she can do it on her own. My other question is i have tried for her to use the litter box after feeding only she runs from information technology so i dont know how she will use it

Tanu Aubeeluck on July 07, 2016:

thanks for your information my cat is i and it is the showtime time she is pregnant

Vanessa on July 05, 2016:

All ur advice was helpful -

Shelia on April 27, 2016:

Hello my true cat had kittens about v vi weeks ago they are all doing wonderfully running playing using litter box eating on their own and Mom has quit feeding them so I have decided to endeavor to rehome them because I cannot keep him whatsoever longer due to my landlord do you lot call up they volition be ok

New kittens on April xix, 2016:

Thx this helped a lot just is it true that if your cat is a stray you tin can touch it cuz I was touching mine and she didn't do anything

NILANJAN GHOSH from KOLKATA (CALCUTTA),Bharat on August 15, 2014:

I love cats...a wonderful hub! :)

heylamina on May 10, 2013:

i got kittes 6 days ago and i have touched them i accept also my cat in ane-two years at present and she is soo happy when i come up and i can bear upon them but last twelvemonth in vinter they died information technology was soo sad i think they was sick and my true cat wont give them milk and they was simply 1 week sometime and i saw like an insect i one of the kitties head? i don't know what is was and they died to my birthday and thanks for the information ;)

Livy10122 on December nineteen, 2012:

Great information for my four new kittys!! :)

Shaz on December 08, 2012:

Howdy I have merely got a kitten she is only five weeks one-time however she is separated from her mother. At the moment she is constantly biting on dress and bedsheets I don't know what to do, especially as she is not seeming to eat at the moment any advice???

elizabeth909 on October 28, 2012:

hey!! my cat -Sheila had her litter only a week ago... they yet squack! when will they start miaauwing?? thanks for the info ;)*

LauraMc2012 on September 25, 2012:

Brilliant postal service, thanks. My cat, Bella, had her start litter last dark, 6 beautiful black kittens. Lots of good info to help me.

Jennifer on September 22, 2012:

Thanks for posting this! My cat was pregnant and we didn't fifty-fifty know and now she has three kittens, Don't recall we will be giving them abroad though! Is it truthful long haired and short hairs are completely dissimilar on timing of opening eyes?

Brandi Goodman (writer) from Holland, MI on September 19, 2012:

Thanks for commenting guys. Rachel, it'due south completely normal for kittens to shake like that. When they walk they shake and stumble around for a few weeks until they get used to it. And when they get picked upwards they can shake too. It's nix to worry well-nigh. Once the kittens are most two or so months old that should be done with and they'll be walking around more and playing. And all kittens do things on their own fourth dimension. Then information technology's completely fine if ane is a little slower at things than others, or just different in general.

Rachel on September 18, 2012:

I am fostering a mom and her iv kittens through the ASPCA. The kittens are 4 weeks old and doing pretty well on walking and beginning to socialize with me and my husband. My concern is that the one is walking okay, but not as well as the others. And whenever I choice him up, he starts to shake. He was shaking when he showtime started walking, which I was told is due to the fact that he isn't used to carrying all of that weight. I'k assuming he shakes when I pick him up because I am new to him and he may exist startled. I guess I'chiliad just asking if it's normal for the one to be stumbling a piddling more than the others and a footling more shy around people.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on August 17, 2012:

Honestly Jazzmin.. I did the same matter when I was your age. My dad does not like cats at all, and my friend'due south cat had kittens and when they were one-time enough I took one habitation and snuck her into my room. My dad DID find out though, and I had to give her away. :( I actually would recommend telling your parents. How are you going to get the money to pay for litter and food? I luckily had my friend helping me since she had cats, she would give me some of her stuff. They tin't accept milk when they are bigger because they are lactose intolerant. There are a lot of human foods that can harm them, even tuna. The merely things that are really okay are chicken and beefiness that are cooked, but not salted. Just they really do simply need true cat nutrient and water. So you have to be able to provide that for them. And you have to be on top of cleaning the litter box because if it gets full they will become wherever else they can! Particularly if you lot don't desire your parents knowing, you don't desire your room smelling similar cat pee or worse. So be sure to clean their litter every twenty-four hour period or every other solar day and replace the litter every week. Skillful luck. Hope if y'all become caught so you won't go your kitten taken away similar I did.

Jazzmin on August fifteen, 2012:

hey i accept a baby kitten shes playing but no longer with her family im merely xv n im mature merely i know it was silly of me to do this but im keeping her n my parents don't no my mom hates pets due north no matter wat i don't wanna requite it upward

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on July 29, 2012:

Dani... the kittens were in a box in my cupboard. The closet was completely cleared out and then the mom and the kittens could be in in that location with their box, nutrient dish, and litter box, with infinite to come out and lay. And yes, they are old enough to come out! At 4 and 5 weeks they should offset to exist pet and socialized with humans. They need to go used to someone property them and petting them and taught not to bite. They should walk around and come up out on their own when they're gear up, as long as they have the space to do so.

Amanda on July 25, 2012:

I am a big true cat lover so I actually enjoyed readig all this

Dani Haas on July 15, 2012:

Where did you lot keep the kittens? I have been keeping the kittens in my dads closet and put a slice of plywood so they could not get out merely they still escape their v weeks old practice you think at that place quondam enough to run around the house and explore?

Brandi Goodman (author) from Holland, MI on May 18, 2012:

Eric... I'chiliad glad this hub has helped you. Similar I said nigh the finish of the hub, six or seven weeks isn't the worst you tin can practice, so that'southward non so bad, just information technology really is preferable to wait a few more weeks. Take fun with the cute petty kittens. :)

Eric Calderwood from USA on April 29, 2012:

Not bad informational Hub! Nosotros have had four previous litters of kittens and have been giving them away at about 6 or 7 weeks. Nosotros have a new litter which is simply 3 days quondam. At present that I know that nosotros have been giving them away too soon, nosotros volition await longer to give the new kittens away.

Brandi Goodman (author) from Kingdom of the netherlands, MI on Apr 20, 2012:

Because that's what all the research I found suggested. These were not my cats, they were my friend's, and I hadn't been around them much before. Even my friend though, was wearing gloves. Because information technology is possible that the mom won't like you property them and reject them if she smells humans on them. Then it's recommended for at least the first week or two to utilize gloves when belongings them, so that is what we did. And yeah, mayhap if the mom is really comfortable with you and she sees you touching them and is ok, then you lot don't take to worry nigh information technology. But I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Jnj8487 on Apr 19, 2012:

Why are you lot property them babies like they have a disease. No demand for gloves my gosh!!!!!

Brandi Goodman (author) from The netherlands, MI on March 19, 2012:

Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked information technology. :)

DearBandit on March 19, 2012:

Thank you for writing this hub, very useful! Vote up~!

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Source: https://pethelpful.com/cats/NewbornKittens-WhatYouNeedToKnow

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