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When do kittens open their eyes?

Most kittens open their eyes at

7 to 14 days

Kittens are born with their eyes closed. Most open them between 7 and 14 days old, and they should be fully open by 2 weeks. Every kitten's eyes are blue at first. If a kitten's eyes haven't opened by 14 days, take it to the vet.

When kittens' eyes open

A newborn kitten's eyelids stay sealed while the eyes finish developing. VCA Animal Hospitals says most kittens open their eyes within 7 to 14 days of birth. The eyes usually open gradually over a few days, often one before the other.

Their sight is blurry at first and keeps developing for the next few months, so young kittens are clumsy and curious. Ears develop alongside: the ear canals start opening at about a week old, and the ears unfold and stand up over the following weeks.

Why kittens have blue eyes

All kittens are born with blue eyes, because the cells that make pigment in the iris aren't active yet. As pigment builds, usually starting at around 6 or 7 weeks, the eyes shift toward their adult color: shades of yellow, green, orange, or brown. Some breeds, like Siamese, keep blue eyes for life.

Caring for a kitten's eyes

  • Never force the eyes open. They open when they're ready.
  • Keep the nest warm, clean, and dim. Bright light is uncomfortable for new eyes.
  • Watch for infection. Eye infections are common in kittens. Redness, squinting, crusting, sticky discharge, or swelling under closed lids all need a vet visit soon.
  • Call your vet if the eyes haven't opened by 14 days.

How old is my kitten? A week-by-week guide

Found a kitten and not sure how old it is? These milestones are the best guide, along with weight.

  1. Birth to 1 week

    Eyes closed, ears folded flat. Kittens sleep and nurse, and should double their birth weight in about a week.

  2. Week 2

    Eyes open, usually between days 7 and 14, and they are blue. Ears start to unfold. Kittens try to stand.

  3. Week 3

    Wobbly walking, first baby teeth, and attempts to climb out of the nest. Kittens start to hear and see properly.

  4. Week 4

    Walking, running, and playing with littermates. Weaning onto soft food can begin.

  5. Weeks 5 to 6

    Eating solid food, using a litter box, and pouncing. Some kittens' eyes start changing color.

  6. Weeks 6 to 8

    First vet visit and vaccines. Kittens usually stay with their mother until at least 8 weeks.

A kitten with closed eyes is under 2 weeks old and needs to be kept warm and fed every 2 to 3 hours. If you've found one without its mother, call a vet or local rescue straight away for help. Once your kitten is older, our cat age calculator converts its age to human years, and the cat calorie calculator shows how much to feed.

Frequently asked questions

When do kittens open their eyes?

Most kittens open their eyes between 7 and 14 days old, and the eyes should be fully open by 2 weeks. They often open gradually, one eye at a time.

When can kittens see?

Kittens see blurry shapes when their eyes first open. Their vision improves quickly over the next few weeks and keeps developing for a few months.

When do kittens' eyes change color?

All kittens are born with blue eyes. The adult color usually starts showing at around 6 or 7 weeks, as pigment develops. Some breeds, like Siamese, stay blue-eyed.

What if my kitten's eyes are not open at 2 weeks?

Take the kitten to a vet. VCA advises an exam if the eyes haven't opened within 14 days. Swelling or discharge under closed lids can mean infection and needs prompt care.

How can I tell how old a kitten is?

Eyes closed means under 2 weeks old. Eyes open but wobbly on its feet suggests 2 to 3 weeks. Walking and playing suggests 4 weeks or more, and eating solid food suggests 5 weeks or older. A vet can give a closer estimate from weight and teeth.

Should I clean a newborn kitten's eyes?

Usually not. Healthy kitten eyes don't need cleaning. If you see crust or discharge, ask your vet before cleaning, because it may be an infection that needs treatment.

Sources

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