When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes? A Growth Timeline

Kittens are born in a state of "altricial" dependency. They are blind, deaf, unable to regulate their body temperature, and unable to pee on their own. If you find a stray kitten, determining their age is critical for knowing what to feed them (Formula vs. Gruel). The best indicators are the eyes and ears.

Week 1: The Potato Phase (0-7 Days)

• Eyes: Sealed shut tightly.
• Ears: Folded flat against the head.
• Umbilical Cord: Attached. Falls off around Day 3-5.
• Movement: They wiggle and crawl but cannot walk.
• Care: Bottle feed every 2-3 hours. Stimulate to potty.

Week 2: The Awakening (7-14 Days)

This is the magical week.

• Eyes: Begin to "peep" open. Usually starts at Day 8-10.
  • The Look: They don't pop open at once. One eye might open before the other. They look squinty.
  • The Color: ALL kittens have cloudy blue eyes at this stage.
  • WARNING: Never pry the eyes open. Let the membrane dissolve naturally. If there is crust/pus sealing them, wipe gently with a warm, wet cotton ball.
• Ears: Start to unfold and stand up.

Week 3: The Wobble (14-21 Days)

• Eyes: Fully open. Vision is blurry. The color is bright blue.
• Ears: Fully upright.
• Teeth: The tiny front incisors (baby teeth) start cutting through gums.
• Mobility: They start walking, but they wobble and fall over (drunk walking).

Week 4-5: The Miniature Cat (21-35 Days)

• Eyes: Vision is sharp. They can track moving objects.
• Eye Color Change: Around Week 6-7, the blue starts to change to their permanent adult color (Green, Gold, Copper).
• Mobility: Running, pouncing, and climbing curtains.
• Food: Can start weaning onto "gruel" (wet food mixed with formula).

Eye Care for Neonates

Kittens are prone to eye infections (Neonatal Ophthalmia).

• Signs: Swollen eyelids, yellow/green discharge, or eyes sealed shut with crust.
• Action: This is usually a bacterial infection (from the birth canal) or Herpes virus. It needs antibiotic ointment (Terramycin) immediately, or they can go blind.

Summary Chart

Read Next: Kitten Teething Timeline