Well-socialized cats are more likely to have well-socialized kittens. Kittens “feed” off of their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people. Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking, and playing in order to build good “people-skills” in your kitten. Kittens are usually weaned at six or seven weeks but may continue to suckle for comfort as their mother gradually leaves them more and more. Orphaned kittens, or those weaned too soon, are more likely to exhibit in inappropriate suckling behaviors later in life. Ideally, kittens should stay with their littermates (or other role-model cats) for at least 12 weeks. Kittens orphaned or separated from their mother and/or littermates too early often fail to develop appropriate “social skills,” such as learning how to send and receive signals, what an “inhibited bite” means, how far to go in play-wrestling, and so forth. Play is important for kittens because it increases their physical coordination, social skills, and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and littermates, kittens learn “how to be a cat.” Kittens that are handled 15 to 40 minutes a day during the first seven weeks are more likely to develop larger brains. They’re more exploratory, more playful, and are better learners. Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a cat’s mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond kitten-hood. Most cats are still kittens, in mind and body, through the first two years. Skip Newborn Kittens 0-2 Weeks Old Newborn kittens have closed eyes and folded ears. The kittens cannot stand or walk but are learning to orient towards sound. Mom is usually present with newborns, nursing and caring for her litter diligently, but may leave them for a few hours at a time. Separation from their mother and littermates at this point can lead to poor learning skills and aggression towards people and other pets, including other cats. Kittens 3-5 Weeks Old The kittens’ eyes are open and blue, and the ears unfolded. By the third week, their sense of smell is well developed. They begin to interact with their littermates. Mom slowly decreases her time with the litter, encouraging her kittens to be independent. By the fifth week, sight is fully developed, they can right themselves, run, place their feet precisely, avoid obstacles, stalk, pounce, and catch “prey” with their eyes. Kittens 6-8 Weeks Old Kittens begin to develop adult sleeping patterns, motor abilities, and social interactions. They begin to groom themselves and their littermates. Most learning is by observation, preferably from their mother. The kittens are weaning. Skip 9-14 Weeks Social and object play increases their physical coordination and social skills. Social play includes belly-ups, hugging, ambushing, and licking. Object play includes scooping, tossing, pawing, mouthing, and holding. Socia/object play includes tail chasing, pouncing, leaping, and dancing. Kittens 3-6 Months By 6 months, kittens will be fully grown and completely independent from their mom. Most influenced by their “litter”. Playmates now include companions of other species. While not impossible, feral kittens at this stage are unlikely to socialize to humans. To help with overpopulation and reduce the spread of disease, it is important to consider Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Kittens 6-18 Months Old Kittens at this stage have heightened exploration of assertion. If they are not spayed or neutered, kittens at this stage will begin sexual behavior. Based on what we know of feral cat behavior, these kittens are unlikely candidates for socialization and adoption. Skip Learn More About the MetroCat Street Team Adopting an Under Socialized Cat Humane Colorado Spay/Neuter Clinics Humane Colorado Vaccine Clinics Solving Litter Box Problems The Fearful Cat Share Facebook TikTok Instagram
Newborn Kittens 0-2 Weeks Old Newborn kittens have closed eyes and folded ears. The kittens cannot stand or walk but are learning to orient towards sound. Mom is usually present with newborns, nursing and caring for her litter diligently, but may leave them for a few hours at a time. Separation from their mother and littermates at this point can lead to poor learning skills and aggression towards people and other pets, including other cats.
Kittens 3-5 Weeks Old The kittens’ eyes are open and blue, and the ears unfolded. By the third week, their sense of smell is well developed. They begin to interact with their littermates. Mom slowly decreases her time with the litter, encouraging her kittens to be independent. By the fifth week, sight is fully developed, they can right themselves, run, place their feet precisely, avoid obstacles, stalk, pounce, and catch “prey” with their eyes.
Kittens 6-8 Weeks Old Kittens begin to develop adult sleeping patterns, motor abilities, and social interactions. They begin to groom themselves and their littermates. Most learning is by observation, preferably from their mother. The kittens are weaning.
9-14 Weeks Social and object play increases their physical coordination and social skills. Social play includes belly-ups, hugging, ambushing, and licking. Object play includes scooping, tossing, pawing, mouthing, and holding. Socia/object play includes tail chasing, pouncing, leaping, and dancing.
Kittens 3-6 Months By 6 months, kittens will be fully grown and completely independent from their mom. Most influenced by their “litter”. Playmates now include companions of other species. While not impossible, feral kittens at this stage are unlikely to socialize to humans. To help with overpopulation and reduce the spread of disease, it is important to consider Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
Kittens 6-18 Months Old Kittens at this stage have heightened exploration of assertion. If they are not spayed or neutered, kittens at this stage will begin sexual behavior. Based on what we know of feral cat behavior, these kittens are unlikely candidates for socialization and adoption.
