Glossary

Kitten

A cat in its first months of life, from birth until about six months to a year old, a time of rapid growth, learning and vaccinations.

Also called: baby cat, kittens, young cat

A kitten is a cat in the first stage of life. The older veterinary life-stage scheme counts it from birth to about six months, and the newer one stretches the stage to a year, so you will see both figures. Kittens grow quickly, with most of the growth in the first six months, and they develop their hunting skills, social habits and coordination through play.

Newborn kittens depend on their mother. Eyes open at around a week to ten days, they begin to eat solid food from about four weeks, see weaning, and they are usually independent in their eating by eight to ten weeks. The first months are when socialisation period matters most.

Kittens need a series of vaccinations, parasite control and a visit to a vet soon after you take one home. Ask your vet about the right schedule, when to spay or neuter and when to microchip. Feed a food made for growth, see kitten food, keep tiny hazards such as string and small toys out of reach and provide plenty of safe play. A kitten that is lethargic, will not eat, has diarrhoea or breathes with effort needs a vet the same day, since young animals decline fast.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Neonatal kitten A kitten in its first two weeks, born with closed eyes and ears and unable to regulate its own temperature or toilet without its mother. Weaning The gradual switch from mother's milk to solid food, which usually starts at about four weeks and is mostly complete by eight to ten weeks. Junior cat The life stage from about seven months to two years, when a cat reaches adult size and sexual maturity and its energy peaks. Kitten food A food with more energy, protein, fat and minerals than adult food, made to support a kitten's fast growth. Socialisation period The early weeks of a kitten's life, roughly two to seven weeks, when gentle handling and new experiences shape how friendly and confident it becomes.

Related guides

The first week with a kitten A day-by-day plan for the first week with a new kitten: the safe room, food, litter, sleep, the first vet visit and the warning signs that need a call. How to kitten-proof your home Room-by-room checks for the hazards that hurt kittens: cords, string, plants, windows, appliances, medicines and household chemicals. Litter training a kitten How to help a kitten learn the litter box: box and litter choice, placement, timing, handling accidents and when a litter problem needs a vet.