Learn everything you should know about kittens opening their eyes.
Is there anything more charming than a cat whose eyes have yet to open? That is questionable. Although experts have shown that puppies are slightly cuter than kittens, cat owners strongly disagree. Whether you’re a dog person or a lifetime cat lover, there’s something about little kittens that pulls on your emotions.
Have you ever wondered when kittens open their eyes? What happens if they open their eyes prematurely? You are not alone. We’ve got the inside scoop from vets on when kittens first look at the world, why you should never force a cat to open their eyes too early, and what happens if your newborn kitten’s eyes open before they should.
When does a baby kitten open its eyes?
Kittens are born blind and deaf, yet they open their eyes within two weeks of birth. This normally occurs when kittens are 8 to 12 days old. Your new fur baby’s eyes will be dazzling blue when they first open, but they will most likely change colour as they get older. Cats with solid white or light fur, on the other hand, are more likely to keep their baby blues because the gene that causes their white coloration is dominant.
Is it bad if a kitten opens its eyes prematurely?
While kittens typically open their eyes within the first week or two of life, it is not uncommon for them to do so as early as three days old. The newborn kittens’ eyes are extraordinarily sensitive to light, and they are particularly vulnerable to eye infections. If your kitten opens her eyes when she is just a few days old, her vision may be permanently damaged.
Please contact your veterinarian and keep your baby kitten in a dark place to protect her vulnerable eyes. A kitten’s vision and hearing are initially poor, but within a few weeks, your fur baby will develop night vision six times better than ours, as well as exceptionally sensitive hearing.
Can you compel a kitten’s eyes to open?
You should never force a kitten to open her eyes unless she is ready. You risk permanently damaging her vision as well as causing an eye infection. Symptoms of eye infection include:
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Pus or other discharge from your eyes
- Eyelids stuck closed
- Dry or flaky discharge around the eyes
- Take your kitten to the vet if you fear she has an eye infection. Eye infections are curable with antibiotics, but if left untreated, your kitten may become permanently blind in one or both eyes.
How kittens’ vision develops
Did you know that your kitten’s eyes continue developing after birth? Even with their eyes open, kittens are considered blind for the inital two weeks of life. Your kitten’s eyes will first appear slightly opaque, but as the protective fluid surrounding the eyes clears, your kitten’s vision will improve. When your small fur baby’s vision matures, she can see well enough in your dark, cosy bedroom to jump on your feet and demand food in the dead of night.
What to do if an infection develops?
Even if your kitten’s eyes open on time and you do everything correctly, they can still suffer eye infections. If your kitten develops an eye infection, bring her to the doctor for an examination and, most likely, a prescription for antibiotic eye drops. Change her bedding frequently to avoid infection spreading, keep her in a safe, dark environment, and gently clean her crusty eyes with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Never use soap or other cleaning solutions near your kitten’s eyes.
You should also keep an eye on the other cats in the house. Eye illnesses are extremely contagious, whether you’re caring for Mama Cat and the other of her litter or already have a cat from another litter in your home. Isolating your kitten, as enticing as it may sound, should only be done if recommended by your veterinarian. Separating a kitten from her mother while she is nursing could be harmful to its health. It’s also critical for your cat to socialise with her littermates throughout this stage of development.
When can you start holding kittens?
The good news is that you’ll begin petting your baby cat about the time she opens her gorgeous eyes. That implies she will look at you immediately away and realise that humans are a source of food and comfort. Remember that the small one’s immune system and body will be frail. Wash your hands before and after holding her.
In addition, you should monitor mom’s behaviour and choose a time when she appears relaxed. If Mama Cat urges you to leave baby alone via her body language, wait a little and try again later. When picking up a little cat, make sure to hold its body with both hands. Assuming her gorgeous eyes have opened, she will be able to stare directly at you for the first time.
Take special care of your new kitty.
Caring for a newborn kitten is demanding, but it also fosters a lifelong tie between you and your little friend. Yours will be one of the first faces your cat sees when she opens her eyes, so she will associate you with security and affection. (Unfortunately, research suggests that cats do not assume we are their parents.) Allow your cat to open her eyes on her own; never force them open, and notify your veterinarian if anything goes wrong.