When Do kittens Open Their Eyes After Birth? Stages, Factors & Timeline

When kittens are born, their eyes are usually closed, completely normal! Eyes are one of the last things to develop in the newborn kitten, and eyelids protect these when growing. Kittens are born much earlier than many other animals, so they need some time for catching up before being fully grown. In this blog, we will talk about when kittens open their eyes, how their vision develops, and how to care for them during this exciting stage. But before all of that, let’s take a look at why their eyes are closed. 

• Delayed Eye Development: So, Newborn cats eyes are actually one of the last things to fully develop. That’s why their eyelids are all stuck shut when they’re born—just giving their eyes a little extra time to grow safely.
• Protective Mechanism: Plus, keeping those little peepers closed at first is just nature’s way of protecting them while they’re still figuring things out.
• Premature Birth: They come into the world really premature compared to other animals. Their closed eyes are just another hint at how much more growing they’ve still got to do!

At What Age Do Newborn Cats Open Their Eyes?

Now that you know why they are born with their eyes closed, it’s time to get to the main part you’ve been waiting for! When do kittens open their eyes? Generally, this phenomenon occurs between 7–12 days after they are born. But hey, some little furballs might take up to two weeks to open their eyes and that’s perfectly normal too!

Stages of Eye Development in Kittens

It’s super fun to watch them grow, especially when their eyes start to change. To help you get in the loop, let’s take a closer look at how their eyes develop. 

1. Birth (0-7 Days): At first, Baby cats have their eyes shut tight. It’s pretty cute—they’re totally happy in their cozy, dark little world.
2. Eye Opening (7-14 Days): Around this time, you’ll start to see their eyelids starting to crack open. At first, they’ll just have tiny little slits—it’s all part of the deal! 
3. Improved Vision (2-3 Weeks): By week two, they’ll be reacting to movement and light. And trust me, it’s a blast watching them get all curious about their surroundings.
4. Depth Perception (3-4 Weeks): At this point, they’re moving around and exploring! You’ll definitely see them getting braver as they figure out their space.
5. Eye Color Change (4-8 Weeks): Did you know that all kittens start off with blue eyes? It’s kind of cool because their real eye color starts to show during this time.
6. Full Vision Development (2-3 Months): By now, your newborn cats will have full adult vision. You’ll see them totally owning it when it comes to chasing toys and spotting movement from across the room!

Common Cat Breeds and Eye-Opening Age

Factors That Affect Newborn Cats Opening Their Eyes

It actually depends on many things.  Have a look at them and figure out when actually your Newborn cat will open its eyes.

• Breed Differences: So, different cat breeds actually open their eyes at different times. Some breed’s little ones might open eyes earlier than others while some may open later on.
• Environment: Plus, the place where they are born can totally influence when they get to see the world. For instance, breeds from warmer climates might develop faster, impacting their eye-opening time.
• Health and Birth Conditions: Also, the health of the baby cat plays a big role. Kittens that are born healthy and have a good weight usually open their eyes sooner compared to the smaller or weaker ones in the litter.
• Number of Siblings: And in bigger litters, not all are going to open their eyes at once. This is mostly because some of them have more access to food, helping them grow faster.
• Care and Nutrition: Lastly, kittens that get plenty of good care and nutrition tend to grow up better and usually open their eyes right on time. Good care really helps with their overall growth.

How to Know When a Kitten’s Eyes Are About to Open?

You should look for the following signs to know when kittens will open their eyes:

• More Movement: Firstly, if you notice your kitten pawing at their faces or stretching a bit more, they are sure to open their eyes soon.
• Tiny Gaps: Next, watch for small openings in their eyelids—that’s your first sign their eyes are about to open. 
• Increased Awareness: Additionally, They might begin to react to light and sounds as they become more conscious of their environment.
•  Extra Attention from Mom: Moreover, you can spot their mother spending more time cleaning their faces.

Should You Help Kittens Open Their Eyes?

No, it is very important to allow your Newborn Cat open their eyes themselves! Here is why you should stop worrying and not do anything:

• Delicate Process: Firstly, those furry babies have really sensitive eyes, and if we work trying to force them open it could really hurt them. Even at times, this might cause an infection. So, once again, better to leave them alone!.

• Injury: Plus, messing with their eyes too soon can hurt their sensitive tissues, which might cause issues down the road.

What can you do:

Instead of helping, you must do the following:

• Observe: Instead of jumping in to lend a hand, just observe them from a distance. Make sure their space is clean, calm, and not too bright.
• Consult a Vet: If you see anything weird, like swelling or discharge, or if their eyes aren’t opening after two weeks, just visit a vet.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure the kittens open their eyes safely and naturally.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing when do kittens open their eyes and the moment both are truly magical. After all, this is just the beginning of their adventure in exploring the world and making a connection with you! If you get to know their growth stages and give them the love they need, you’ll be helping them turn into happy, healthy cats. So, soak in every single moment—you’re witnessing something amazing right in front of you!

FAQ

1. Is it normal for kittens to have cloudy eyes when they first open?

Yes, it is normal for a kitten’s eyes to look cloudy or hazy when they open first. This will surely go away within a few days

2. When will the color of my kitten’s eyes change?

At time of birth kittens have blue or gray eyes. However, at 6 to 7 weeks of age they color changes to  yellow, green, orange, or brown.

3. Will my kittens be able to see clearly once they open their eyes?

No, kittens’ vision will not be able to see clearly after they open their eyes. Their eyesight will improve in the first few weeks as they grow.