Knowing a kitten’s approximate age tells you how often it needs to eat, whether it can keep itself warm and when it can start weaning. Use weight and physical milestones together; individual kittens vary, and sick or underfed kittens may be smaller than their age suggests.
Age by development
| Age | Typical weight | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn–1 week | 50–150 g | Eyes and ears closed; umbilical cord may still be attached in the first days; mostly sleeps and nurses |
| 1–2 weeks | 150–250 g | Eyes begin to open (always blue at first); ears still folded; crawls |
| 2–3 weeks | 250–350 g | Eyes fully open; ears begin to stand up; first wobbly attempts to stand |
| 3–4 weeks | 350–450 g | Front baby teeth appear; walking unsteadily; starts to play and explore |
| 4–5 weeks | 450–550 g | Canine teeth come in; walks and runs more confidently; can start using a litter box |
| 5–6 weeks | 550–700 g | Premolars appear; runs, pounces and plays; eating more solid food |
| 6–8 weeks | 700–900 g | Adult eye color may begin to show; very active; eating solid kitten food |
A common rule of thumb is that a healthy kitten weighs roughly 100 grams per week of age in its first two months.
Feeding and care by age
The amounts below are typical guidelines for kitten milk replacer. Follow the directions on your formula, and ask your veterinarian to adjust for your kitten’s weight and health.
| Age | Amount per feeding | How often | Care notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 week | 2–6 ml | Every 2 hours, day and night | Needs constant warmth; stimulate toileting after every feeding |
| 1–2 weeks | 6–10 ml | Every 2–3 hours | Keep warm; stimulate toileting |
| 2–3 weeks | 10–14 ml | Every 3–4 hours | Still needs warmth; stimulate toileting |
| 3–4 weeks | 14–18 ml | Every 4–5 hours | Can begin to control body temperature; introduce a shallow litter tray |
| 4–5 weeks | 18–22 ml, plus gruel | Every 5–6 hours | Start weaning: formula mixed with wet kitten food in a shallow dish |
| 5–6 weeks | Gruel and wet food | 4–5 times a day | Offer fresh water; thicken the gruel gradually |
| 6–8 weeks | Wet and dry kitten food | 3–4 times a day | Mostly weaned; ask a vet about deworming and first vaccinations |
Rules that always apply
- Warm before feeding. A cold kitten cannot digest food.
- Never give cow’s milk. Use a commercial kitten milk replacer.
- Feed on the belly, never on the back.
- Weigh daily. Steady gain of about 10–15 grams a day is a good sign; weight loss needs a vet.
- Wash your hands before and after handling kittens, and keep them separate from other pets until a vet has checked them.
For step-by-step instructions, see caring for orphaned kittens and puppies.
This chart is general information and not a substitute for veterinary advice.