Who can resist the charm of little kittens? They are so tiny, sweet and cute, that just seeing them is enough to fill one with beautiful feelings.
Their meows, clumsy movements, fluffy tummies and tiny feet make them irresistible, to the point where you can hardly take your eyes off them.
However, beyond their appearance, the kittens they also hide many interesting aspects that are worth knowing.
They are born with blue eyes
All kittens come into the world with blue eyes, regardless of the color they will acquire later. Between weeks 7 and 12, the shade changes and stabilizes to its final color. In some cases, as in Siamese and Ragdoll cats, the blue remains, but with a different intensity.
Some breeds mature more slowly
Although most cats complete their physical development within the first year or so, there are exceptions. For example, Maine Coons continue to grow up to age of 3-4 years.
Their bite is more intense than it seems
The teeth of young kittens are particularly sharp, which makes their bites more painful than those of adults. Although they look innocent, they can leave scars on the skin. The first teeth appear at about 3 weeks of life.
They are born without sight and hearing
Newborn kittens are completely dependent on their mother, as they cannot see or hear. Vision begins to develop after 2-3 weeks.
Their first steps come after about 3 weeks
At first they cannot move. Around 18-21 days they take their first steps and gradually begin to explore their environment.
Smell is their most developed sense
Before they acquire sight and hearing, they rely primarily on smell to locate their mother and siblings. It is a critical skill for their survival.
They easily learn to use their sand
Using the toilet is largely instinct. With a little guidance from mother or human, kittens learn quickly and rarely have “accidents”. In the early stages, the mother helps them with their hygiene.
They develop the ability to pick their nails at 4 weeks
This is an important stage of development that allows them to interact more actively with the environment and to they play.
They are weaned around 8 weeks
At this age they can switch from milk to solid food. It is a pivotal point of independence from their mother.
Their coat changes within the first month
As they grow, their true fur colors and patterns begin to appear, which they will retain into adulthood.
Their weight at the beginning is minimal
At birth they weigh about 85-115 grams. Despite their small size, they grow very quickly.
An impressive record
Although a cat usually gives birth to around four kittens, there has been a recorded case where a cat gave birth to 19 kittens in a single litter.
Siamese kittens are born white
Most newborn Siamese are completely white. Over time, they develop their characteristic colors, which are affected by body temperature: the coldest parts darken, while the warmest remain light.
