Before beginning to care for kitten(s), is it important to determine how old they are and how healthy they may be. Knowing this will determine how you feed them, if they need external heat, if they need other medications, and more.

Age
This chart can help you narrow down the age of the kittens:

• Under one week: Eyes are shut, ears flat to head and skin appears “pinkish.” Part of umbilical cord may still be attached.
• One week to ten days: Eyes begin to open but ears are still flat. A kitten this age is smaller than an adult hand.
• Three weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect and teeth are visible. Kittens are just learning to walk and very wobbly.
• Four to five weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color. Kittens have begun to pounce and leap and to eat solid food.
• Eight weeks: Kittens this age weigh approximately two pounds. If they have not been exposed to humans, they will likely be feral.

Signs of a healthy kitten

• Appears well fed
• No crust in eyes or nose
• Pink gums
• Energetic

Signs of an unwell kitten

• Skinny
• Matted or greasy fur
• Crust in/around eyes and/or nose
• White gums
• Lethargic
• Constant crying

EMERGENCY! If a kitten is COLD, LETHARGIC, CONSTANTLY CRYING – they may be fading! Please visit this page for more info on triage crashing kittens.