If you’ve had the pleasure of spending time with a newborn kitten, you know how tiny and delicate they are. A question many new cat owners or pet lovers ask is: When do kittens open their eyes for the first time?
The reply is simple and remarkable, as it provides insights into how kittens perceive the world around them when they were young.
The Short Answer: Around 7 to 14 Days
The majority of kittens start opening their eyes at a time of approximately 7 to 10 days, but some may take two weeks. It does not occur suddenly but is a progressive process that completes when both eyes seem completely open.
Why are kittens born with closed eyes?
Kittens are born in a highly helpless condition; hence, they are not fully formed and rely wholly on their mother for sustenance. Their eyes and ears are also sealed at the time of birth, giving a protective layer around their forming nervous systems against light and noise.
Closing their eyes prevents them from contracting infections and exposing them to toxic environmental factors as they grow during this vulnerable stage.
Vision in the First Weeks
Even after kittens’ eyes have opened, they can see very little. Their eyes look bluish-grey initially and are extremely sensitive to light. Eventually—usually over the next 5 to 7 weeks—their vision improves, and their permanent eye color becomes established.
At this stage, kittens begin learning how to integrate movement with what they see. It is both endearing and amazing to watch them clumsily fumble about trying to make sense of their surroundings.
Handling Tips: Look, Don’t Touch (Too Much)
If you’re bottle-feeding newborn kittens, do not try to force their eyes open or leave them in bright light. Let things happen naturally. If you’re concerned that a kitten hasn’t opened its eyes by day 14, or if there is swelling, discharge, or crusting, see a veterinarian. These are symptoms of an eye infection, which can be treated but requires speedy action.
Fun Fact: Kittens Develop at Their Own Pace
Like human babies, not all kittens are the same. Some might open their eyes early, others a bit later, and that’s just as okay, especially with a big litter. Genetics, environment, and even the position of the kitten in the womb can dictate when that first blink occurs.
When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes? – FAQs
Kittens typically begin to open their eyes between 7–10 days old, but it can vary:
Some as early as 5 days
Others may take up to 14 days
Not always. It’s common for one eye to open before the other, especially in the first few days.
Yes. Kittens are born blind and deaf. Their eyes and ears are sealed shut at birth for protection while they develop.
Almost all kittens are born with blue eyes.
Their permanent eye color (like green, amber, or gold) develops between 6–8 weeks of age.
Ears begin to open between 5–8 days and continue to develop until 3 weeks. Hearing improves around the same time as vision.
Final Thoughts
Seeing kittens open their eyes is like seeing the break of dawn of their curiosity. It’s the start of their discovery, their initial sight of the world, and one of the significant milestones in their life.
So if you’re fortunate to see it, relish the experience. Those small eyes are viewing their world—and you—for the first time.
