As of: February 15, 2024, 2:04 p.m
By: Sophie Kluß
Comments
Press
Split
The first days of kitten life are fascinating.
But when do they open their eyes?
Here you can find out how you can accompany this milestone.
When the kittens are born, the development of the little kittens progresses rapidly.
Born deaf and blind, with their eyes closed, they soon prick up their little ears and look out at the world with their little blue eyes.
The eyelids, which are initially connected to each other, protect the eyes in the first few days after birth - even if the mother cat cleans her offspring in this area.
Never open a kitten's eyes until they have done so themselves.
The new WhatsApp channel from Landtiere.de is here!
Animal tips and touching news can be found on our WhatsApp channel: Click here to go directly to
Tierverliebt
.
Here you can find out exactly when kittens open their eyes and how cat owners can accompany the newborns during this milestone.
When do kittens open their eyes?
As a rule, kittens open their eyes for the first time between eight and ten days of age.
Until then, the little ones are completely dependent on their mother and orientate themselves exclusively using their senses of touch and smell.
Initially, a small opening appears on the inside of the eye.
Over a period of a few days, the eyelids move further and further apart from the inside out.
Little by little you can see more of the eye behind it until the eyes are finally fully open.
Below you can find out what you can do if you experience irritation from external influences.
You can find even more exciting animal topics in the free partner newsletter from Landtiere.de, which you can subscribe to right here.
After almost two weeks, the little rascals have fully opened their eyes and are slowly showing interest in their surroundings.
At the age of four to five weeks, the senses of hearing and vision are fully developed.
My news
The final moments: Dogs go through three stages of dying before death
“His feelings hurt”: Mistress doesn’t give dog a kiss – reaction amuses online readers
Puppy “Piglet”: Pink, deaf, blind – and a role model for children’s reading
Which breed of dog lives the oldest?
Twelve breeds accompany you for particularly long reading
Pretty kitties: the 12 most beautiful cat breeds read
American marmot predicts: Spring is almost here - how does the weather forecast work?read
Kittens open their eyes – how can cat owners support this?
To prevent serious inflammation from occurring when kittens open their eyes, owners should be careful and treat fine crusts immediately.
(Symbolic image) © Cavan Images/Imago
With a lot of love, time and patience you can support the kittens in their nursery.
Here you can find out what is important when caring for your still sensitive eyes.
If the eyes tear or the eyelids stick together, the eyes are probably irritated.
If you notice a fine crust on the eyelids, you should help the kittens open their eyes with the right care.
To do this you need:
A soft, lint-free cloth
Lukewarm, boiled water
If necessary, eye ointment
Use the wet cloth to carefully dab the crust on the eyelids and wait until it is completely soft.
Moisten the cloth again in a clean area and gently remove the soft crust.
Usually the mother of the cats cleans the kitten's eyelids again.
If the eyelids remain sticky despite the treatment, you can help with a little eye ointment.
Apply this carefully to the crusty eyelid with your fingertip.
A thin layer is enough to soften and loosen the crust.
If a kitten's eyes won't open or one eye looks sick, see a veterinarian.
After an examination, the veterinarian will decide on the appropriate treatment.
This article only contains general information on the respective topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the vet. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about illnesses in your animal.