Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
These newborn kittens are only minutes old.
4 TO 6 WEEKS
Most kittens begin to eat some solid food at four weeks of age and can
be fully weaned by six weeks. It is normal for kittens to eat dirt or kitty
litter during the weaning process, but they learn quickly that these sub-
stances don't taste very good. Kittens have all of their baby teeth by six
weeks of age. Kittens who go outdoors and are trained by their moth-
ers can learn some rudimentary hunting behavior during this time.
This is a very important period in the socialization process. Kittens
who are not exposed to humans and other animals (including other
cats) at this stage can have a harder time adjusting to them later on in
life. Coordinated social play behavior develops during this time.
The kittens' eyes change from blue to their permanent color, they
regulate their own body temperature and start to control their urina-
tion and defecation during this time. Protection against disease is still
mainly conferred through maternal immunity—the antibodies derived
from their mothers.
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