When do kittens open their eyes?

Because their eyes are still developing, kittens keep them closed for a few days after birth. Keeping them shut protects their sensitive tissues from light and potential infections.

Generally, kittens begin to open their eyes between 7 and 14 days after birth. But the exact timing can vary slightly depending on the kitten and the breed. This process is gradual and can take a few days to complete.

Here’s what to expect during this stage of a kitten’s development.

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A real eye-opener: Stages of kitten eye development

Day 7 to 10

Around this time, your kitten’s eyelids will start to part, often beginning with just a small slit.

Kittens don’t open both eyes fully at once. One eye might open slightly before the other. Their eyes will appear glossy and blue, which is the colour all kittens are born with.

Their vision is very limited at this point, and they’re still highly dependent on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their surroundings.

Day 10 to 14

In the next few days, the eyes will continue to open wider, but their vision remains blurry. The kittens are still adapting to the light and are sensitive to their environment.

It's important during this time to keep their living space calm and dimly lit. This helps to avoid overwhelming their developing eyes.

Week 3 to 4

By this point, most kittens will have their eyes fully open, and they begin to explore their surroundings. But it’s a good idea to keep them supervised, as their vision isn’t 100% yet, and still needs to improve.

At about 6 to 7 weeks, their eye colour may start to change from the initial blue to their permanent adult colour.

Kitten eye care

It’s important to monitor a kitten’s eyes closely during the development period. The eye-opening process should happen naturally without intervention, but there are some things to keep in mind:

• Infections. If a kitten’s eyes remain sealed or there’s any discharge, it could be a sign of an infection. Eye infections are relatively common in young kittens. This can result in swelling, redness or a crusty buildup around the eyes. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with your vet to get them the appropriate treatment.
• Hygiene. Since newborn kittens can’t groom themselves, it's vital to make sure their environment is clean. Any bedding or areas where the kittens spend time should be kept free of dirt or any irritants that could affect their eyes.
• Handling. During the early stages of eye development, try not to handle the kittens too much. You should also avoid exposing them to bright lights. Their eyes are extremely sensitive, so minimising stress can help ensure a smooth transition as they gain their vision.

How to care for your kitten

If you’re new to kitten life, we have loads of useful guides and tips for kittens and young cats:

• Check out our full guide for how to care for your kitten.
• Here’s how to socialise your kitten, to make sure they get on with your family and other pets – particularly older cats.
• When it comes to using the toilet, here’s how to litter train your kitten.
• If your kittens will ultimately be outdoor cats, here’s when they can go outside.

If you have any concerns regarding your kitten’s development or behaviour, always consult your vet for advice.

Last reviewed by Owe Carter, September 2024.