View source for Kitten

{{Short description|Juvenile cat}}
{{Other uses|Kitten (disambiguation)|Kitty (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
[[File:Juvenile Ragdoll.jpg|thumb|A [[Ragdoll]] kitten]]

A '''kitten''' is a [[Juvenile (organism)|juvenile]] cat. After being born, kittens display primary [[altriciality]] and are fully dependent on their mothers for [[#Establishing immunity|survival]]. They normally do not open their eyes for seven to ten days. After about two weeks, kittens develop quickly and begin to explore the world beyond their nest. After a further three to four weeks, they begin to eat solid food and grow [[baby teeth]]. Domestic kittens are highly [[Cat communication|social]] animals and usually enjoy human companionship.

==Etymology==
The word "kitten" derives from the [[Middle English]] word {{lang|enm|kitoun}}, which in turn came from the [[Old French]] {{lang|fro|chitoun}} or {{lang|fro|cheton}}.{{sfn|Oxford Dictionary 2005}} Juvenile [[big cat]]s are called "cubs" rather than kittens. For the young of smaller wild [[felids]], such as [[ocelot]]s, [[caracal]]s, and [[lynx]]es, either term may be used, though "kitten" is more common.{{sfn|Sunquist|Sunquist|2014|pp=58–59}}

==Development==
[[File:1 dia de vida.jpg|thumb|A newborn [[Norwegian Forest]] kitten.]]
A feline [[Litter (animal)|litter]] usually consists of two to five kittens,{{sfn|Tsutsui|Stabenfeldt|1993|p=1699}} but litters with one to more than ten are known.<ref>[https://www.petcha.com/many-kittens-litter/ "How Many Kittens Are in a Litter? — Chewy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420075710/https://www.petcha.com/many-kittens-litter/ |date=2018-04-20 }}. ''petcha.com''. 3 May 2016. Retrieved on 20 September 2018.</ref> Kittens are typically born after a [[gestation]] lasting between 64 and 67 days, with an average length of 66 days.{{sfn|Tsutsui|Stabenfeldt|1993|p=1699}} When they are born, kittens emerge in a sac called the [[amnion]], which is bitten off and eaten by the mother [[cat]].{{sfn|Vandivert|1975|p=53}}

For the first several weeks, kittens cannot [[urinate]] or [[defecate]] without being stimulated by their mother.{{sfn|Pet Education 2011}} They also cannot regulate their body temperature for the first three weeks, so kittens born in temperatures less than {{convert|27|C|F}} can die from [[hypothermia]] if their mother does not keep them warm.{{sfn|International Cat Care 2015}} The mother's milk is very important for the kittens' nutrition and proper growth. This milk transfers [[antibodies]] to the kittens, which helps protect them against [[infectious diseases]].{{sfn|Casal|Jezyk|Giger|1996|p=1653}} As mentioned above, they cannot urinate, so they have a very high requirement for fluids.{{sfn|Sturgess|Hurley|2005|p=243}}{{Clarify|date=October 2025}} Kittens open their eyes about seven to ten days after birth. At first, the [[retina]] is poorly developed and vision is poor. Kittens cannot see as well as adult cats until about ten weeks after birth.{{sfn|Tootle|Friedlander|1989|p=1325}}

Kittens develop very quickly from about two weeks of age until their seventh week. Their coordination and strength improve, and they [[Play (activity)|play]]-fight with their littermates and begin to explore the world outside the nest or den. They learn to wash themselves and others as well as play hunting and stalking games, showing their inborn ability as predators; the kittens' mother or other adult cats help develop these innate skills by bringing live prey to the nest. Later, the mother demonstrates hunting techniques for the kittens to emulate.{{sfn|Poirier|Hussey|1982|pp=133–148}} As they reach three to four weeks old, the kittens are gradually [[Weaning|weaned]] and begin to eat solid food, with weaning usually complete by six to eight weeks.{{sfn|Sturgess|Hurley|2005|p=244}} Kittens generally begin to lose their [[baby teeth]] around three months of age, and they have a complete set of adult teeth by nine months.{{sfn|Veterinary Medicine 2013}} Kittens live primarily on solid food after weaning, but they usually continue to suckle from time to time until separated from their mothers. Some mother cats will scatter their kittens as early as three months of age, while others continue to look after them until they approach [[sexual maturity]].{{sfn|Bönisch|1996|pp=23–24}}

The sex of kittens is usually easy to determine at birth. By six to eight weeks, this becomes harder because of the growth of fur in the genital region. The male's [[Urinary meatus|urethral opening]] is round, whereas the female's urethral opening is a slit. Another marked difference is the distance between [[anus]] and urethral opening, which is greater in males than in females.{{sfn|Walls|1991|p=22}}

[[File:Kittens resting close together for warmth and security.jpg|thumb|left|Two kittens resting close together for warmth and security|alt=Kittens lying close together for warmth and security]]
Kittens are very [[Cat communication|social]] and spend most of their waking hours interacting with other animals and playing on their own. Play with other kittens peaks in the third or fourth month after birth, with more solitary hunting and stalking play peaking later, at about five months.{{sfn|Crowell-Davis|2005|p=18}}

Kittens are vulnerable because they like to find dark places to hide, sometimes with fatal results if they are not watched carefully. Cats have a habit of seeking refuge under or inside cars or on top of car tires during stormy or cold weather; this often leads to broken bones, burns, heat stroke, damaged internal organs or death.<ref>Daphne Sashin, [http://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/risky-hiding-places-for-cats Five Risky Hiding Places For Cats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123934/http://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/risky-hiding-places-for-cats |date=2015-04-02 }}. WebMD, September 14, 2010.</ref>

Domestic kittens are commonly sent to new homes at six to eight weeks of age, but it has been suggested that being with their mother and littermates from six to twelve weeks is important for a kitten's social and [[Cat behaviour|behavioural]] development.{{sfn|Crowell-Davis|2005|p=18}} Usually, breeders and foster/rescue homes will not sell or adopt out a kitten that is younger than twelve weeks. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to give away kittens younger than eight weeks of age.{{sfn|Sunquist|Sunquist|2014|p=111}} Kittens generally reach sexual maturity at around seven months, and full "adulthood" around one year of age.{{sfn|Santa Maria Times 2013}}

==Health==
Domestic kittens in developed societies are usually vaccinated against common illnesses from two to three months of age. The usual combination vaccination protects against [[feline viral rhinotracheitis]] (FVR), [[feline calicivirus]] (C), and [[feline panleukopenia]] (P). This [[Feline vaccination|FVRCP]] inoculation is usually given at eight, twelve, and sixteen weeks, and an inoculation against [[rabies]] may be given at sixteen weeks. Kittens are usually [[spayed or neutered]] at seven months of age, but kittens may be neutered as young as seven weeks (if large enough), especially in [[animal shelter]]s.{{sfn|Olson|Kustritz|Johnston|2001|pp=223–232}} Such early neutering does not appear to have any [[Spaying and neutering#Disadvantages|long-term health risks for cats]], and it may even be beneficial in male cats.{{sfn|Spain|Scarlett|Houpt|2004|pp=372–379}} Kittens are commonly given [[deworming]] treatments for [[roundworm]]s from about four weeks.{{sfn|McHattie|1993|p=121}}

[[File:Mothercatandkitten-malawi-2018.webm|thumb|thumbtime=2|right|A kitten suckling its mother]]
[[File:Tabby Kitten on Blue Throw.jpg|thumb|A [[tabby]] kitten]]

==Nutrition==
Felines are carnivores and have adapted to animal-based diets and low [[carbohydrate]] inclusion. Kittens belong to the growth life stage and have high energy and protein requirements.<ref name=":0" /> When feeding a kitten, it is often recommended to use highly digestible ingredients and a variety of components to support development and ensure a healthy adult cat.<ref name="Sheridan">{{cite journal|last1=Sheridan|first1=Libby|title=Kitten nutrition|journal=Veterinary Nursing Journal|date=2012|volume=27|issue=6|pages=232–241|doi=10.1111/j.2045-0648.2012.00182.x|s2cid=219320741 }}</ref> In North America, diets certified by the [[Association of American Feed Control Officials]] (AAFCO) are accepted as adequate nutrition; therefore, kitten diets should be AAFCO-approved to guarantee complete supplementation.<ref name="Ander" /> Key components of the diet are high fat content to meet caloric requirements of growth, high protein to promote muscle growth, and supplementation of certain nutrients such as [[docosahexaenoic acid]] to support [[brain]] development and the optimization of [[cognition]].{{sfn|Greco|2014|p=265}}

===Pre-weaning nutrition===
====Establishing immunity====
Part of the kitten's immune system is the [[mucosal immune system]], which is within the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. The mucosal immune system is largely responsible for coordinating proper immune responses by tolerating innocuous antigens and attacking foreign pathogens.<ref>Kabat, A. M., Pott, J., & Maloy, K. J. (2016). The mucosal immune system and its regulation by autophagy. ''Frontiers in immunology'', ''7''.</ref> In order to optimize kitten health and increase chances of survival, it is important to optimize the link between the [[gut-associated lymphoid tissue]] and the [[microbiota]] of the gastrointestinal tract. Lasting health and longevity can be promoted partly through proper nutrition,<ref name=":1" /> as well as by establishing a healthy gut from birth through the use of [[colostrum]].<ref name=":2">Chastant‐Maillard, S., Aggouni, C., Albaret, A., Fournier, A., & Mila, H. (2017). Canine and feline colostrum. ''Reproduction in Domestic Animals'', ''52''(S2), 148-152.</ref>

[[File:Laitche-P013.jpg|thumb|A litter of kittens suckling their mother]]
Within the first two days after [[birth]], kittens acquire [[passive immunity]] from their mother's milk.<ref name="petnutritiontext">{{cite book|last1=Case|first1=Linda|last2=Leighann|first2=Daristotle|last3=Hayek|first3=Michael|last4=Foess Raasch|first4=Melody|title=Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals|date=2011|publisher=Elsevier|page=210}}</ref> Milk within the first few days of parturition is called colostrum and contains high concentrations of [[immunoglobulin]]s.<ref name="petnutritiontext" /> These include [[immunoglobulin A]] and [[immunoglobulin G]], which cross the [[neonatal]] intestinal barrier.<ref name=":2" /> The immunoglobulins and [[growth factor]]s found in the colostrum begin to establish and strengthen the weak immune system of the [[offspring]].<ref>Greco, D. S. (2014). Pediatric Nutrition. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(2), 265-273.</ref> Kittens are able to chew solid food around 5–6 weeks after birth, and it is recommended that 30% of their diet consist of solid food at this time.<ref>Little, S. (2013) Successful management of orphaned kittens. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15, 201-210.</ref> The kitten remains on the mother's milk until around eight weeks of age, when weaning is complete and solid food becomes the primary food source.<ref name=":0">Sheridan, L. (2014). Kitten Nutrition. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 27(6), 232-241.</ref>

===Post-weaning nutrition===
====Fat====
Until approximately one year of age, kittens are in a growth phase during which energy requirements can be up to 2.5 times higher than maintenance.<ref>Hand, M. S. L., & Lon, D. (2000). Small animal clinical nutrition (No. SF 992. N88. L49 2000).</ref> Pet nutritionists often suggest offering a [[Cat food|commercial cat food]] designed specifically for kittens starting at four weeks of age.<ref name=":1">Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., Raasch, M. F. (2011) Nutritional care of neonatal puppied and kittens. Canine and Feline Nutrition, 21, 209-219.</ref> [[Fat]] has a higher caloric value than [[carbohydrate]]s and [[protein]], supplying 9 kcal/g.<ref>The heats of combustion for glucose, sucrose, and starch are 15.57, 16.48 and 17.48 kJ/g respectively, or 3.72, 3.94 and 4.18 kcal/g.</ref> The growing kitten requires [[Arachidonic acid|arachidonic]] and [[linoleic acid]], which can be provided in [[omega−3 fatty acid]]s.<ref name=":0" /> Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is another vital nutrient that can be supplied through omega−3 fatty acids. Addition of DHA to the diet benefits the cognition, brain, and visual development of kittens.<ref name=":1" />

====Protein====
Cats are natural [[carnivore]]s and require high amounts of protein in the diet. Since kittens are in a growth phase, they need substantial levels of protein to supply essential [[amino acid]]s for the development of tissues and muscles.<ref name="petnutritiontext" /> It is recommended that kittens consume a diet containing approximately 30% protein, on a dry matter basis, for proper growth.<ref>{{Cite journal |author1-last=Rogers |author1-first=Quinton |author2-last=Morris |author2-first=James |date=April 1979 |title=Essentiality of Amino Acids for the Growing Kitten |journal=Journal of Nutrition |volume=109 |issue=4 |pages=718–723 |doi=10.1093/jn/109.4.718 |pmid=430271}}</ref>

[[Taurine]] is an essential amino acid found only in animal tissue; the mother cat cannot produce enough of it for her kittens.<ref name=":3">Sturman, J. A., Moretz, R. C., French, J. H., & Wisniewski, H. M. (1985). Postnatal taurine deficiency in the kitten results in a persistence of the cerebellar external granule cell layer: correction by taurine feeding. ''Journal of Neuroscience Research'', ''13''(4), 521-528.</ref> As it is an indispensable amino acid, it must be provided exogenously through the diet at 10&nbsp;mg per kg of bodyweight, each day.<ref>Burger, I. H., & Barnett, K. C. (1982). The taurine requirement of the adult cat. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 23(9), 533-537.</ref> Taurine deficiency can lead to poor growth in kittens,<ref name=":3" /> and it can cause retinal degeneration in cats.<ref>Markwell, P. J., & Earle, K. E. (1995). Taurine: an essential nutrient for the cat. A brief review of the biochemistry of its requirement and the clinical consequences of deficiency. ''Nutrition research'', ''15''(1), 53-58.</ref>

====Carbohydrates====
Felines are natural carnivores and do not intentionally consume large quantities of carbohydrates. The domestic cat's liver has adapted to the lack of carbohydrates in the diet by using amino acids to produce glucose, which fuels the brain and other tissues.<ref>Schermerhorn, T. (2013). Normal glucose metabolism in carnivores overlaps with [[diabetes]] pathology in non-carnivores. ''Frontiers in endocrinology'', ''4''.</ref> Studies have shown that carbohydrate digestion in young kittens is much less effective than that of a mature feline with a developed gastrointestinal tract.<ref>Harper, E. J., & Turner, C. L. (2000). Age-related changes in apparent digestibility in growing kittens. ''Reproduction, Nutrition, Development'', ''40''(3), 249-260</ref> Highly digestible carbohydrates found in commercial kitten food provide additional energy and fiber to stimulate the immature gut tissue. Soluble fiber such as [[beet pulp]] is commonly used as a stool hardener and has been shown to strengthen intestinal muscles and thicken the gut mucosal layer, helping to prevent diarrhea.<ref>Fukunaga, T., Sasaki, M., Araki, Y., Okamoto, T., Yasuoka, T., Tsujikawa, T., ... & Bamba, T. (2003). Effects of the soluble fibre pectin on intestinal cell proliferation, fecal short chain fatty acid production and microbial population. ''Digestion'', ''67''(1-2), 42-49.</ref>

===Diet composition===
====Amino acids====
The lack of readily available [[glucose]] from the limited carbohydrates in the diet has resulted in the liver adapting to produce glucose from the breakdown components of protein — amino acids. The enzymes that break down amino acids are constantly active in cats. Thus, cats need a constant source of protein in their diet.<ref name="Sheridan" /> Because they are constantly growing, kittens require an increased amount of protein to supply readily available amino acids for daily maintenance and for building new body components.<ref name="Sheridan" /> There are many required amino acids for kittens. A dietary level of approximately 0.3% [[histidine]] is necessary for kittens since histidine-free diets cause weight loss.<ref name="Ander">{{cite journal|last1=Anderson|first1=P|last2=Baker|first2=D|last3=Sherry|first3=P|last4=Corbin|first4=J|title=Histidine, phenylalanine-tyrosine and tryptophan requirements for growth of the young kitten|journal=Journal of Animal Science|date=1980|volume=50|issue=3|pages=479–483|doi=10.2527/jas1980.503479x|pmid=7364684|s2cid=1583258}}</ref> [[Tryptophan]] is required at about 0.15% as this level maximizes performance in kittens.<ref name="Ander"/> Kittens also need the following amino acids supplemented in their diet: [[arginine]] to avoid an excess of [[ammonia]] in the blood — otherwise known as [[hyperammonemia]], [[isoleucine]], [[leucine]], [[valine]], [[lysine]], [[methionine]] as a [[sulfur]]-containing amino acid, [[asparagine]] for maximal growth in the early post-weaning kitten, [[threonine]], and taurine to prevent central retinal degeneration.<ref name="Ander"/>

====Vitamins====
=====''Fat-soluble vitamins''=====
[[Vitamin A]] is required in kitten diets because cats cannot convert [[carotenes]] to [[retinol]] in the intestinal mucosa due to a lack of the necessary enzyme; therefore, this vitamin must be supplied in the diet.<ref name="Sheridan" /><ref name="McDonald" /> [[Vitamin E]] is another required vitamin in kitten diets; deficiency leads to steatitis, causing the depot fat to become firm and yellow-orange in colour, which is painful and leads to death.<ref name="McDonald" /> Also, [[vitamin D]] is essential because cats cannot convert it from precursors in the skin.<ref name="Sheridan" />

=====''Water-soluble vitamins''=====
Cats can synthesize [[niacin]], but its breakdown exceeds the rate at which it can be synthesized, so they have a higher requirement for it, which can be fulfilled through an animal-based diet.<ref name="Sheridan" /> [[Pyridoxine]] ([[Vitamin B6|vitamin B<sub>6</sub>]]) is required in increased amounts because it is essential for amino acid metabolism.<ref name="Sheridan" /> [[Vitamin B12|Vitamin B<sub>12</sub>]] is an AAFCO-recommended vitamin that is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein, supports the nervous system and mucous membranes, contributes to muscle and heart function, and promotes normal growth and development.<ref name="McDonald">{{cite journal|last1=MacDonald|first1=M|last2=Rogers|first2=Q|title=Nutrition of the domestic cat, a mammalian carnivore|journal=Annual Review of Nutrition|date=1984|volume=4|pages=521–562|doi=10.1146/annurev.nutr.4.1.521|pmid=6380542}}</ref> [[Choline]] is also an AAFCO-recommended ingredient for kittens; it is important for [[neurotransmission]] in the brain and serves as a component of membrane [[phospholipids]].<ref name="Sheridan" /> [[Biotin]] (vitamin B<sub>7</sub>) is another AAFCO-recommended vitamin that supports the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the reproductive and nervous systems.<ref name="Sheridan" /> Kittens also require [[riboflavin]] (vitamin B<sub>2</sub>) for heart health, [[pantothenic acid]] (vitamin B<sub>5</sub>), and [[folacin]] (vitamin B<sub>9</sub>).<ref name="McDonald" />

====Metabolism aids====
Since kitten diets are very high in [[calories]], ingredients must be implemented to ensure adequate digestion and utilization of these calories. [[Choline chloride]] is an ingredient that maintains fat [[metabolism]].<ref name="McDonald" /> Biotin and niacin are also active in the metabolism of fats, [[carbs]], and protein.<ref name="McDonald" /> Riboflavin is also necessary for the digestion of fats and carbohydrates.<ref name="McDonald" /> These are the main metabolic aids incorporated into kitten diets to maximize nutrient utilization.

====Growth and development====
A combination of essential nutrients is used to satisfy the overall growth and development of the kitten's body. Nonetheless, many ingredients that kittens do not require are also included in diet formulations to promote healthy growth and development; these ingredients include: dried egg as a source of high-quality protein and fatty acids, [[flax seed]]s — which are rich in omega−3 fatty acids and aid in digestion, [[calcium carbonate]] as a source of [[calcium]], and [[calcium pantothenate]] (vitamin B<sub>5</sub>) — which acts as a [[coenzyme]] in the conversion of amino acids and is important for healthy skin.<ref name="McDonald" />

====Immunity boosters====
[[Antioxidant]]s help support the development of a healthy immune system by preventing the [[oxidation]] of essential molecules in a growing kitten.<ref name="Sheridan" /> Antioxidants in kitten diets can be derived from plant ingredients such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, as well as from [[dietary supplement]]s like [[vitamin E]] and [[zinc proteinate]].

==Orphaned kittens==
[[File:Black Cat Nala.jpg|thumb|A young orphaned [[Black cat|black kitten]], showing signs of [[malnourishment]]]]
Kittens require a high-calorie diet that contains more protein than the diet of adult cats.{{sfn|Rogers|Morris|1979|pp=718–723}} Young orphaned kittens require cat milk every two to four hours, and they need physical stimulation to defecate and urinate.{{sfn|Pet Education 2011}} Cat milk replacer is manufactured to feed young kittens because [[Dairy cattle|cow]]'s milk does not provide all the necessary nutrients.{{sfn|Guilford|1994|pp=2663–2669}} Human-reared kittens tend to be very affectionate with humans as adults and sometimes more dependent on them than kittens reared by their mothers, but they can also show volatile mood swings and aggression.{{sfn|Heath|2005|p=102}}

Depending on the age at which they were orphaned and how long they were without their mothers, these kittens may be severely underweight and can have health problems later in life, such as heart conditions. The compromised immune system of orphaned kittens — due to the absence of antibodies normally found in the mother's milk — can make them especially susceptible to infections, often necessitating antibiotics.{{sfn|Messonnier|2010|p=375}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Cats}}
* ''[[Felis]]''
* [[Puppy]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
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 | archive-date = 15 July 2011
 | url-status = dead
 }}
* {{cite web
 | title = Kittens Deaths ('Fading Kittens')
 | publisher = International Cat Care
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 | access-date = 28 March 2015
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 | archive-date = 13 April 2016
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 | url-status = dead
 }}
* {{cite web
 | title = Kitten
 | publisher = Oxford Dictionary
 | url = http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/kitten
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120718222227/http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/kitten
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* {{cite web
 | title = When Does a Kitten Become a Cat?
 | date = 11 July 2010
 | publisher = Santa Maria Times
 | url = http://santamariatimes.com/lifestyles/columnist/catalyst-for-cats/when-does-a-kitten-become-a-cat/article_ee3ee95c-8c88-11df-9ae3-001cc4c03286.html
 | access-date = 12 October 2013
 | ref = {{sfnRef|Santa Maria Times 2013}}
 }}
* {{cite web
 | title = When Do Puppies and Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth?
 | publisher = Veterinary Medicine
 | url = http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesconditionsfaqs/f/deciduous_teeth.htm
 | access-date = 1 November 2013
 | ref = {{sfnRef|Veterinary Medicine 2013}}
 | archive-date = 11 February 2017
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170211033409/http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesconditionsfaqs/f/deciduous_teeth.htm
 | url-status = dead
 }}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikibooks|How to choose your pet and take care of it}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [https://www.cat-world.com.au/kitten-development-weeks-1-8.html Timetable of kitten development (weeks 1 to 8)]

{{Domestic cat}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Cats]]