When Do Kittens' Eyes Open?

Posted by Jennifer Copley Oct 5, 2009

All kittens are born with their eyes closed. Most kittens begin to open their eyes between 7 and 10 days of age, though anything up to 14 days is within the normal range. The process usually occurs over the course of several days rather than all at once.

Although their eyes are open by 2 weeks of age, kittens' vision is not clear until about 4 weeks.

If kittens have not begun to open their eyes by 14 days of age or there are signs of infection present such as pus or crusts around the eyes, consult a veterinarian. Never attempt to force the eyes open, as this can damage them.

For more information on normal kitten development, see Kitten Development - Week by Week. If raising an orphan, see How to Care for Orphaned Kittens for instructions on making emergency kitten milk replacer, bottle feeding, socialization, and more.