How Do I Tell If a Stray Cat Is Still a Kitten?

The warm weather typically signifies kitten season. This generally leads to an influx of stray kittens. However, it is not always easy to determine if a stray cat is still a kitten. Generally, a kitten is no longer a kitten when it is 8 months old, and they are not fully mature until they are about 2 years old. There are several ways to tell if a stray or feral cat is still a kitten, including by observing their behavior or, once caught, examining their teeth.

Instructions

1

Observe the stray cat as closely as possible. Size is the first giveaway to determining if a cat is a kitten, as well as unopened eyes (less than 7-10 days old) and unable to really stand and walk (less than 2 to 3 weeks old).

2

Determine how active the cat is. If the stray cat begins to show some confidence in their movement, particularly their exploring, and is becoming extremely active, than it's a good bet they are 5 to 6 weeks old or older.

3

Examine the teeth. At 7 months, all adult teeth are typically developed. This includes the deciduous incisors, which are the smaller teeth in the front; the deciduous canines, the longer and pointy teeth in the front; and the pre-molars, all of which should have come in by 8 weeks. These are followed by the incisors (anterior teeth), canines (longer teeth), and molars (broad-surfaced teeth).

4

Check with a veterinarian. Often, a stray cat can appear small, such as the size of a developing kitten, if it is undernourished.

The warm weather typically signifies kitten season. This generally leads to an influx of stray kittens. However, it is not always easy to determine if a stray cat is still a kitten. Generally, a kitten is no longer a kitten when it is 8 months old, and they are not fully mature until they are about 2 years old. There are several ways to tell if a stray or feral cat is still a kitten, including by observing their behavior or, once caught, examining their teeth.

Instructions

1

Observe the stray cat as closely as possible. Size is the first giveaway to determining if a cat is a kitten, as well as unopened eyes (less than 7-10 days old) and unable to really stand and walk (less than 2 to 3 weeks old).

2

Determine how active the cat is. If the stray cat begins to show some confidence in their movement, particularly their exploring, and is becoming extremely active, than it's a good bet they are 5 to 6 weeks old or older.

3

Examine the teeth. At 7 months, all adult teeth are typically developed. This includes the deciduous incisors, which are the smaller teeth in the front; the deciduous canines, the longer and pointy teeth in the front; and the pre-molars, all of which should have come in by 8 weeks. These are followed by the incisors (anterior teeth), canines (longer teeth), and molars (broad-surfaced teeth).

4

Check with a veterinarian. Often, a stray cat can appear small, such as the size of a developing kitten, if it is undernourished.