Kitten Development in the First Six Weeks of Life

 with their siblings.1 They will be developing a new sense of independence, although they may not stray far from their mother or their littermates. This will be a very good time for them to socialize with humans.

Kittens may be introduced to canned food at this time. Select a quality brand of kitten food with a named meat source as the first ingredient (chicken is good). Ideally, they should be given the same kitten food given the mother cat, as the kittens will quickly accommodate and eat mom's food. Use a shallow plate and expect their first experiences to be messy.

Although the mother cat will try to wean the kittens, they still need the nursing experience to satisfy their suckling needs—at least until they

 are eight or 10 weeks old, by which time the mother cat will have gradually weaned them.

Kittens can also learn litter box basics now. They need a smaller, separate box, one that will be easy to access and exit, with only an inch or two of litter. A shallow plastic storage box or lid to a shoebox might work for starters. As human babies experiment by tasting everything, so will kittens. Avoid their ingestion of harmful substances by using a natural litter such as one made from corn cobs, paper, or wood chips—never use clumping clay.

Week 6: Socialization in Full Swing

Socialization skills continue, and there is no doubt that these are lively, active, kittens who will grow up all too soon to be adult cats. They can