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 outside their nest. After a further three to four weeks, they begin to eat solid food and grow baby teeth. Domestic kittens are highly 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; either term (but usually more commonly "kitten") may be used for the young of smaller wild [[felidae|felids]], such as [[ocelot]]s, [[caracal]]s, and [[lynx]]es.{{sfn|Sunquist|Sunquist|2014|pp=58–59}}

==Development==
[[File:1 dia de vida.jpg|thumb|A newborn [[Norwegian Forest cat|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"]. ''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 [[antibody|antibodies]] to the kittens, which helps protect them against [[Infectious Disease|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}} 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 litter-mates 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. These innate skills are developed by the kittens' mother or other adult cats, who bring 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 [[deciduous teeth|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 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}}

Kittens are highly social animals and spend most of their waking hours interacting with available 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]. 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 litter-mates from six to twelve weeks is important for a kitten's social and 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 old. A cat reaches 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 [[spaying and neutering|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 to cats]], and 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 on 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 are categorized in a 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 various components to aid in development in order to produce a healthy adult.<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, thus kitten diets should be AAFCO approved to ensure full supplementation.<ref name="Ander" /> Key components of the diet are high fat content to meet caloric requirements of growth, high protein to meet requirements for muscle growth as well as supplementation of certain nutrients such as [[docosahexaenoic acid]] to benefit the development of the [[brain]] and 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 accomplished partly through proper nutrition<ref name=":1" /> and establishing a healthy gut from birth through utilizing 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 immune system|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 intestinal barrier of the [[Neonatal|neonate]].<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 should 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 a diet of solid food is 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, the kitten is undergoing a growth phase where energy requirements are up to 2.5 times higher than [[Maintenance of an organism|maintenance]].<ref>Hand, M. S. L., & Lon, D. (2000). Small animal clinical nutrition (No. SF 992. N88. L49 2000).</ref> Pet nutritionists often suggest that a [[Cat food|commercial cat food]] designed specifically for kittens should be offered beginning 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 acid. 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. Kittens are undergoing growth and require high amounts of protein to provide essential amino acids that enable the growth 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> Kittens deprived of taurine can experience poor growth<ref name=":3" /> and can result in 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 to fuel 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 can be found in commercial kitten food as a source of additional energy as well as a source of fiber to stimulate the immature gut tissue. Soluble fibre such as beet pulp is a common ingredient used as a fibrous stool hardener and has been proven to strengthen intestinal muscles and to thicken the gut mucosal layer 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 to the adaptation of the liver to produce glucose from the breakdown components of protein—amino acids. The enzymes that breakdown amino acids are constantly active in cats. Thus, cats need a constant source of protein in their diet.<ref name="Sheridan" /> Kittens require an increased amount of protein to supply readily available amino acids for daily maintenance and for building new body components because they are constantly growing.<ref name="Sheridan" /> There are many required amino acids for kittens. [[Histidine]] is required at no greater than 30% in kitten diets, since consuming histidine-free diets causes 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 0.15%, seeing as it maximizes performance at this level.<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 because they lack the necessary enzyme; this vitamin must be supplemented 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 an essential vitamin because cats cannot convert it from precursors in the skin.<ref name="Sheridan" />

''Water-soluble vitamins''

Cats can synthesize [[Niacin (substance)|niacin]], but their breakdown exceeds the rate that it can be synthesized and thus, have a higher need for it, which can be fulfilled through an animal-based diet.<ref name="Sheridan" /> [[Pyridoxine]] (vitamin B<sub>6</sub>) is required in increased amounts because it is needed to produce amino acids.<ref name="Sheridan" /> [[vitamin B12|Vitamin B<sub>12</sub>]] is an AAFCO-recommended vitamin that is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein and maintains a healthy nervous system, healthy mucous membranes, healthy muscle and heart function, and, in general, 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 a AAFCO recommended ingredient for kittens, which is important for [[neurotransmission]] in the brain and as a component of membrane [[phospholipids]].<ref name="Sheridan" /> Biotin is another AAFCO-recommended vitamin to support thyroid and adrenal glands and 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]].<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 metabolism aids incorporated into kitten diets to ensure nutrient usage is maximized.

====Growth and development====
A combination of required nutrients is used to satisfy the overall growth and development of the kitten's body; there are many ingredients that kittens do not require, but are included in diet formulation to encourage healthy growth and development. These ingredients include: dried egg as a source of high quality protein and fatty acids, [[flaxseed]], which is rich in omega-3 fatty acid and aids in digestion, [[calcium carbonate]] as a source of calcium, and calcium pantothenate ([[vitamin B5]]) that acts as a [[coenzyme]] in the conversion of amino acids and is important for healthy skin.<ref name="McDonald" />

====Immunity boosters====
[[Antioxidants]] help support the development of a healthy immune system through inhibiting the [[oxidation]] of other molecules, which are essential for a growing kitten.<ref name="Sheridan" /> Antioxidants can be derived from ingredients such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, vitamin E and vitamin E supplement, 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 replacement is manufactured to feed to 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 (from lack of antibodies found naturally in the mother's milk) can make them especially susceptible to infections, making antibiotics a necessity.{{sfn|Messonnier|2010|p=375}}

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

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

==Sources==
===Printed===
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* {{cite journal | author1-last = Tootle | author1-first = John | author2-last = Friedlander | author2-first = Michael | title = Postnatal Development of the Spatial Contrast Sensitivity of X- and Y-cells in the Kittens Retinogeniculate Pathway | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | publisher = Journal of Neuroscience | year = 1989 | volume = 9 | issue = 4 | pages = 1325–1340 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.09-04-01325.1989 | pmid = 2703879 | pmc = 6569875 }}
* {{cite journal | author1-last = Tsutsui | author1-first = Toshihiko | author2-last = Stabenfeldt | author2-first = George | title = Biology of Ovarian Cycles, Pregnancy and Pseudo Pregnancy in the Domestic Cat | journal = Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement | year = 1993 | volume = 47 | pages = 29–35 | pmid = 8229938 }}
* {{cite book | last = Vandivert | first = Rita | title = Understanding Animals as Pets | publisher = Illustrated Publishing | year = 1975 | isbn = 978-0-7232-6118-6 | url = https://archive.org/details/understandingani00vand }}
* {{cite book | last = Walls | first = Jerry | title = Kittens as a New Pet | publisher = TFH Publications | year = 1991 | isbn = 978-0-86622-614-1 | url = https://archive.org/details/kittensarenewpet00wall }}
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===Online===
* {{cite web
 | title = How to Raise Orphaned Kittens
 | publisher = Pet Education
 | url = http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2137&aid=912
 | access-date = 7 March 2011
 | ref = {{sfnRef|Pet Education 2011}}
 }}
* {{cite web
 | title = Kittens Deaths ('Fading Kittens')
 | publisher = International Cat Care
 | url = http://www.icatcare.org:8080/advice/cat-health/kitten-deaths-%E2%80%98fading-kittens%E2%80%99
 | access-date = 28 March 2015
 | ref = {{sfnRef|International Cat Care 2015}}
 | archive-date = 13 April 2016
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160413114720/http://icatcare.org:8080/advice/cat-health/kitten-deaths-%E2%80%98fading-kittens%E2%80%99
 | 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
 | url-status = dead
 | archive-date = July 18, 2012
 | access-date = 15 September 2005
 | ref = {{sfnRef|Oxford Dictionary 2005}}
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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}}
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[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Cats]]