https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/do-kittens-eyes-change-color
Newborn kittens are born with their eyes sealed shut to protect them from infection and injury during birth.
Typically, kittens begin opening their eyes between 2 and 16 days old, though each kitten in a litter may open theirs at slightly different times.
Even after opening, their vision is still developing, so they rely heavily on their sense of smell, touch, and their mother for navigation.
By about 3 weeks, a kitten’s eyes should be fully open, and vision continues to mature over the next several months. Healthy eyes are clear, free from redness, discharge, or cloudiness, indicating normal development.
Most kittens initially have light blue eyes, which gradually change to their adult color over the first few months of life, depending on genetics. Pigment cells in the iris determine the final color, with more pigment creating orange or gold eyes, less pigment producing green, and the absence of pigment resulting in blue eyes.
Some breeds, such as Siamese, retain blue eyes into adulthood, and a small number of cats may develop heterochromia, where each eye is a different color.
White cats with blue eyes can be more prone to hereditary deafness, typically on the same side as the blue eye.
Eye color should stabilize once a kitten reaches maturity, usually by about 8 weeks for vision and up to a year for full color development.
While gradual eye color changes are normal in kittens, sudden or unusual changes in adult cats may indicate a medical issue.
Signs of eye problems include cloudiness, redness, swelling, discharge, excessive blinking, or visible third eyelids.
Common infections such as conjunctivitis or uveitis are treatable if caught early, but any sudden changes in eye color or appearance should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Monitoring kittens’ eyes carefully ensures they remain healthy, bright, and clear, supporting their overall growth and long-term wellbeing.
Chewy editorial team hopes every kitten parent feels empowered to care for their little one’s eyes with attention and love. By understanding normal development and watching for signs of concern, they can help their kittens grow strong, healthy, and curious about the world. With a little care and vigilance, these bright eyed kittens can thrive and bring endless joy to their families.
