Why Kittens Are Born Completely Blind and Deaf

If you've ever seen a newborn kitten, you might have noticed something peculiar: their eyes are sealed shut, and they seem completely oblivious to sounds around them. That's because kittens enter the world both blind and deaf—a temporary condition that lasts about two weeks.

This isn't a design flaw. It's actually an evolutionary advantage that allows mama cats to give birth more easily and carry larger litters. Because kittens are born so small (weighing just 90-100 grams), much of their development happens outside the womb rather than inside it.

Sealed for Development

At birth, a kitten's eyes are closed because their nervous system—specifically the connections between their brain, eyelids, and optical nerves—is still developing. The same goes for their ears. Their ear canals remain sealed shut, protecting the delicate inner ear structures as they continue to mature.

Around 10-12 days old, their eyes begin to open, though they won't have functional vision until about day 14. Their ear canals typically open during the third week of life.

How Do They Survive Without Sight or Sound?

Newborn kittens aren't completely helpless. They rely heavily on three senses that do work from birth:

• Touch – They can feel warmth and textures, helping them locate their mother
• Smell – Their sense of smell guides them to food sources
• Taste – They can distinguish their mother's milk immediately

These senses are powerful enough to help kittens navigate, nurse, and begin bonding with their caregivers during those critical first weeks.

By three weeks old, kittens have fully developed eyesight and hearing. They transform from helpless, wriggling bundles into curious explorers—ready to pounce on anything that moves.