Oriental Shorthair Kitten Development

Royal Oriental kittens go home at 12 weeks old — the minimum recommended age by responsible breeders and the standard practiced across our 4-cattery Royal Purebred Kittens umbrella. By that age, kittens have completed nursing, received initial vaccinations, developed social skills, and are physically and emotionally ready for a new family.

Week 0-1: Birth and Neonatal

Kittens are born blind, deaf, and unable to regulate body temperature. Weight 3-4 ounces (90-110g) at birth. The umbilical cord stump falls off within 3-5 days.

Cattery protocol: Mother and kittens in quiet warm nesting box, monitored multiple times daily. Weight tracked daily — any kitten not gaining at least 10g/day gets supplementary feeding.

Week 2: Eyes Open

Eyes open between days 7-14 (Orientals tend toward the earlier end, days 7-10). All kittens born with blue eyes — true eye color develops over 6-8 weeks. Ear canals open shortly after.

Cattery protocol: Begin gentle daily handling — 5-10 minutes per kitten — to build human comfort.

Week 3-4: First Wobbles

Kittens begin standing and walking. First play behavior appears. Baby teeth begin erupting around week 3-4. Around week 4, interest in solid food begins.

Cattery protocol: Litter box training begins with low-sided kitten box and non-clumping litter (safer if eaten by mistake).

Week 5-6: Personality Emerges

Distinct personalities become evident. Oriental kittens start showing breed's vocal nature — first real meows and trills. Eating solid food regularly, weight typically 14-20 ounces (400-570g).

Cattery protocol: Daily socialization — multiple handlers, household sounds exposure, introductions to friendly adult cats. Builds Oriental's famous social confidence.

Week 6-8: Vaccinations Begin

First FVRCP vaccination at 6-8 weeks. Done by our veterinarian. Kittens may be slightly subdued for 24 hours but recover quickly. Fully weaned by week 8. Litter box reliable.

Cattery protocol: Increased play with toys. Introduction to scratching posts and cat trees. Weekly photo updates to families with deposits.

Week 8-10: Reservation Visits

Approved buyers can visit the cattery to meet their kitten in person. By this age, kittens are confident with strangers and showing clear personality traits.

Cattery protocol: Second FVRCP booster around week 10-12. Microchipping. First professional vet wellness check.

Week 10-12: Go-Home Preparation

By 10 weeks, kittens essentially independent — fully weaned, litter-trained, vaccinated, microchipped, socialized. Final 2 weeks: polishing handling, vet sign-off, contract completion, transport arrangements.

Week 12: Go-Home Day

Kittens go home either via professional flight nanny or in-person pickup at our Westminster MD cattery.

What buyers receive at go-home:

— TICA registration paperwork
— DNA panel results on both parents
— Vaccination record (signed by vet)
— Microchip registration confirmation
— Spay/neuter pet contract
— Food samples
— Familiar blanket scented with cattery + mother
— Care guide booklet
— Our contact information for lifetime support

After Go-Home: First Week at New Home

Days 1-3: Kitten may be quiet, hide more, eat less. Normal stress response. Give one quiet room with food, water, litter, hiding spot.

Days 4-7: Kitten emerges, explores, eats more reliably. Begin slow introduction to other rooms.

Days 7-14: Full personality emerges. Slow introductions to other pets. Kitten begins forming the bond with "their person."

Call us anytime in the first weeks. We expect calls — we never charge for support.

Months 3-6: Continued Growth

Per TICA: "Kittens mature slowly and don't fully develop until 18-24 months." After go-home: rapid growth months 3-6, steady months 6-18, final body shape at 18-24 months. Adult males 8-12 lbs, females 5-8 lbs.

Spay/neuter typically scheduled between 5-7 months. Mature personality emerges around this time.