On what day do kittens hear? - briefly
Kittens begin to hear around day 14 of their development. This is when their auditory system becomes functional and they start responding to sounds in their environment.
On what day do kittens hear? - in detail
Kittens are born with their senses still developing, and hearing is one of the first senses to become functional. In detail, the development of hearing in kittens follows a specific timeline:
At birth, kitten's ears are closed and sealed by a thin layer of skin. This natural barrier protects the newborn from potential infections and ensures their survival during the initial stages of life. However, this seal does not impede the development of the auditory system beneath it. The inner ear structures, including the cochlea and the auditory nerve, are already fully formed at birth, ready to transmit sounds once the ear canal opens.
The process of unsealing begins around day 7 after birth. During this period, the skin covering the ears starts to thin out gradually. This gradual opening allows the kitten's auditory system to acclimate to external sounds without being overwhelmed. By the end of the second week, typically around day 14, the ear canals are fully open, and kittens begin to respond to a range of sounds.
Once their ears are unsealed, kittens quickly develop their hearing capabilities. They become attuned to various frequencies, including those beyond human auditory range. This heightened sensitivity enables them to detect subtle changes in their environment, which is crucial for survival and communication with their mother and littermates.
In summary, while kittens are born deaf due to the sealed ear canals, their hearing begins to develop significantly around day 7 after birth. By day 14, their ears are fully open, marking the onset of their ability to hear and respond to sounds effectively.