When the kittens are between seven and ten days old, their eyes should open.
If they do not, gently blot them with cotton balls dipped in warm water until they do.
Very often, the opening of the eyes will be accompanied be creamy looking matter, which should be gently cleaned away.
Eye infections can be common in kittens, so check the eyes often, and administer any eye ointment your veterinarian may have prescribed and repeat the bathing process regularly.
Aside from changing the queen's bedding, feeding her and making sure the kitten's eyes are clean, there is very little to do for the next two to three weeks.
It is a good idea to pick the kittens up every day, turn them over on their backs and stroke their stomachs.
This not only accustoms them to being handled but is also an opportunity to check their health.
By holding the kittens up to your face you can tell if they smell.
The healthy kitten will have absolutely no odor, while the kitten with a health problem will.
Kittens will keep warm by snuggling up together with the queen.
In cooler climates, you may want to give them some extra warmth by providing them with a heated cat bed.
The mother will clean the kittens and consume their urine and excrement until the kittens start using the litter pan.
This usually happens when they are introduced to semi solid food at three to four weeks of age, although this will vary depending on the kitten's health and size, and on whether the mother still has a good supply of milk.
Feed weaning kittens a good quality dry kitten food moistened with water.
If the worst happens and your queen dies during delivery, or if she has a Cesarean section to aid in delivery, you may have to become the kittens' mother, and you will need to take extra care.
Orphan kittens need an additional source of heat, such as a heating pad or infrared lamp, and must be kept away from drafts.