When do kittens start hunting?

Kittens start showing hunting instincts around 3 weeks old, but they won't be truly successful at hunting until they are around 6 months old. Here's a breakdown:

* 3-4 weeks old: They start batting at moving objects and showing interest in prey.

* 4-6 weeks old: They begin practicing pouncing and stalking, but their skills are still very rudimentary.

* 6-8 weeks old: Their hunting skills improve, and they can start catching small prey like mice and insects.

* 8-12 weeks old: They become more proficient hunters and learn to stalk and ambush prey.

* 6 months and older: They are fully developed hunters and can successfully hunt a variety of prey.

However, it's important to remember that kittens raised indoors may never develop strong hunting instincts. This is because they haven't had the opportunity to learn from their mother or siblings. Even if they do develop these instincts, it's crucial to supervise them around small animals and to provide them with safe and appropriate outlets for their hunting urges, like toys.