Here's the breakdown:
* "C" followed by "a", "o", or "u" generally makes the "k" sound. Examples: cat, cot, cup.
* "C" followed by "e", "i", or "y" usually makes the "s" sound. Examples: cent, city, cycle.
In the case of "kitten", the "c" is followed by "i" making it sound like "s". So, the "k" sound in "kitten" is actually represented by the letter "k" itself.
This is just one example of how English pronunciation can be tricky! Let me know if you'd like to explore more about the different sounds letters can make in English.