What is the approximate number of bones that a kitten has at birth?

At birth, a kitten has approximately 250 bones. This number is significant because, as they grow, certain bones will fuse together, resulting in the adult feline skeleton having about 230 to 240 bones. The higher number of bones at birth is typical in many mammals, including humans, due to the presence of cartilage and the incomplete fusion of certain bone structures that allows for growth and flexibility. This aspect of development is crucial for kittens as they are born relatively undeveloped compared to adult cats, and the fusion of bones over time supports their growth and the eventual structural changes that accommodate adult mobility and functionality.