My cat had 4 kittens.. When is it safe for them to be given to a new home and taken from their mother? They are almost 8 weeks and still drink from her.
2006-07-21 16:24:39 · 14 answers · asked by irl_merrick 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Often there are regulations in different states (and countries) governing when you can separate kittens (and puppies) from their mother. In most places this is 8 weeks - so you should be safe to give them away.
Kittens begin to wean off before that, but I suppose 8 weeks is the limit just to be sure they are used to eating solid food.
2006-07-21 16:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by Schrecken 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
At least 8 weeks is the ideal...but not just yet since they are not weaned. You may want to start supplementing them with some kitten food. You can always soften it up with a little bit of water...they'll eventually start preferring the solid food over the milk...and it's ok for mama kitty to eat kitten food, too.
I've adopted a cat at 5-6 weeks...but I think it's harder on the little guys. But my cat was fine.
2006-07-21 19:53:40 · answer #2 · answered by redfernkitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If mom lets them, the kittens could nurse until their four months old. Normally at 8 weeks the kittens have the teeth to eat kitten chow. At two pounds, they are 8 weeks old and can be taken from the mom. Be sure the new owners know to have the kittens tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids and get their first shots. There's nothing like mom's milk, it provides them with nutrients and immunities to grow strong and healthy, so it's important to protect with a series of vaccinations to pick up where mom let off.
2006-07-21 17:52:07 · answer #3 · answered by trusport 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get them started on some moistened (with water ) kitten chow--
Introduce them to that slowly--Make sure they know about using a litter box ,and when you see that they are able to eat on their own and the Mother cat starts refusing to let them nurse ---its time to look for some adopters!
Some people even wait till Kittens are 12 weeks--I have gotten them about 6-8 weeks--and they have done fine-
They say the longer they are with their litter mates and their mother the better socialized they are--and know their necessities like personal grooming habits, etc
Hope this can help!
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/kittens2.html
The website above may also be helpful to you for different kitten topics+(foods, etc)
2006-07-21 16:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by Ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Between 7 and 8 weeks is the general rule. They should be eating solid food now, too. Mama cat usually will do weaning as well. If you want to adopt them out though, usually this young age is better!
2006-07-21 16:32:43 · answer #5 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will drink from her pretty much until you make them stop by separating them.My cat had kittens and I kept one and he was still trying to nurse when he was as big as his mother.Kittens will generally start eating on their own at 4 weeks but it is best to wait AT LEAST 6 weeks(8 weeks is ideal) to find them new homes.Your kittens sound like they're ready to go(their mother and her sore nipples will thank you).
2006-07-21 16:53:36 · answer #6 · answered by Courtney L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kittens will be weaned by their mother when they are ready to be weaned. DO NOT pull them from her prematurely. Despite their ability to survive if pulled at 6 weeks, it is not healthy for them. Not only are they gaining necessary nutrients and immunities from their mother's milk, they are learning survivial skills and social behavior. Kittens that are pulled away too young often have psychological issues. Mother knows best - take your cue from momma cat.
2006-07-21 17:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by shasser2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No ,pull the kittys away from the momma and introduce them to water in a kitty bowl.They should have been ready 2 weeks ago.
2006-07-21 16:29:32 · answer #8 · answered by countrykarebare 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as they are no longer nursing with the mother and eating cat food on their own
2006-07-21 16:34:27 · answer #9 · answered by say it ain't so 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They need to eat cat weaning food by now(you can buy those from pet store). They are probably hurting their mom when they drink from her.
2006-07-21 16:32:32 · answer #10 · answered by musi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋