2006-08-22 06:01:01 · 11 answers · asked by hypnotiq_n_henny 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Two of mine came home at 3 weeks and they're better socialized than the one that came home at 5 weeks.
The problem with taking kittens home before 8 weeks is that they tend to develop an unnatural bond to their human(s). My 16 year old cat came home at five weeks, and he thinks I gave birth to him. He still kneads, head butts, gives me "kisses," etc. I've never seen a cat do this before/since him. (yes, I know he's old for a cat and I know I'm going to be crushed when "that time" comes)
My 6 year old cats were abandoned at appox. 2 weeks and turned over to my vet. She got them both eating moist food and passed them on to me. They are pretty well socialized, but they had eachother and the (then) 10 year old cat, after he "decided they could stay" kind-of became "surrogate dad," and to this day, he'll clean them.
So yes, it's possible for the kitties to move on, but not recommended.
2006-08-22 18:54:08 · answer #1 · answered by Gabby_Gabby_Purrsalot 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are questions here every day about kittens biting or using their claws on people. The reason kittens do this is that they learn so much about how to "fight fair" from their littermates and if they go out to homes too soon then the people have problems.
Many people haven't a clue as to how to correct this behavior and will even resort to physical punishment of the kitten.
So to help your kittens get the best homes let them stay in your home with their mother and littermates until they are at least eight weeks old.
2006-08-22 06:26:10 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are supposed to wait at least 8 weeks of age. There is more they need to be able to do than for them to just be eating and drinking on their own. The mother teaches them things they need to learn and also they get vital nutrients from their mother during this time. Taking them away too soon can cause health and behavioral issues in the future.
2006-08-22 16:44:02 · answer #3 · answered by Turtle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! They still have a lot of learning to do from the mother, and from each other. The minimum would be 8 weeks. You really need to get mom spayed as soon as she's able to be. If you insist on letting her produce even more kittens, at least pick up some books on raising kittens, etc.
2006-08-22 06:34:20 · answer #4 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just because a kittken is weaned doesn't mean they are ready to leave their moms, kittens gain alot of social skills and hunting skills and such from their moms, you typically shouldn't take a kitten from its mom until 8-10 weeks
2006-08-22 06:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by hopeless_romantic_ang 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
actually you should wait until they are 8 wks old..they are able to pretty much able to all things that they need to do to survive by then.
lots of times 5 wk old kittens can't survive sadly..they are not ready to be away from mommy cat yet.
2006-08-22 08:15:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone recommends 8 weeks, but I adopted one of my kittens at 5 weeks & one at 6 weeks & both are fine!!!
Hugs && Kisses
♥ Abby ♥
2006-08-22 06:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Typically, you wait until they are 8 weeks old and beginning to show signs of independance...
2006-08-22 06:12:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
HI. i have cared for over 300 kittens in my years of fostering. yes, give them to their new home if you are confident the people will pay extra attention to their eating. if you feel they are too busy for that keep them till you are confident they can find the food on their own. good luck
2006-08-22 06:19:48 · answer #9 · answered by nycindy9 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, they need to learn some things from their mother, not just get milk. They should not be taken from their mother for another couple of weeks.
2006-08-22 06:09:22 · answer #10 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋