My family is considering buying a kitten. The one we like is only 7 weeks old and already separated from Mama. Isn't that too young? I always thought they were supposed to be at least 8 weeks old. Are there any long term effects on a cat as a result of leaving its mother too soon?
2007-03-27 13:37:58 · 21 answers · asked by l8ybugn 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
too many people assume that the weaning process is only when the kitten starts to eat dry food. In fact the weaning process is not done until the mother actually socializes the cat. This can take up to 12 weeks of age. There is more to weaning then just the feeding portion. Federal law prohibits anyone from selling a dog or cat prior to 8 weeks of age. This is in hopes that the mother has imprinted on the kitten some skills needed.
2007-03-28 05:01:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one that we found in the middle of the road at four weeks old who turned out completely fine! That was a bit of an extreme circumstance... but it all depends on the care and attention you give them. Kittens abandoned at birth can be hand-raised and turn out to be wonderful companions.
In an ideal world, one should wait until the kitten is six weeks old. Hopefully the previous owner will start providing cat food for the kittens in conjunction with the milk they will still get from their mama (mama may need to be separated for a while so they will eat - if milk is an option, that's what they'll usually go for) at four to six weeks.
We got one of our other babies from my best friend's cat's litter at exactly six weeks old. She had been eating cat food and adjusted quite nicely.
All cats, regardless of age when removed from their mother, have the potential to knead with their claws at times. It's just a comfort thing and has nothing to do with the age at which they're removed from their mama.
2007-03-27 23:19:47 · answer #2 · answered by milton_fl_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her stay with Mom at least another week. Mother cats show kittens more than just litter boxes and how to eat. They learn manners and other skills from her as well. In my experience, the longer a kitten stays with it's mother, the better adjusted it grows up to be. I have a two year old Maine Coon mix who was abandoned to a shelter at 3 weeks old. She still has to do the kneading thing before she goes to sleep while, at the same time, I got a kitten from a family who had stayed with Mom a few more weeks and he has never done it. It's worth the wait. â¥
2007-03-27 20:54:11 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've had cats my whole life. From petstore, pound and semi-feral, I've seen my fairshare of kitties. 7 weeks old isn't ideal age but he should be fine. It may be better to wait until e8 weeks but it won't hurt him any. Most of my kittens I brought home were at 6 weeks. The biggest problem I've had with any of my cats is separation anxiety they sometimes get. They do all sorts of wierd things like kneed their paws (which can sometimes hurt when they're on your chest or leg), or suck on hair or their own paws. Sometimes they grow out of it sometimes not. As long as he's weaned and cleaning himself with no assistance he'll be ok. Mom's only produce the enzymes for their kittens immune systems for the first hour or so after birth, which is why mom's milk is so important.
2007-03-27 21:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by shining_pixy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can really depend on the kitten.... But I have raised kittens and they are able to leave their mothers at 6 weeks old. If it was the runt of the litter then it should stay to 7 wks. But as long as its weened and knows how to use a litter box and such then I would say it was fine.
2007-03-27 20:56:04 · answer #5 · answered by lightningpaws1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
7 weeks is fine if the kitten is weaned. I've adopted kittens as young as 5 weeks old that were abandoned and had no mother but were eating kitten food on their own.
2007-03-28 09:19:36 · answer #6 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just give the baby quality kitten food and it should be OK. Like someone else said, you are mama now, so love the kitty up!!
2007-03-27 20:56:04 · answer #7 · answered by sippigrrrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the kitten is already weaned from mom, about the only thing left for her to do is teach it the remaining do's and don'ts. Remember, this is a new born baby and will be depending on you for its total existence. You will be replacing MamaCat.
2007-03-27 20:46:52 · answer #8 · answered by fishinpapa2000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should be fine, most kittens are weaned from 6-8 weeks. GOOD LUCK WITH THE CUTIE!
2007-03-27 20:41:31 · answer #9 · answered by charlietheunicorn12 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
kittens are fine to be away from their mom at 4-8 weeks acctualy. They can be released and weaned from their moms earlier then dogs because of their independant nature. Shaz
2007-03-27 20:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by Shaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋