2007-09-09 10:37:37 · 15 answers · asked by moniq987 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Kittens should not be separated from mom & litter mates until they are at least 8 weeks old. Preferably, 12 weeks.
They may be weaned, but they learn a lot from the momma cat during those weeks (such as how to use the litter box).
2007-09-09 10:40:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
As in giving the kittens away, or taking the kittens for a few minutes to play with while mom isn't around? If it's the latter, I really don't know because from day 1 when we had kittens momma cat let us interact with her kittens no problem. If you mean permanently separate them, wait at least 8 weeks. (6 weeks is too early, even if they are weaned because they need the socializing with other cats).
2007-09-09 10:40:53 · answer #2 · answered by Jackie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The kittens must be at least 8 weeks old before they can be seperated from their mother. With cats, it is best to keep them with their mother as long as you can. Try to keep them together for 12 weeks if possible, but if you can't, you can seperate at 8 weeks.
2007-09-09 10:41:44 · answer #3 · answered by GoldfishPond 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Usually when the kittens will start eating solid food, about 8-10 weeks after they are born. Once I saw the kittens go to their food bowl more so than their mother at 10 weeks, I knew it was time.
2007-09-09 10:43:42 · answer #4 · answered by Weesy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
By 4-5 weeks Mum will start to lose interest in them to some degree, she will spend more time away from them. That's the time to introduce them to kitten food. By 6 weeks she will probably have no time for them at all and they will be getting more independent and can probably cope without her very well. They should stay with their siblings for a couple more weeks and then they will be ready to move to a new home.
2007-09-09 10:48:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
at 8 weeks you could separate them... of course if there is a really small runty one, let him stay on for a extra week.
Weesy you are wrong... kitten SHOULD start eating and using the litter box at 4-5wks... with supplement of mothers milk...any later than that and they will have a chance of not pooping in the box.... at 8 wks they could just eat solid food, at 10 wks they could go to new homes!
2007-09-09 10:46:08 · answer #6 · answered by katiekcat5 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Best to wait until at least 8 weeks- although 10-12 weeks is preferred.
2007-09-09 10:40:08 · answer #7 · answered by Laura S. 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should probably wait about 8 weeks before you separate them. When they are 8 weeks old that is also a good age to start adopting them out.
2007-09-09 10:40:06 · answer #8 · answered by cutiepie9002003 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
At least 8 weeks. Even though they will be weaned earlier, it is important thaat they stay with mum-siblings until at least 8 or even 10 weeks, to socialise better, in order not to become antisocial cats who bite whomever they see.
2007-09-09 10:49:51 · answer #9 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the UK, the RSPCA recommends not separating for 12-13 weeks. They also advise noone adopt kittens earlier than that.
2007-09-09 10:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by Catherine1 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋