What is the earliest age a kitten can be, before I bring him or her home?

Question

I understand and have heard 12 weeks to be the youngest they can go home, but that already seems rather old to me; the kitten isn't anylonger small, but already medium sized.

I have two cats already, both six years old, as well as two dogs, both of whom are very good with their counter parts.

I'm told that if I want to introduce this new family member, I need to get it while it's still small.

Answer 1

Hi!

There are pros and cons here.

Technically speaking, 8 weeks and above is fine. 12 weeks is even better though. Definitely no younger than 8 weeks. I rescued a kitten that was only 5 weeks old and my 1 year old male cat didn't take to her too well. Because she was SO tiny, they were constantly separated. A lot of hard work.

The benefit of getting a 12 week old kitten is that it will still be cute and kittenish, but will be a little more hardy and able to defend itself if it gets into a scuffle with any of your other pets. Also, some older pets tend to find very young kitten behaviour annoying.

I would go for 12 weeks old, personally. You will get a more rounded kitten and you will not have to worry about him or her as much. Your other pets will not see her as a huge threat just because she is a little bigger than an 8 week old kitten. Plus, all cats vary. My 12 week old female kitten is smaller now than my male kitten was at 8 weeks!! If your two existing cats are male, it's even better to get a female kitten.

If you do go for an 8 week old kitten, just be prepared to spend a lot of time watching over him or her and keeping your other pets separate from the kitten for a good few months.

Good luck!

xx Emmie

p.s. I am appalled that one Y!A member not only gave her kittens away at 6 weeks of age, but also sold some of them to a pet store.

Answer 2

I think the best age is between 7-8 weeks at the youngest. I did get one kitten at 3 weeks when her mom was killed. I had to become her mom and it was just like taking care of a baby. It would have been much better that her own mother could have cared for her. People seem to want younger and younger animals due to the cute factor of being a baby but think more about what is best for the kitten. I even saw a person trying to sell 4 week old pups. But in the photos they didn't even have their eyes open. Sad, really sad. Keep in mind the younger the kitten the more problems you might have with its care and health. Evita

Answer 3

Ideally it should be 9 weeks old, however, if the kittens are small or don't develop quickly then 12 weeks is ok. My cat was 12 weeks old when I got her and she settled in fine with our two dogs

Answer 4

Absolutely no younger than 8 weeks. Kittens learn a great deal between 4 and 8 weeks of age from their mom and littermates, including using the litter box, curbing their biting and scratching, and how to communicate. Cats that are separated from their family before 8 weeks usually are biters and hyperactive.

Answer 5

cat breeders recomend that a kitten should not leave its mother before about 12 weeks or at least until it has had its jabs, it is best to have it jabed before it is moved to a new home were infection may be easyer to catch as it is not used to the new enveroment
as for settling it in with your other pets i would keep the kitten in one room for a week or so and let it get used to you, then introdue one animal at a time, then happy days ahead!
best of luck with the newbie
x

Answer 6

ok first off please realize that a kitten needs kitten food - your adult cats need adult food and will soon be needing "senior food" - since cats need access to their food all the time - feeding seperately is going to be VERY hard.

I have introduced adult cats to adult cats -the fact your cats are already together is going to help them accept another cat.. (rather than a 6yr old who has been alone all the time)

I would get another adult- keep it in a bathroom by itself for at least 2 weeks - allowing sniffing of paws under the door - let out only when you can supervise... eventually keep in the room at night or when you are away until you are comfortable with them together..
it will be easier if you get a cat who has lived with other cats (eg. like a cat from a shelter) and preferably one who is used to dogs as well - if a cat runs or hisses - its more likely to be a target by the dogs.

a kitten can be hurt if a cat decides too.. an adult can defend itself a bit better...

they might not come to a 100 % harmonious relationship but eventually will reach some level of understaning

DO NOT bring an unvaccinated cat/kitten home...

6 weeks is the youngest - but again I suggest an adult...

Answer 7

6 weeks used to be considered the earliest, but now 8 weeks is the norm. Why not call your vet and ask their opinion if you want to be sure you're doing the right thing by the kitten? They will be only too pleased that someone is being responsible towards a new pet.

Answer 8

8 to 12 weeks. please don't listen to these people that are say 4 to 6 weeks. just because a kitten or puppy is weened and not nursing from its mother DOES NOT mean it is ready to find a new home. mom still has behavior issues to tend to from 6 to 12 weeks old. this is their equivalent to elementary school and they need this. anyone who gives kittens or puppies away at 4 weeks ought to be charged with animal endangerment or neglect

Answer 9

Usually you can take a kitten home after 8 weeks.

Answer 10

This is where different countries give different advice. It is recommended that 8 weeks is a good age and yes i wouldn't wait until 12 weeks as the earlier they experince your family life the better.