Opinions vary on this. Most feline behaviourists agree that the ideal age for a kitten to be passed to a prospective owner is between 7 and 9 weeks. Many professional pedigree cat breeders release kittens at 12 weeks, arguing that the kittens are much more socialized to each other and have been introduced to and handled frequently by humans. Many rescue kittens have been influenced negatively by early separation from the litter mother (prior to or at 6 weeks), as well as by the potential of feral influence in the original mating that produced the litter. This is either because owners bring a litter of unwanted kittens into the rescue centre too early or, when they are first discovered, the kittens are often assumed to have been abandoned when the litter mother is actually away or is trying to lure investigators away from the nest area.
The kittens’ learning process will continue for as long as the litter mother remains with them. Extended time with the litter mother and siblings often improves socialization with and tolerance towards other cats, which can be important in later life. Basic skills developed by extended interaction with the litter mother include stalking, pouncing and prey-kill behaviour, which are taught through feline play activity. Kittens should be introduced to as many aspects of human life as possible to help in future socialization with their owners.
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KITTEN DEVELOPMENT |
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Age |
Behaviour |
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3 weeks |
Litter mother and kittens begin to interact. She grooms them, and prevents them from becoming over-demanding and aggressive. Kittens begin to explore just outside the kittening box. |
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4 weeks |
Kittens begin accepting semi-solid foods and can be taught to use a litter tray placed close to the kittening box. |
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6 weeks |
Kittens are learning through play. They explore progressively further away from the kittening box. |
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8 weeks |
Kittens are fully weaned onto solid food. First vaccinations can be given around this time. |
1 response so far ↓
1 susan // Sep 16, 2007 at 1:05 pm
We let Kittens go between 9 and 12 weeks, though we have let one go at 8. We keep them that long as my mother and father want to make sure they will be alright without their mother, plus my mom never wants to let them go
Sue
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