what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Saskia Quinn — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:16:05 GMT

I would say 8 weeks normally, but seeing as its for you Lou, then you will do what you think is best

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:39:43 GMT

Health wise and weaning wise they are ready to leave mum from 4-6wks ideally it's best to leave them until 8wks though so they can pick up on tidy habits of mum and also learn some manners from her. :)

and for reference i breed bengals now and have worked with mum's and kittens for 15yrs. :)

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:10:27 GMT

but as bouncyfi said- early handling should be carried out by breeder during this time

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:09:35 GMT

socialisation period for kittens is 2-7 weeks so ideally could do to stay with litter until after this time

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Fiona Leathers — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:58:57 GMT

My little Blossom was approx 3-4 weeks old when we got her - find in a bag in a wheelie bin - wouldn't take any milk substitute so went straight onto kitten food. She was the best cat ever I think because of the early handling.

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

loopylou711 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:55:25 GMT

Thanks thinking i might just take it, if i don't someone else will! Never had a kitten as young as 6 weeks tho ... could be interesting!

Re: what age should a kitten leave its mum?

Siobhan Steven — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:53:56 GMT

I have heard that, as with dogs, the new train of thought is 8-10 weeks as this is when they have consolidated their social skills etc. Mind you, despite all the doomsayers the orphan that I took charge of at 3-4 days of age at Xmas has thrived despite being brought up with a rather demented Chinchilla X and a Ragdoll, which is incapeable of displaying any cat like behavior at all. He doesn't 'mummy' or suckle or anything annoying or weird. Probably due to the fact that my reenage daughters were responsible for rearing him in the school holidays as I had to work. Good luck with kitty.