Adorable kittens are the perfect companion for any cat enthusiast. Although the urge to take one home may be strong, it’s important to remember that if a kitten is taken away before they are ready, it can have a lasting negative impact.
When should kittens be allowed to go to a new home? Here is the information you need to know about the development, socialization, and when kittens are prepared to be adopted from their mother.
Nurturing Baby Kittens
Kittens need the nurturing of their mothers for some time before they can be adopted. Most animal shelters and rescues will allow people to adopt kittens starting at 8 weeks of age. However, breeders will usually hold off on letting go of the kittens until they are 12 weeks old, with some waiting until they are 14 weeks old. This allows the kittens to get the care and attention they need from their mother.
Keeping kittens with their mother and siblings allows them to learn important social skills. They are able to interact and communicate with other cats, as well as learn how to play in a way that is appropriate. This is a benefit that comes from staying with their family members.
Cats learn how to be cats from their mothers and littermates. For example, when a kitten bites too hard, their siblings or mom will usually react with a loud meow or cry and then run away. This shows the kitten that the other cats won’t stay around if they bite too hard. Additionally, if the kittens start playing too rough, their mother will usually walk away to let them know that it’s not appropriate.
For the first eight weeks of life, kittens rely heavily on their mother’s milk for nutrition and antibodies. After the first two weeks, they can start eating canned and dry foods, but they will still need supplemental milk. When adopting or picking up a kitten from a breeder, it’s essential to consider their weaning process.
Potential Risks of Bringing a Kitten Home
If you’ve become enamored with a kitten younger than eight weeks, it might be difficult to avoid wanting to take them home right away. However, it would be better to wait a few weeks–the consequences of bringing them home before they’re ready can alter the life of your feline in the future.
If you get a cat too young, before they have had time to form relationships with other cats and people, they may be more aggressive and feel unsafe around others. They may be scared and jumpy.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, bringing home adopted kittens can be an excellent experience for any animal lover. It is crucial to be prepared with the right supplies and a safe environment for the kittens to adjust. It is also important to be patient and understanding during the transition, as it takes some time for adopted kittens to become comfortable in their new home. With proper care, love, and attention, adopted kittens can become a beloved part of the family.
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