How important is it for a 8 week old kitten to be with the mom?

parranoidmoose

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Cat born August 6 but owner says he is ready any time to be rehomed now. I was going to pick up my kitten on October 10, but due to family obligation that came up that day, I cant anymore so im wondering if its a good idea to pick the kitten up earlier, then take the kitten with me in the car when we leave on October 10, or to keep the cat with his mom for an extra week, so I would pick him up when he is around 10 weeks. is it that important for kittens to be rehomed when they are 12 weeks? my owner gives me the impression she wants the cat gone as soon as possible, so im not sure he is getting as much care and play time as he should be. But if he was here, he'd have lots of attention from three eager kids, wet and dry food, and many toys ready for him. So how important is it for a 8 week old kitten to be with the mom?
 

maggie101

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8 weeks is not too young. If you think he's unhappy there, go for it! Are you moving in to a new place so there will be lots of boxes stacked up to open?
 

vince

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Eight weeks used to be the recommended adoption age but nowadays, something like 12 weeks is recommended. Kitty should be okay as long as he's eating solid food and is using a litter box. Long-term instruction as to proper behavior will be up to you, so you might have to teach him not to bite and to behave properly, things which would have been taught him if he was with mom and litter mates. He'll probably be all right.

Do make sure your kids don't smother the little guy in their eagerness. Children can overwhelm a cat.
 

maggie101

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Peaches was found in a hole 5 weeks old. She does bite but that unfortunately is part of her personality. She can't speak so that's her way of saying,I want attention, I've had enough,I'm hungry. Maggie was born outside. She is my most well behaved cat. Coco was born outside on my porch, disappeared 5 weeks old,came back a year old. Very timid and a major lap cat. Peaches already new how to use the litter box. First few days she did have fun in it. Start with canned food like fancy feast classics.
 

Willowy

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8 weeks is not the worst, but the longer the better. His mama can teach him kitty lessons that humans can't teach him. So unless the owners really want him gone, it's best to leave him there. And also then he won't have to go on a stressful car trip at such a young age, too.
 

missymotus

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my owner gives me the impression she wants the cat gone as soon as possible
typical behaviour of byb’s, they want kittens gone as the food, litter and vet bills go up with keeping them longer, without a care for the kittens critical needs staying with mum.

Byb’s exist because people support them, so the cycle continues. Choosing a reputable rescue (or registered breeder) is a far better choice, good rescues use foster homes for well socialised kittens that leave at the appropriate age with vet care done.
 
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