When To Give Away Newborn Kittens?

[Marasha]

Greetings!

Cat mom (last year's kitties died), gave birth to two healthy furballs. We want to find them a house asap. Their eyes are open and their hearing seems good. They still eat milk from their mom but I saw one of them lick liquid food, and show interest in dry food. They are very playful, which is a big issue since they can escape and go to the road. When is it time to give them away? Is it safe now or do they still need their mom?

Edit: The kitties did eat dry food today (or tried to).

Here are some pictures of the cuties. Hopefully the size can give you some clues.

Thanks for your help!!!

Same cat mom had two babies that passed away in the past. Here is the thread I had made.
Urgent Help! Cat Gave Birth But Wont Feed.

 

[Norachan]

First of all, please don't let such small kittens outside. They are very vulnerable, not just from cars but from predators and diseases.

The kittens need to be at least 12 weeks old before they can be separated from their mother. Any earlier than this and they will develop behaviour problems as they won't have been properly socialised by their mom.

You can get the kittens vaccinated when they weigh 600 grams, they will need a second shot about a week after the first.

It's a good idea to have the kittens blood tested as well as vaccinated. Test for FIV and FeLV, keep the blood test results, vaccination certificates and all the vet receipts to pass on to the adopters. You should charge a re-homing fee to cover the cost of the blood tests and shots and any other medical treatment the kittens have. Serious adopters won't object to paying a fee if the kittens are healthy and up to date on their shots.

Do you need help finding a spay clinic for the mother? She can get pregnant again now, so you need to get her spayed ASAP.

 

[catsknowme]

I am so happy to see the " 2019 models" thriving! I agree with Norachan that the kittens need more time with mama kitty as well as each other. If they are weaned too soon, they retain the need to suckle and often will "nurse" off blankets, soft toys and people's ear lobes, etc. - it is a behavior that can be cute in kittens but not in adult cats. Also, at this age, they are teaching each other good manners with claws, good eating manners, etc. Often the adult cats who don't use good claw control, bite hands, attack feet, etc., were singletons or were adopted away too soon. The other issues with being given away too soon are depression, loneliness, insecurity, anger - those emotions can create an aloof cat or a cat who is whiny and needy. Kittens (and puppies) are born into litters and have instinctual needs to be together with their own kind for a good while. Also, it is better for the mama cat to not have her babies stolen away. When I have had to pull sick babies from the field, I return with them for a time or two and show the mother cat that her little one is alive and well - even though the cat keeps her distance, she recognizes her baby and clearly seems to understand that her little one is safe & doing well (I sound crazy but I even explain to the mother cat that her baby needed a vet and medicine to live). Thank you for helping that mama kitty - it is a cruel world outside.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Totally agree with everything Norachan and catsknowme said!!

They are adorable!

 

[Marasha]

First of all, please don't let such small kittens outside. They are very vulnerable, not just from cars but from predators and diseases.

The kittens need to be at least 12 weeks old before they can be separated from their mother. Any earlier than this and they will develop behaviour problems as they won't have been properly socialised by their mom.

You can get the kittens vaccinated when they weigh 600 grams, they will need a second shot about a week after the first.

It's a good idea to have the kittens blood tested as well as vaccinated. Test for FIV and FeLV, keep the blood test results, vaccination certificates and all the vet receipts to pass on to the adopters. You should charge a re-homing fee to cover the cost of the blood tests and shots and any other medical treatment the kittens have. Serious adopters won't object to paying a fee if the kittens are healthy and up to date on their shots.

Do you need help finding a spay clinic for the mother? She can get pregnant again now, so you need to get her spayed ASAP.

catsknowme FeebysOwner Norachan

Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately, we cant take them inside the house since we own 4 cats and the only room that can house them has a stray cat occupying it. He had a stroke some time ago, and we are keeping him safe until he can walk normally.

Cats are not a very popular pet in my country (Greece), plus people don't really have money to spend with the ongoing crisis. Sadly, I doubt we would find them a home if we charge a re-homing fee. We don't really have the money to vaccinate them either since we have to take care of our 4 cats and the stray one that had the stroke.

Our course of action right now is to completly seal away the balcony that their mother has brought them on. This away, other cats wont be in any contact and they wont risk jumping off.

They have also started eating dry food. We changed to smaller pieces so they can eat easier and we give them canned food once per day.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Good that you are sealing off the balcony.

 

[catsknowme]

Thank you for sealing off the balcony. You are doing a great job despite the situation. Thank you for also helping the kitty who had a stroke. You definitely are making a great difference for the better in this world, one kitty at a time