When To Let Kittens Leave

[Jess751]

OK I have done tons and tons of reading but I just cant decide when the best time to let the kittens go. I was originally going to wait till they are 10 weeks then did some reading and got convince to wait till 12 weeks. Im just not really sure. And now one of the ladies that wants 2 of my kittens has asked to get them a 8 weeks. Which Im reluntant to do. I just think that its too early. I got a kitten too early and it wasnt fun and I would rather my kittens not end up somewhere bad becuase they were too young and developed problems. I would also like to be able to know the kittens personality better to put the kitten in the right home. I was told that I am being to anal about this but I just want to do it right. :?

[smudgley]

Why don't you wait & see how well they develop & see what they are like at 8 weeks. I think 8 weeks is a good time to let them go - but some litters are more mature than others.

If you had a litter of 8 kittens & tried to keep them until they were 10 / 12 weeks this would be a) very hard work & b) the kittens would benefit from one-to-one attention by then.

[Jess751]

Im not really worried about how much work its going to be I just want whats best for the kittens.

[smudgley]

Im not really worried about how much work its going to be I just want whats best for the kittens.

Well I would say 8 weeks is best for the kittens. ;)

[cc22peatree]

I would say 8weeks is best, mainly for the kittens sake, it will be easier for the kitten to adapt to its new home if you let them go at 8 weeks, if you dont let them go until 10 then thats an extra 2weeks of them becoming acustomed to your home, and that will make it more difficult for them to adapt into there new home:D

[mable1718]

i would say 8 weeks is best aswell

[Jac]

How many do you have?
I got a little kitten at 6 weeks, he was so tiny but the girl couldn't cope. She had a 2 year old toddler and a baby. there were 6 in her litter but C-Fur got 1 to 1 attention with me and turned out to be a friendly cuddle bundle. I personally think it was very young. I would say 8 weeks.

[Mags]

How many do you have?
I got a little kitten at 6 weeks, he was so tiny but the girl couldn't cope. She had a 2 year old toddler and a baby. there were 6 in her litter but C-Fur got 1 to 1 attention with me and turned out to be a friendly cuddle bundle. I personally think it was very young. I would say 8 weeks.
They haven't been born yet Jac ...:D

[Jac]

I didnt think so but thought I may have missed something. Thanks Mags

[Jess751]

All the breeders that I have looked at are saying 10-12 weeks.

[Animagus]

Its normally about 8 weeks that the kittens go to their new homes.

[dinahsmum]

I wouldn't foresee any problem in two going together at 8 weeks.
Maybe keep the singletons longer if that is what you'd prefer?

Edit
Here's my two aged less than 9 weeks one week after I picked them up this time last year. They look pretty happy and settled in no problem
http://wwwdogsey.com/pics/27107DSC01488.JPG

[alexgirl73]

The reason breeders keep them longer is that they have their vaccinations first before they leave and also their pedigree papers, but, correct me if I'm wrong, yours aren't pedigree are they, so you don't have to keep them as long. Hope that helps. And I would also say 8 weeks is the best time, as they are sociable and friendly at that point but still able to adapt to new situations quickly!

[Jess751]

My kittens are Main Coon/Snowshoe mixes. I was planning to get their first shots before they went home too. My vet said to get the shots at 6-8 weeks. And the reason the lady wants the kittens at 8 weeks is cause she said she wants kitten kittens not an 'older' kitten.

[alexgirl73]

Well, I would have their first shots at 8 weeks then and then they should be ready to go when you feel ready to let them go lol! I can understand the lady as most people want their kittens when they're still small, and it is probably easier for the kittens to adapt at that age.

[Fran]

I definitely think that 8 weeks is the best age for them to go to their new homes. The only reason pedigree breeders keep them longer over here in the Uk is because it is a ruling of the GCCF (the governing registration body of the cat fancy) that they have to be fully vaccinated before they go to their new homes. Most vets over here vacinate at 9 and 12 weeks and then the breeder will keep them a further week just to make sure they are ok after the vaccs. I personally feel kittens are better in their new homes earlier than this and for what it's worth so does my vet ;)

[Sweet]

I cannot offer any advice x

[Jess751]

I would like them to be vaccinated before they go to their new homes. This way its done. Its not the law here but my values as a person/pet owner, I want to get them checked out by the vet and de-wormed and vaccinated and all as its my responsibility as the breeder. How does this sound? Get their shots at 7-8 weeks and then let them go home till they are 9 weeks.

[dandysmom]

Your plan sounds good to me, Jess!

[Jac]

Sounds ok to me Jess.

I just wish we could get pedigree kittens earlier. I think they bond with you easier when they are 8 week ish.

[random]

Well one of mine was ment to be going yesterday at 7 weeks and 5 days but I just didn't feel she was ready, however her sister would have been fine to go (but we are keeping her). You will know when the time comes but usually 8 weeks is the norm.

[Jess751]

Alright guys thanks for the help. :D

[Soupie]

I don't think you can say for certain x weeks or whatever as depends on the kittens at the time. Anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks really - I've had several at 12 weeks old and never had any more problem getting them settled than the ones we've had at 8 weeks. Personally I prefer getting them at 12 weeks :)

[Jess751]

We will just have to see how the kittens mature and if they are ready. But at least now I have reassurance from ya'll on what to do. Thanks again!! :D

[Mags]

I hope the kittens won't be long Jess.....the suspense is killing us! :lol:

[Jess751]

Thanks! LOL! Its killing me too. I wish she would just have them already!!!