How old do kittens have to be to be rehomed and seperated from one another?
Maddison C asked:
I have 3 kittens that need to be rehomed. They are approx 5 weeks. How old do they have to be before I rehome them and seperate them from each other?
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I have 3 kittens that need to be rehomed. They are approx 5 weeks. How old do they have to be before I rehome them and seperate them from each other?
February 28th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Six weeks, minimum- eight weeks is best. They need to be weaned and eating solid food.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:59 am
6weeks to 8weeks
March 4th, 2009 at 7:38 am
8 weeks, bare minimum.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Kittens are weaned between 8-9 weeks (NOT 6 weeks: the age many breeders remove them). The range is 8-9 weeks because each kitten is an individual and some take a little longer than others. Watch closely to determine who needs mum more.
However, while they do wean between 8-9 weeks of age - they are still learning A LOT from their mum until 12 weeks of age. You won’t have any health concerns taking them away at 8-9 weeks but you do run the risk of them developing behavioural issues if you take them away before 12 weeks.
Good luck!
March 9th, 2009 at 1:13 am
The old rule is 6 weeks but like lots of other things in life we’ve learned that 8 weeks gives them a better chance at survival.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:41 am
The minimum is actually 8-9 weeks. Around 12 weeks is best but not always possible. People do it at 6 weeks sometimes but then the kittens will grow up with a bigger chance of ‘behavior problems’. Wait at very least until 8 weeks to find them new homes.
Also, when you do rehome them, it is best for them to go in pairs or with another young kitty. If possible, try to give preference to people who will take two, or give to someone with another young playful cat, since you have an odd # of kittens.
March 15th, 2009 at 1:26 am
I send kittens to new homes when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. The things I look for are:
* the ability to eat solid food
* use of the litter box
* shows itself to be healthy
In the cat world, if a kitten is separated from it’s sibs or mother, it only takes about 3 days for it to literally forget them. It’s natures way of dealing with the high mortality rate of kittens when they are first born out in the wild.
Good luck!
March 16th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I got mine at five.. but mine was raised off the streets as a stray. Cute little Chewbacca. :]
But yes, six weeks is suggested. Seven or eight is best.
March 19th, 2009 at 10:29 am
at least 6 weeks. The later the better. If possible you should wait until they are 8 weeks or so.
Also it is very important that they are eating solid food and no longer need their mom.