When Are Kittens Ready to Leave Mama Cat?

Hi, well we have had lots of kittens. 8.5 weeks old is just fine. if they were still weaning, them they may not eat dry cat food really well. what we always do is mix some wet cat food in with the dry cat food, then we just slowly stop the wet food, that way they have a chance to get use to the dry. have fun kitties can be so much fun and a lot of company.

C.,
They are ready to go between 6-8 weeks. Do you have the mom? They should not need to nurse. Soak the kitten food in eitehr milk or water- their little teeth might now be strong enough yet.

Have fun!

S.

I have 4 cats, and always wondered about this, having cats who "make/knead dough" on your belly or blankets is an example of them leaving their moms too early. (their weaning) Looks like 12-16 weeks is a good idea (now Im worried about your kittens!) but some say 8 weeks is ok. I googled it..."Kitten-leave-Mother"

six to eight weeks is fairly standard...if they were eating solid food they shoud be fine...get them a qualiy kitten food and soften it with water if they don't like it hard. Milk can give them the runs.

Hi, I have a new kitten who is just about ten weeks old. We got him when he was six or seven weeks old. Yes, he can be weaned. Put a little water in their food and they might find it easier to eat. Make sure it's kitty food. Not human food or adult cat food. Human food is very bad for them and once they start eating really well, stop putting that little bit of water in their food too. Soft food can cause bad teeth. Have fun and good luck!!!!

Hi C., I've been a vet tech for 10 years, so maybe I can help a bit. 6 weeks is the very youngest that a puppy or kitten should leave their mamma. Most doctors prefer 8 weeks, but that is mostly for the socialization of being with their little. 8 1/2 weeks is just fine. Most kittens and puppies will nurse as long as mom will let them. They aren't doing it for nutritional needs. I would NOT get into the habit of catering to them with tuna and what not, becasue it will never end. Pick a good quality kitten food, Iams, Eukanuba, and Science Diet are the best, I wouldn't ever go any cheaper than Purina. Believe me, you'll save money in the long run. You have to feed them less food, and they will also be healthier.

Six to eight weeks is when kittens can be removed from mama, I have 2 who I am trying to find homes for know, we have a lot of strays who find there way to our house....lucky us. I personaly like to wait until about 8-10 weeks, depends on the kittens and thier momma's, If they can eat and drink on their own then they will be fine. One of the other moms mentioned about the pawing as a sign of to early and she is right, but it isn't a detrimental thing, they will do fine, they will just be "pawers" which can be annoying. Our oldest cat was found at 4 weeks, momma abandoned it, and she paws horribly, but is a great cat. So I think your sister kittens are good and will do fine.

I just read some of the other response, milk is not good for cats or kittens, I can't rememeber why, just that my vet said no milk, period, they do have a kitten milk replacement that can be bought just about anywhere, and isn't to bad price wise if you are real worried.

They are ready to leave now. The thing with Kittens is they will nurse for a very long time. We had a lot of cats when I was a child and I remember having six month old kittens still nursing. The thing you have to do with the cat food until they get used to it is water it down with water not milk and then gradually lessen the water, they will get used to the cat food. Also, do not give them cows milk, it can give them an tummy ache.

Start them with some wet cat food and slowly add the dry into it until you are mixing just a little wet with mostly dry. You can also soften thier dry kitten food with milk or the special cat formula for kittens that have lost their mom and see if they will eat it that way.

8 weeks is a great time. I got my kitten at 6 weeks which is still at tad young. As long as they are weaned and eating regular food then it is fine. They may not be weaned due to who has them isn't removing the mommy cat from the litter and she will continue to produce milk as long as they are nursing, they are fine at this age (8.5 weeks to take them away from her) You have to keep the momma cat away from the kittens (spaying right now is a perfect time) in order for them to stop nursing. Tuna isn't really good for cats (believe it or not), try mixing a little evaporated milk or cream with kitten chow, they will eat it when they figure out it is their food source.

I haven't had a cat since I was a kid either, but I think about 8 to 12 weeks is when they are ready to leave their moms...? ANyway, I DO remember getting that kitten chow and soaking it in warm water to soften it. Try that. Otherwise, you can switch to canned food.

kittens can leave there moms around 6 weeks old. If they are having trouble with dry cat food I would try a little wet food. all they need is about a qtr can (very small can ) twice a day.

6-9 weeks is standard. You should be able to spay them now or real soon. I have always put a little evaporated milk or water in the kitten food. It will soften it up and not make them sick. Make sure you are using food for kittens. When I was studying to be a veterinary assitant I learned that the food you feed your pet is very important. Human food or adult cat food could make them very sick. Also, be picky about your brand. I also learned that some brands are no different than table scraps or just junk. Make sure the food has real meat and veggies in it. I know veggies sound wierd but it is needed.

Your kitten should be ready to leave the mom at 8.5 weeks. If they don't like their kitten food dry, add a little milk to soften it up for them. Also, if they aren't eating much at all but will eat a bit with the milk on their food, try a milk egg mixture rather than pure milk. It will give them a little extra boost. But be sure to toss whatever they don't eat after afterwards since the egg will go bad quickly. I would save the tuna for emergencies since that can get expensive! Good luck and enjoy your little balls of fluff!