The Purrfect Age To Get a Kitten

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| Print | By | December 8, 2008 3:58 PM

I think that kittens are people magnets. Even folks who are not wild about cats are drawn to the adorable kitten antics which entertain humans for hours on end. This being said, I am often asked what is the best age to adopt or purchase a kitten. It amazes me that folks adopt kittens long before they are sufficiently mature, often resulting in developmental problems that lead to poor adaptation and difficulty in training.

Reputable breeders agree that optimally kittens should remain with their mothers and litter mates until they are at least 12 weeks-of age. With some purebred kittens it is even suggested that folks wait until kittens are 14 weeks old. As this is a crucial learning period for the little ones, the extra time spent with mom and siblings allows them to mature, to bond with humans and to become fully socialized.

8-Maine Kitten2.jpg
Photo Credit: RP Cathouse Maine Coon Kittens

Waiting these extra weeks also allows kittens' immune systems to develop, to have received their first vaccines and fully litter trained. They should be eating a high quality kitten food as well, before going to their new homes. These first three months are crucial in the development of a kitten into a happy and healthy adult cat.

Once you have found that purrfect ball of feline fluff, it is an excellent idea, (while your kitten reaches the ideal age, ensuring a smoother transition to your home,) to prepare for your new arrival. You will need a litter box of course, and a fragrance free, dustless brand of litter. Stock up on the same kitten food which your kitten is being fed and if you plan to make a change, make sure you do it slowly. Kittens have delicate digestive tracts. You will also need ceramic or metal food and water dishes, as plastic bowls can cause feline acne. Add some cat toys and a scratching post, and some books on cat care to keep on hand and you will be fully prepared. Petside.com has some excellent and handy information about kittens as well.

Watch this delightful video by Unrealragdolls of two month-old blue point Ragdoll kittens playing. While it appears that they are just having a blast, these kittens are learning about their environment, honing their social skills and gaining the confidence that will help them become treasured pets in their future forever homes.

What do find most enjoyable about kittens? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Want to see more cute kittens? Check out the Cute Kittens Slideshow!

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Rani December 9, 2008 8:54 AM

Years ago, I was taught that kittens (mutts, not purebreds) were ready to go to a new home at 8 weeks old, that even 6 was OK. If you take a kitten that young, they often will nurse on your neck and show other signs of lack of readiness. Nowadays, the recommendation of at least 12 weeks old makes much more sense. Breeders who have dogs and kids in addition to cats, are smart to "hand-raise" their kittens, with lots of people-interaction. If you have children or dogs, seek out a breeder who has the same. Your kitten will adjust to its new home with greater ease if it's accustomed to canine or child interaction.

Rani

Vicki December 9, 2008 9:07 AM

It is so entertaining to watch young kittens play and getting to know their surroundings. They seem to have endless energy, and are always finding something to play with. These kittens are certainly no exception.

Amy December 9, 2008 12:50 PM

The joys of being owned by a kitten (preferably two)knows no bounds. Just the precious learning moments will leave you in tears from laughing. Throw in the canine critters and you bring in even more joy. When introduced properly they to learn to enjoy each other presence and co habitate under the same roof.

Sue December 9, 2008 1:46 PM

Awww I love ragdolls! Hope to have one someday.

The best thing about kittens....hmmm..so many things - I would have to say that moment when they have played themselves out and are so exhausted they can't keep their eyes open. I love the peacefulness of it, even though they are just recharging so they can shred your sofa!

Donna December 9, 2008 5:13 PM

With Pirate I had no choice, he 'found' me when he was 6 weeks old, wandering the streets. Wheez I got from the shelter at about 8 weeks, Chester was a feral kitten I took in at 4 months (so he's either really loveable or real standoffish...I don't know how much he was handled in his first weeks.) Missytoe was about to be thrown out a car window at 6 weeks, so no choice there either, but Mouse, I definitely went looking for someone 4 or 5 months old...not so young to be an 'infant' and not bigger than Chester....his intended playmate. Boy...has that kitten (Mouse) owned me since day 1. He picked ME at the shelter, coming out of no where to sit on my shoulder as if to say FINALLY...let's go home. Although I love all my cats dearly, Mouse reminds me mostly of my beloved late Clifton, more like a dog than a cat...and what a character he is! Next adoption...whenever it occurs, will just depend on the circumstances I guess, but my choice is definitely about 16 weeks!

Stella Gaylor December 10, 2008 3:03 PM

Along with a kitten leaving at 14 weeks old they have had their first vet check up most of their vaccines. They have learned their manners from the others in the house hold. I have never met a kitten that didn't adjust to kids or dogs when placing a kitten. since my kids are adults and I have no dogs. I guess it could be breed, DSH or SLH related. I have kittens that are placed in such homes and are king or queen of all they see.

They need to be loved, picked up even when they don't want to be held and talked to gently and stroked and cuddled. You must continue the care and training they receive when they are with the breeder. If you don't interact with the kitten, hold and talk to it or tend to its needs you will not have a well socialized cat. It is also up to the new parents to continue what the breeder has started.

Stella Gaylor

http://rpcathousemainecoons.com/

chelsea November 19, 2009 5:22 AM

i think the enjoyable thing about kittens are they really fun to play with and their really cute and their not to hard to look after and i would like to help those kittens who need a home so i want a part time job looking after them i had a kitten her name was magic she was really beautiful but we had to give her away aqnd she died a few month later.

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