AT WHAT AGE CAN I GIVE AWAY MY KITTENS?
Answer: My ABSOLUTE minumum age is 9 weeks, but I very rarely give them away before age 10 weeks. That is a standard in orphan kitten rescue worldwide. Why?
Kittens until age 9/10 weeks are very, very sensitive and delicate to any sort of change. Change in environment means new bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens. It can also mean stress, change in diet, and the transfer of a delicate baby to potentially underprepared and unwilling hands. They can die very suddenly, even when they are seemingly perfectly healthy. The ones that are hand-raised are particularly susceptible to all forms of infection since they don't inherit antibodies and immunity from their moms. A simple change in environment or diet can kill them. I've seen it myself too many times...
There are some inexperienced and inexpert people rescuing kittens who don't understand this and will give them away as soon as they wean. In my eyes, and the eyes of most experienced kitten people, it's playing with fire--and risking the lives of the babies themselves.
Also, the first 10 weeks are critical for their normal social development. Many kittens who are separated from their siblings too soon develop serious social and behavioral issues and can become depressed, destructive, aggressive. Then...they are abandoned. Keep them until they are safe, happy and good to go at 10 weeks. Have them vaccinated, make sure they're well and strong, and THEN find the perfect homes
Want to know how I find such awesome homes? Read and study my post on interviewing potential adopters here:
And remember: trust your instincts with people, and never compromise the safety and wellness of the tiny babies in your care!
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