Don't Adopt a Kitten that is Too Young

You should, that's who.

The latest recommendation is that kittens should be no less than 12 weeks old when they are separated from their mother and siblings. If you can stand to wait, it's even wiser to adopt a kitten when it is 12 to 14 weeks. This ensures that the kitten learns the appropriate socialization skills from its feline family. People used to think that the earlier the kitten was taken by humans, the better it would adjust. Now we know it's just the opposite.

Between three and seven to nine weeks kittens undergo a crucial developmental stage. This is when they become socialized to humans and also learn some very important behaviors from their mother, siblings and other adult cats in the household. The learning that occurs during this time becomes hard-wired into their neurological system.

You've heard the expression copy cat? Like many people, you may have used the expression as child without knowing why. The expression actually refers to how cats, especially kittens, behave around other cats, particularly when they are very young. Kittens learn to copy their mother using the litter box and to behave gently with humans during this important stage of socialization. They also learn to not be too rough during play. If a kitten bites her mother's ear too hard while playing, the mother cat will whack her kitten to stop it from being too aggressive.

During this time, kittens also learn how to bond with humans. Experts believe that the more gentle handling a kitten receives from humans, the more friendly it will be with its human family members. And kittens between three and nine weeks who interact with other animals---such as dogs and unrelated cats living in the household---are more less likely to be fearful of other species and other cats. In fact, they are more likely to seek out friendship with other animals in the household io which they get adopted.

Kittens that are taken away from their feline family before 12 weeks are more likely to develop problems. They may not use the litter box properly or at all. They may be aggressive toward humans. They may bond with their human companions, but still behave aggressively toward other people. And they may be too wild: biting and scratching during play with humans and other animals. In addition, they may fear other cats and dogs.

So while it's tempting to want to walk away with that tiny kitten, wait until your cat is at least 12 weeks old. By that time, your baby cat will be ready to leave her mother and settle into her new home with her new human parents.

Source:

Kitten Development, CatWatchnewsletter.com, Jan, 08