When do you give out newborn kittens?

Answer 1

You never give out newborn kittens; they are much too dependant on their mother for food, warmth and cleaning.

Kittens need to be fully weaned and learned all their social skills before leaving for new homes. Most good breeders never let any kittens go before 12 weeks of age.

Sadly, too many kittens are still given away much too early. Kittens six to eight weeks old who have already left their mothers and siblings have not learned any important socialisation or behaviour skills yet, which kittens learn from eight weeks onwards. During this time kittens will learn how to play and interact with their littermates, mother and any other animals and humans in the house.

They learn what behaviour is acceptable and what is not from their mother, and will learn how to play and share with their littermates. They will also learn about grooming and litterbox use at this crucial time. Taking a kitten away at this crucial stage of development can cause behavior issues later on in its life as it will not have been taught otherwise.