semi-feral kittens: socialize first or adopt out while they're still small?

we just took in 3 semi-feral kittens, about 3 months old. one is on the cusp of being a normal lap cat, while the other two still need a lot of socialization work (though have made good progress).

my question is, is it better to socialize them fully, then adopt them out, or is it possible to adopt them out now to responsible people who know what is required? are there people out there would would adopt a kitten that needs work, and thus reap the benefits of the increased bond that would develop between cat and human?

i'm worried that by the time they're all fully socialized they won't be small and kittenish anymore, thus reducing their attractiveness as potential adoptees. there's so little time when they're kittens, and it seems pretty clear that people looking for cats prefer a kitten in most cases.

has anyone had any experience like this? i'm in no rush to get rid of them, but i feel a strategy is in order here. thanks!

here's a pic of two of them:

The only way I would adopt out a semi-tame cat is if the potential adopters knew how to handle and tame them. Otherwise they may get frustrated, give up, and no telling what would happen to the kittens. We all have good intentions, but sometimes we take on more than we realize. If you're in no hurry I would try and socialize them more. Great job on rescuing them!

Or if you have company see if they will volunteer to feed/pet/play/hold the kittens. The more variety of people they see the more social with people they will become.

thanks for the advice folks! i'm thinking that here in new york, where there are so many kittens that are already tame, it's unlikely i will find somebody who's looking to break in a cat like this, so i guess i'll keep them until they're socialized fully. they're making such good progress it may not be as long as i originally thought.

and we've got 4 humans in the house, so they're getting a variety of stimulii in that regard.

Yeah. It is the normal rule of thumb. Socialize in them first, before you send them to their new home.

I thought your question was you HAD families who were prepared to do the necessary socializing work, and also had some knowledge about it. - This COULD be the exception from the rule of thumb.

But as you dont have the homes = the question most hypothetical...
So you have your answer.


Good luck!