someone looking for BABY kitties...

frankthetank

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I was looking through my local craigslist today...I browse the pets sometimes....to see how many kittens are in the area (TONS), to see cute animals, and because we have rescued two kittens from people on CL who were going to taje a cat to shelters. I know a lot of people threaten it, but my little blind Billy was on CL and the poster and I talked via email before I got the kitten, and I knew he was in danger, so we adopted him. So sometimes I just check, and every once in awhile someone posts about finding a tiny little kitten who needs bottle fed and they need help, in which case my husband and I offer to help the kitten,
ANYWAY back to the point of my post....
Someone had an ad that caught my eye. They were looking for an orange, long haired kitten. I JUST rescued an orange long haired kitten from my chicken coop. However my email to them had a disclaimer first...as this person was looking for a THREE to FOUR week old kitten. For real?? (disclaimer of my own....if someone was looking for help with a kitten that old, I would definitely help them out, I just think that people who would sepeaate kittens from the mama on purpose, to give the cat to someone just because someone wants a very young kitten...it just hit a nerve with me.)
I emailed them letting them know that anyone giving them a kitten that young, is an irresponsible pet owner and I would not take a kitten from someone giving me one that young. I did tell them about my stray but said I would need a vet recommendation and to meet them at a vet and see their home before I would give them my kitten, so I am sure I will not hear back from them.
Am I wrong in thinking that 3 to 4 week old kitties are NOT okay to adopt out??
 

StefanZ

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Originally Posted by frankthetank

Am I wrong in thinking that 3 to 4 week old kitties are NOT okay to adopt out??
You are entirely right, and you are also doing this entirely along the best of manuals. (not to even mention your big heart and your great work).


Although I have noticed in USA many arent aware about the recommended ages. I remember several years ago I was looking at some sort of american forum where they also talked cats... And they did talk alot about such young adoptions... Several of them... Most of them were apparently not even aware it was something funny or controversal with that...

Of course, sometimes you dont have much choice, and such an adoption is a de facto a rescuing. This is perhaps how such a myth can go on.


You are doing a wonderful job!


Please proceed, and lots of good luck!
 

cutekittenkat

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You were COMPLETLY right to do what you did! Kittens shouldn't be separated until at least 8 weeks unless they are abandoned etc.
They are still nursing from their mothers at that age, and can hardly get around themselves. These people need to realize that they are putting not only health risks out for their kitten, but devellopment risks too. This kitten would need bottle feeding, someone to help it go to the bathroom, and very much care.
My guess is that theses people want a kitten so young for the "cuteness" part of it, but those are often the type of people who neglect their cats when they're no longer "cute" to them.
Anyway, you did a good thing, and hopefully these people will understand why what they want is wrong.
And it's so great that you give your time to help so many neglected animals.
 
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