When should the kittens leave mum?

Hi everyone,

I have 2 beautiful kittens with homes lined up for them, they are eating wet and dry food, using the litter tray and drinking water. They still have a feed off mum but maybe twice a day maximum. 

I am just curious that because they are eating and drinking can they leave now? or do I have to wait until they show no interest in milk?

THANKS IN ADVANCE GUYS!!

Congratulations on your kittens and on finding good homes for them. It is a common misconception that kittens can leave their mother as soon as they are eating properly. In fact, being with the mother and littermates is very important in the education and socialisation of a kitten. They learn to get on with other cats, to play without claws and to copy good litterbox behaviour. In the wild, of course, they would also learn hunting during this period, which they will obviously not need as domestic cats but which gives a kitten the opportunity to satisfy basic instincts that lead to a mature, well-rounded cat., and that in turn means less likelihood of behavioural problems for the future owners. Kittens that leave their mothers too soon can become needy, clingy cats who use their claws to get attention and who have no idea of how to play without aggression.

Usually experts recommend 10-12 weeks as the best time to be separated. Some breeders leave it to 16 weeks. I know that this is not always possible, but I think that every week beyond 8 weeks is really beneficial to the future life of both kitten and owner.

Kelly davies said:

 
Hi everyone,

I have 2 beautiful kittens with homes lined up for them, they are eating wet and dry food, using the litter tray and drinking water. They still have a feed off mum but maybe twice a day maximum. 

I am just curious that because they are eating and drinking can they leave now? or do I have to wait until they show no interest in milk?

THANKS IN ADVANCE GUYS!!

Click to expand...

How old are the kittens now? 

I agree with that said above.  No day earlier than 8 weeks.   And if earlier, only because ist some emergency - obviously.

Exactly how long depends also, what exactly are you planning to do with them, and what you are planning to leave to their forever homes.

Breeders do have 12-16 weeks. But of course, they do have full deworming + vaccination programme, sometimes also spaying.  And a vet check up before leaving.   Thay may even want to show their kittens on a Show, in kitten or Litter group Class...   So nothing peculiar with waiting to 16 weeks!

But 10-12 weeks ias a good age, with 8 as the minimum.