Age to give away

What age do you give kittens away? Ours were born nov 16th.

They all eat dry food but still once in a while breast feed. We were thinking another week and they're ready. Any advice?

Ok thanks

Another question: one of our kittens is really shy. Doesn't like to be touched and usually runs away. It is the only black kitten, all the others are brown and alike. She also sleeps alone while the others sleep together. Why is this? We play with her the same amount etc. But she is almost like a wild cat at times.

She plays with the others, eats good, but since they could walk she has always done her own thing and was never super friendly and didn't like attention or petting or being held. I'm worried that in a new home she will be very afraid of a new owner and won't be a good pet

The fact that she is the only black cat and the others are all another color is simply coincidence. Her color has absolutely nothing to do with her behavior. What it boils down to is personality. I have two cats (20 months old) - one is so overly affectionate it sometimes drives me bonkers! The other is exactly like your little girl. He can't stand being touched, and holding him is out of the question. He comes near and rubs against my legs when HE wants to - on HIS terms. At bedtime, Kricket will sleep next to my pillow, but Keeker sleeps on top of the dresser or out in the living room. That is just his personality, so I let him be who he is.

Give her her space and don't try to 'force' her to be more friendly; you will only make things worse. Often times, if you ignore a kitten they get 'curious' (who'da thunk, right? LOL) and will start coming around to check you out a little closer once they feel safe and know that they aren't going to be touched or picked up and held if they get too close. 

Continue playing with them (use toys that they can play with - like a wand or fishing pole type)  and don't use your hands as toys. Using your hands, as hard as it is to resist, teaches them that biting is OK. 

You said they are all eating well. They are being given Kitten food, right? Not the same food their Momma eats. Kittens need kitten food for the first year to get all the nutrition, vitamins and minerals to help them grow into healthy, strong adult cats.  And make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water! Change the water a few times a day and place it a few feet away from their food. Cats generally don't like their food and water close together. It also prevents food getting into their water and contaminating it. 

At 8 weeks, they should be getting their first series of vaccines and be dewormed! That is very important! (check with your vet to see if they offer discounts for multiple kittens).  And be sure to keep the litter box cleaned to deter any bad habits. They WILL start pooping and peeing elsewhere if their litter isn't clean! 

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask anytime! I am sure others will chime in soon.

When the kittens are eight weeks old it is also safe to have mom spayed.  

I agree that this is just the black kitten's personality right now.  You don't know what will happen when she goes to a new home though, or when her personality fully develops.  Make sure that whoever takes her understands who she is first.