Kitten socialization

kimfdj

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Hi Kitty Lovers!

First, I love this site!  It has been a tremendous help for the proper care of Mia and her three kittens. 

The babies will be two weeks old tomorrow and all seem to be developmentally on track.  Their weights are great, eyes open, scooting all over their kitten box, etc.  I weigh them at the same time each night and hold them for a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes each day.) 

Mia was a feral cat that showed up in my yard and she can be skittish of strangers.  She loves me and my Mom (who was present for the birth.)  She also loves Indi, my little chug (chi-pug) who has appointed herself auntie of the kittens (she is always supervised closely when in the kitty room).  Mia is happy when all three of us are in the room with her and she will promptly lay next to Indi and start to purr.  She seems to trust my judgement with people and will cautiously approach them if they are next to me about half the time.  This was when she lived outside in my yard.  I have not had anybody new over since she gave birth.

I have extended family members that want to come see the kittens.  What is the right age to start introducing them to new people? 

Thanks in advance for any insight...
 

Sarthur2

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I would wait until the kittens are out of the nest and beginning to walk around and wean in about 2 weeks. Otherwise, mama kitty will get very upset.

Also, when you do let others see the kittens, I suggest it be one person at a time, who walks and talks very softly, sits on the floor, and makes no sudden moves to pick up a kitten.

I think it's very important that you play it very carefully since your cat was feral and has just grown to trust you guys, and see how she reacts. If she seems stressed, I would wait longer until the kittens are bigger.
 
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kimfdj

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I would wait until the kittens are out of the nest and beginning to walk around and wean in about 2 weeks. Otherwise, mama kitty will get very upset.

Also, when you do let others see the kittens, I suggest it be one person at a time, who walks and talks very softly, sits on the floor, and makes no sudden moves to pick up a kitten.

I think it's very important that you play it very carefully since your cat was feral and has just grown to trust you guys, and see how she reacts. If she seems stressed, I would wait longer until the kittens are bigger.
Thanks sarthur2!  Sounds like a great plan to me and this is how I will handle things.
 
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