When are they ready?

I am just wondering what your opinions are. I have heard many people give me different ages.....from as low as six weeks, to as high as 12 weeks. Now, I'm not giving them away at 6 weeks, I'm not dumb......but my vet told me I should keep them until 12. I am wondering if they would be fine leaving me in another 3 weeks....when they are 8 weeks......what are your thoughts?

Matt really 12 weeks is ideal. Mom has taught them to use the litter pan, you have socialized them to accept humans and they are ready to go on to a new life and they have less seperation anxiety issues-

Due to the fact that they haven't had Momma for a while during their formative stage, it really is best to keep them until at least 12 weeks, Matt. When people ask me at what age I let my kittens go, my response is always, "12 weeks, give or take, depending on individuals". Some kittens may need to hang with you for a while longer, some a little less, but you'll know as they continue to progress - watch them for a while and let them be your guide.

in england we are allowed to give moggies away at 8 weeks and purebreds at 14 weeks

Originally Posted by gailail

in england we are allowed to give moggies away at 8 weeks and purebreds at 14 weeks

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Yes, but what you are allowed to do isn't always the best thing to do for the kittens, don't you agree? You might have a kitten of an age where you would be allowed to let it go, but if the baby wasn't ready to go, you would keep it until it was, right?

12 weeks is best! That will give the kitten a chance to be well socialized, eating well, using the litter box efficiently and just letting momma teach them all they need to know to be well rounded kittens.

Well, since it's me, not momma doing the teaching.....is 12 weeks still best? They have had no contact with their mother since she got sick when they were 3 1/2 weeks old. They may be able to have her back once she dries up, which should be soon.