Some people have told me that cats get really mad or depressed when you take their kittens away. I plan on waiting 10 weeks before I give them away. Just curious as to how she will react.
Some one with more experience will be able to advise you better, but yes, they do miss their kits and search for them. I don't know if they still do that at ten weeks or not.
We gave 7 of our 8 kittens away very gradually over the time from 10 - 16 weeks of age. We kept one behind, and that's one of the reasons I don't think Elsa ever really pined for them. But hey, you might be glad if your 8 kids finally moved out! LOL.
They might be a bit upset if taken too early; otherwise they don't really care after the kits are weaned and more/less on their own. In fact, my queens would usually push or swat at them to go away after 4 months old