Even if it doesn't help them develop faster it's good for kittens to be socialized young or they turn feral....you can tame them after that but it's not the same.I don't think there's any truth to what you read. However, I leave the babies alone -- paying them very little attention -- until they are about eight weeks old (even ten), so I suppose I can't speak to their developing faster because I've paid the early, frequent attention to them. Those times when I have checked in on them, they always seem to develop at the same rate as any other litter. (I have had many litters, here, over the last two decades.)
The reason I leave the babies alone is because I feel that is the time when they bond with their mom and she teaches them about the world (as she knows it). I do check in on them enough to know they are okay, getting plump, and are (seemingly) healthy.
Another reason I don't hover over them is because of an experience with a neighbor. One of my cats had kittens behind his shed, amongst some pilings. He found them and wouldn't leave them alone. Early on, I asked him to leave them alone and he promised he would. He said, often, he didn't go near them, but every day, several times, I saw him talking to them and picking them up. He took to one, in particular. My cat moved them around, so often, it was hard to keep track on them -- I feel it was because that man was such a nuisance. That one kitten, that he paid most attention to, grew up to be a nuisance -- going up to total strangers, rubbing against their legs, annoying them, and he just wouldn't stop. He did it to me, too, and I hated it. He's the only cat I've ever had that was like that and I am, somewhat, convinced that man is why. The cats I've had, over the years, have been social enough, without being "clingy", and, by no means, anti-social.
"Let go, let Mom" is my rule of thumb when it comes to moms and kittens. I don't think they develop faster for being paid attention to a lot, but, maybe, they develop differently. (??)
That might not do any harm if you have a very friendly mother cat, kittens and mother inside the house and people around every day, but it's hardly the best way to socialise kittens.However, I leave the babies alone -- paying them very little attention -- until they are about eight weeks old (even ten),
They could get attached to one person if that is the only one they smell, As they grow I try to have (if the mom allows it) the kittens at least smell different people's smells and other smells, not by necessarily picking them up but by just letting the kittens smell their fingers.Is it possible to “over” socialize kittens though? I remember reading something in the Bradshaw’s Cat Sense book that if kittens are handled too early and for too long daily, and by one person only, they would have troubles bonding to other person than the first care giver. I don’t remember the details of what he wrote so if someone knows anything about this, I’d appreciate the input.
Yes, I have rehomed all of them and kept a few myself.That might not do any harm if you have a very friendly mother cat, kittens and mother inside the house and people around every day, but it's hardly the best way to socialise kittens.
Kittens need to get used to being handled from a much younger age than 8 weeks old. It's very hard to re-home skittish kittens, so they need to get used to being picked up and petted while they are very small.
A cat that is friendly enough to go up to strangers and rub against their legs would make a great pet, I doubt that any cat lovers would find him a "Nuisance". Of course, it would have been much better if the cat was kept safely indoors too.
S sabbyjake Your cats seem to have had quite a lot of litters over the past few years. At least six in the time you've been posting on TCS, is that right? Have you managed to re-home any of the kittens? Do you need help finding a spay and neuter clinic?
Low-Cost Spay Neuter Assistance Program
Twin Cities - Low-Cost Spay / Neuter Clinics - TailsInc.com
Minnesota Humane Society » Low Cost Spay/Neuter
There are a few here you could try.
G Genesis123 It's important to get any cats you care for spayed and neutered. Please let us know if you need any help finding a clinic in your area.
Why You Should Spay And Neuter Your Cats
When To Spay Or Neuter A Cat?
That's great!Yes, I have rehomed all of them and kept a few myself.