Key facts at a glance
- Weaning from breast milk is usually complete by six to eight weeks of age.
- The socialization phase that takes place between the sixth and twelfth week is very important for development.
- Cats should not be separated from their mother and siblings before they are twelve weeks old.
- If cats are given away too early, this often leads to behavioral problems such as aggression and anxiety.
Giving up kittens too early
Kittens start eating solid food slowly after about three to four weeks. Weaning from breast milk is usually complete after six to eight weeks.
Often, kittens are then placed in a new home. Although the cubs no longer need mother’s milk, they are not ready for separation from their mother at this point.
Cats that are handed over at the age of six to eight weeks very often develop behavioral problems. These include, for example, excessive cleaning or fearful and aggressive behavior towards their owners.
Socialization is essential for kittens
The development of a young cat is far from over after six weeks. The socialization phase takes place between the sixth and twelfth week of life. During this time, the little four-legged friends learn important things from their mother that they need for their life as cats.
They go on a discovery tour together and learn how to behave towards other animals or people. They are also given boundaries during the socialization phase and learn from their mother how to properly deal with anger and stress.
In addition, they spend a lot of time with their siblings and practice together how to behave as a cat and how to use their teeth and claws properly. Human kittens cannot offer all of these experiences, which is why giving them away too early usually has a lasting impact on the development of a cat’s character.
When is the earliest time cats should be given up
After about 12 weeks, socialization is largely complete. The little four-legged friends enjoyed the closeness of their mother and siblings and gradually learned to be a cat. In addition, their defenses should now be sufficiently developed and the first vaccinations should have been carried out.
From this point on, the little four-legged friends are finally ready for a new home and able to cope with the significant stress of moving house.
Even if the prospective cat parents have to be patient a little longer, waiting for the right time to deliver the kittens is definitely worth it. If you are planning to get a cat, you should definitely pay attention to the age of your future roommate.