Adopting a Kitten at the Ideal Age - How a Kitten Matures to Adoption Age

Many reputable breeders do not let their kittens gocan begin handling and interacting with the kittens, as
to a new adopting home before the age of 14 to 16well as making solid food available to them. Softening
weeks. It is at this time when the kitten's immunehard kitten food with water, then placing the food
system is fully working. By then, the kitten hasnear the kitten's nose will make the whole transition
enjoyed a nice start of life in the company of theeasier.
mother and the other kittens in the litter, as well asA litter box should be made accessible to the kittens
human interaction and other animals, such as dogs.at 3 weeks as well. The mother will teach them how
The kitten has already experienced some of theto use it. The mother also begins to teach them how
realities of real life.to hunt. The mother will also help in the weaning
Kittens are born without hearing nor sight. Their eyesprocess by becoming increasingly unavailable during
and ears mature between 2 and 5 weeks. By the 4thnursing time. Kittens should be completely weaned by
week, the babies begin to walk, run, and jump. Theythe age of 7 weeks.
quickly become agile and fast-moving. The mother willKittens benefit a great deal from the extra time
continue looking after them, responding to their criesspent with the other kittens in the litter. This is why
and bringing them home in her mouth when theymost experts suggest the 12-to 16-week period. At
stray too far. The first kitten teeth appear about thethat age the adopted kittens have the best
same time their eyes open.prospects of being healthy and well-adjusted pets. At
After about 3 weeks, the mother starts to tire fromthe very minimum, after 10 weeks a kitten has
nursing the kittens. At this time the human caretakerdeveloped most of the skills he needs as an adult.