What is the best age to get a kitten?

around 12 weeks
The Ideal Age to Adopt a Kitten Ideally, kittens should go to their new home around 12 weeks of age. 3 While some kittens can go home earlier, the closer you wait until 12 or 13 weeks, the better off the kitten will be.

Is it better to get a kitten or an older cat?

Kittens will require more time and attention, not to mention time spent cleaning up after them, than adult cats, so if you’re gone most of the day, an older cat can be the best fit for you. If you have small children, an adult cat may also be a better choice.

Is 6 weeks old enough to get a kitten?

Kittens go through a lot of changes very soon after they’re born. The first few weeks of their lives are full of new sights and sounds, and by the time they reach six weeks of age, they are almost ready to leave their mothers. But that doesn’t mean the growing, changing, and learning comes to a halt.

How do you pick a kitten from a litter?

The kitten should look well, with bright eyes, a good coat and be able to move easily. Ask to see the other kittens in the litter and the mother to make sure that they are healthy too. Follow your instincts and don’t be taken in by stories of how that runny eye had just happened etc.

Is it better to have two kittens or one?

Although it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; wash-up after meals soon becomes a ritual with two kittens.

What happens if you take a kitten away from its mother too early?

If they are separated from their moms too early, they are more prone to behavioral problems and become more vulnerable to health issues. Kittens weaned too early are also more likely to become aggressive and experience litter box problems.

Is it mean to get a kitten with an older cat?

Hofve recommends adopting two instead of one. This may seem counterintuitive, but it means the kittens will be far more likely to play with one another and leave the older cat in peace. Before adopting the kittens, be sure they’re in good health so they won’t pass anything on to your senior.

Do older cats get jealous of kittens?

So do cats get jealous of a new kitten? It certainly can happen, especially if the older cat feels it is getting less attention than it is used to or less than the new kitten. Cats naturally form their own hierarchy and can become envious or even angry if they feel their position is threatened.

What is the earliest a kitten can leave its mother?

It is a common misconception that kittens can be separated from their mothers as early as 8 weeks old. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. Instead, kittens should remain with their mothers until they are 12-14 weeks old.

How do you tell if a kitten is going to be a lap cat?

Look for a cat that enjoys playing calmly, but mostly seems to enjoy nap time with its owners. This also means you should look for a cat with a calm, approachable personality. If you choose a cat that seems skittish or scared, it is less likely that the cat will develop into a lap cat even over time.

Do male or female cats have better temperament?

Males, or toms, can be friendlier than females. Intact male cats “spray” to mark their territory and “howl” for females (this is usually not a problem if you get him neutered). Female cats tend to be more reserved than males but are far less likely to spray.

Is it cruel to have one kitten?

“Only-Kitten Syndrome” can be terrible indeed! It’s not a scientific condition, but it is very real. Kittens are almost always born in a litter with multiple siblings, and along with their mom cat’s nursing and other care, the kitty pack plays an important role in kitten social development.

When does a 6 month old kitten become an adult?

In other words, some kittens simply become adult cats when they are 6 years old, although there are kittens that don’t become adult cats until they reach 1 year of age or later. You need to be aware of every change that occurs in this stage of their growth and plan the best care accordingly.

When does a kitten start to gain weight?

A young kitten should gain approximately a quarter-ounce to a half-ounce a day until it reaches between 4 and 5 weeks old. Within the first week, it should almost double its weight. The growth rate of kittens might slow down a bit but should continue at around 1 pound a month.

Which is better, a kitten or an older cat?

As a rule of thumb, the younger the new kitten, the better. If you found an orphaned newborn kitten, your older cat may not feel threatened at all. Newborns are blind, deaf and – most importantly – nearly immobile.

Can a older cat take care of a newborn kitten?

If you found an orphaned newborn kitten, your older cat may not feel threatened at all. Newborns are blind, deaf and – most importantly – nearly immobile. That’s as unthreatening as a cat can be. As we’ll soon discuss, you should keep a newborn apart from the resident cat for a while, for health reasons.