Can I adopt kittens at 8 weeks?

[BusyFrizzyLizzie]

I’m in the process of adopting 2 kittens. The mother is a stray who has been taken in by a neighbour. I’ve been asked to take them at 8 weeks but am reading conflicting advice online. Some say they shouldn’t be adopted before 12 weeks.

It’s many years since I’ve had kittens - my last few cats have been adopted as adults. Can anyone advise? Thanks!

its probably not ideal but, if the neighbour was just doing a good deed, and now needs them gone because of the responsibility, then I’d just take them.They will be fine. If you refuse is she likely to give them someone else or to cats protection?
Has she contacted a charity to get the stray neutered?

Best for them to stay with mum til 12 weeks. 8 weeks seems to be the norm though. Atleast your having two!

I think 8 weeks is the norm from my experience before I used a cat rescue, and if the person has just done a nice thing and needs the kittens gone I’d do that. If she can wait you could always contact your vet for advice, have they already had a vet check up?

Yes, the mother will be spayed and then adopted by someone else in the neighbourhood (our street WhatsApp is very cat-centric and effective 😆).

The RSPCA says 8-9 weeks, but obviously would like the kitties to get the best possible start. I believe they have already had a vet check. Thank you for the advice!

8 weeks is fine for moggies - I've always had them from 8 or 9 weeks from rescues and they've been fine.

8 weeks will be fine. Battersea does 9. I know some say 12 is optimal but sometimes it isn’t practical if mum cat isn’t the family pet. We got our now 1YO at 8 weeks and he’s very healthy and a great family pet.

Eight weeks is the norm for moggies, whereas 12 weeks is preferred by many breeders for their pedigree Siamese, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Ragdolls etc. Apparently, many breed cats grow up more slowly and aren't as robust, but it suggests that 12 weeks would be better for all kittens.

That said, we've had four kittens (all moggies) who were under 12 weeks and they went on to thrive. It might not have been ideal, but they got loads of attention, immediate registration with a vet and the company of older cats. Your two will have each other and that's a major plus.

8 weeks is fine.

I have 2 rescue moggies that were away from mum from before 8 weeks. One was fine, the other is best described as having life long mental health problems.

If she’s absolutely sure they are 8 weeks I’d say it’s fine if they are eating. I had one year ago that claimed to be eight weeks that I had to syringe feed as it was just too little.

Thank you all. I shall go ahead and make the plans. Off to see them this morning and - all being well - will be back with requests for help naming the little blighters. My youngest is agitating hard for Princess Bluebell Glitter, but will cross that bridge when I come to it!

It always used to be 6 to 8 weeks. Mind you that could be about 30 years ago one was so tiny he sat on our hands. He was fine a sturdy tough little cookie. He used to need a bunk up to get on the dinning room chairs. He worked out how to use the cat flap before he was meant to, we had another cat and he watched him. Mind you he had to climb up to use the flap. We think he was about 6 weeks. Lived to a good age.

Key is that they are feeding and toiletting independently. Preferably using a litter tray. If not they are too yoing to be away from mum.