New Kittens Making Us Feel Sad
Discussion
We picked up some kittens (8 weeks old) a couple of weeks back. Settled in very well, considering our 2 year old (they came from a house of very energetic 1-4 year olds so probably relatively quiet in our house).
Eating very well and toileting in their trays like seasoned pros.
Last night I was having a play with them both when one (the male) started nuzzling up to the female as if he was searching for milk. He was making quite an attempt at it, was beginning to look desperate and started meowing forlornly.
Is this normal behaviour for 10 week old kittens? I changed the situation and he calmed somewhat, is this the right thing to do? What age are kittens generally considered 'weaned'?
Any help/insight would be appreciated!
Eating very well and toileting in their trays like seasoned pros.
Last night I was having a play with them both when one (the male) started nuzzling up to the female as if he was searching for milk. He was making quite an attempt at it, was beginning to look desperate and started meowing forlornly.
Is this normal behaviour for 10 week old kittens? I changed the situation and he calmed somewhat, is this the right thing to do? What age are kittens generally considered 'weaned'?
Any help/insight would be appreciated!
8 weeks is fine and fairly common. Breeders often do 12 weeks so they can fully vaccs kittens before rehoming. 6 weeks is too young.
I wouldn't worry too much I'd he otherwise seems well. Being typical male he is probably just after some extra comfort (in my experience it's male cats who can be like this!!) he will prob wean himself off this behaviour soon enough but there is no wrong in applying distractions if you see him do it so it doesn't become a behaviour trait.
Usually happens if taken away too early from the Mum esp before 6 weeks. I took on a 5 week old (female in this case) found in the street! She would suckle off my 18mth old male cat (he would let her) she weaned herself by 4 months old. It was the strangest sight when I first saw them!! They were very bonded all their lives
I wouldn't worry too much I'd he otherwise seems well. Being typical male he is probably just after some extra comfort (in my experience it's male cats who can be like this!!) he will prob wean himself off this behaviour soon enough but there is no wrong in applying distractions if you see him do it so it doesn't become a behaviour trait.
Usually happens if taken away too early from the Mum esp before 6 weeks. I took on a 5 week old (female in this case) found in the street! She would suckle off my 18mth old male cat (he would let her) she weaned herself by 4 months old. It was the strangest sight when I first saw them!! They were very bonded all their lives
Civpilot said:
Should they not be with their mum until at least 12weeks??
I didn't realise they could be rehomed as young as 8?
I would rather mine had been left till 12 weeks, but they were in horrid conditions and were being given away first come first servedI didn't realise they could be rehomed as young as 8?
Only wanted the one, but i couldn't leave them where they were.
So far, in a week my 'free' kittens have cost me over £200 with vets / accessories!
Thanks for the advice everyone. The female has tried to suckle the male since the first post. Responded just as the make when the situation was changed.
They are now both tucked up under my arms as I write this. Seem very happy with me and my wife being the 'parents'. Gorgeous to see as well
They are now both tucked up under my arms as I write this. Seem very happy with me and my wife being the 'parents'. Gorgeous to see as well
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