How long should you wait to separate a kitten from its mother?

It can vary depending on how developed the kitten is, but the best time to separate kittens from their mother is when the kittens are twelve weeks old. Ten weeks at the very earliest. At this age a kitten is be able to walk and run, its eyes are open and is able to eat solid cat food. Some kittens are not fully weaned, or know how to use the litter tray at eight weeks old.

However, the most important reason for keeping kittens together until twelve weeks is socialisation. Kittens learn very important socialisation and behaviour skills from eight weeks onwards. During this time kittens will learn how to play and interact with their littermates, mother and any other animals and humans in the house.