10/30/2026
I am getting demands about taking the youngest kittens possible every day in my DMs, and I think it’s important to explain why early pickup is not a good idea! ❌
1. Kittens need time with their mom and siblings. The first 12–14 weeks of their lives are important for their immune system, development, and social skills. At 8 weeks old, they’re still babies. They’ve usually had only their first shot, they’re more vulnerable to infections and viruses, and moving to a completely new environment can be very risky. New owners risk ending up with a huge vet bill at the very least, and in the worst cases, some kittens even die because their immune systems are still developing.
2. Early separation can also affect their behavior and socialization. Some kittens become very needy, cry a lot, or have a harder time adjusting to a new home, especially when there are other pets. They still have a lot to learn from their mom and siblings.
I don’t understand the obsession with getting the youngest kitten possible🙄Why is a kitten’s age more important than its health, personality, and development? You’re choosing a companion who will be with you for many years. A few extra weeks really shouldn’t be a problem if you look at a kitten as a living being, not a cute toy.
Don’t forget that actually early pickup is more convenient and cheaper for the breeder and more expensive for the owner ! Less time feeding and caring for kittens, vaccinating them, and paying for spay/neuter surgery. That’s all have to do new owner .
This is one of the reasons backyard breeders are often happy to let kittens go too early😬 The faster the kittens leave, the faster BYBs can move on to the next litter and make money🤑 But raising kittens responsibly and ethically takes time, effort, and money, and I don’t believe their well-being should be compromised. But anyways you do you!