Is It Bad if a Cat Doesn't Have Its Mother Long Enough?

Children thrive on parental care and guidance, and young kittens aren't any different in this respect. Separating a kitten from his mother prematurely can lead to problems down the line, related to both disposition and health. Meanwhile, it's also vital for kittens to spend sufficient time with their littermates.

  1. Nourishment From Mom

    • If a kitten is taken away from his mother before weaning is complete, his health could suffer. Kittens require the nourishment of their mothers' milk until they're weaned in full, which usually happens when they're in the range of 8 to 10 weeks in age. If a kitten is deprived of that nutriment prematurely, it could result in severe digestion issues, for one. Kittens who are taken away from their mothers' milk too early sometimes refuse to eat at all. These situations sometimes lead to feebleness and ultimately to passing away.

    Suckling in Adulthood

    • Taking a kitten away from his mother too quickly is not only a bad idea nutritionally, but it can also be problematic in the suckling department. Suckling is a soothing action that's a big part of being a kitten. If a kitten is taken away from his mom cat without getting to do normal "kitten" things, he might turn to those things later in life when they're just not as appropriate. Adult cats who didn't get enough time with their mothers frequently suckle on random objects to cope with their emotions, whether the cause is tedium, fear, nervousness, frustration or anything else. Some cats suckle as a means of resting and unwinding.

    Social Lessons

    • Being around a mother cat is crucial for social purposes. The relationships a kitten establishes between his mother and siblings can have a major effect on his entire life. When kittens participate in rough-and-tumble play sessions together, they take in lots of precious experiences that teach them how to behave socially. Through all of these things, they develop in-depth social know-how, feline style. This entails everything from an understanding that sharp biting is a "no-no" to a healthy respect of authority. Kittens who get enough time with their mothers and littermates often develop into well-rounded, well-behaved and content mature felines who know how to be around other animals.

    Separation Time

    • Kittens generally need to stay with their feline families until they're a minimum of approximately 8 to 10 weeks in age, ideally 10 weeks. At this point, weaning is through; the little guys are ready to take on the next adventure: socialization with their human friends, a developmental phase that's just as essential.