Here are some of the specific reasons why kittens should not be separated from their mothers at 3 weeks:
- Kittens need their mother's milk for nutrition. Kittens' digestive systems are not fully developed until they are at least 8 weeks old, and they need their mother's milk in order to get the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.
- Kittens need their mother's care to learn how to socialize with other cats. Kittens learn how to interact with other cats by watching and interacting with their mother and littermates. If kittens are separated from their mother too early, they may not learn how to socialize properly, which can lead to problems such as aggression or shyness.
- Kittens need their mother's care to learn how to fend for themselves. Kittens learn how to hunt, groom themselves, and use the litter box by watching and interacting with their mother. If kittens are separated from their mother too early, they may not learn how to fend for themselves, which can lead to problems such as starvation, malnutrition, and infection.
Separating kittens from their mothers too early can also lead to health problems. Kittens who are separated from their mothers too early may be more likely to develop respiratory problems, diarrhea, and other health conditions.
For all of these reasons, it is important to keep kittens with their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old.