Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. When are kittens ready to leave?

Kittens are ready to leave our home at 14-16 weeks of age.

 

2. Why can't kittens leave before 14-16 weeks?

There are several reasons why we keep our kittens till this age. We spay/neuter our kittens at 12 weeks of age. This gives them time to heal properly afterward. We want each of our kittens to leave confident and well adjusted, ready for their news homes. Kittens enter two socialization stages during their first 16 weeks. The first at 1-8 weeks and then another at 9-16 weeks. The second period is when kittens learn how to interact and play with people and other cats. giving them the confidence to explore without fear.  It also gives us time to work out any physical or behavioral issues before they leave us.

 

3. How do you socialize your kittens?

We use the “Rule of Sevens” for Kitten Socialization and Desensitization, which was adapted from the original article “The Puppy Puzzle” by Pat Hastings.

Kitten Socialization: The Rule of Sevens

By the time a kitten is 7 weeks old she should’ve…

• Been exposed to 7 different loud noises (multiple times)

• Been exposed to water 7 different times (to include bathing)

• Been exposed to a running vacuum at least 7 times

  Been in at least 7 different locations (bathroom kitchen, bedroom, laundry room etc.)

• Been held and petted by at least 7 different people (including children and adults)

• Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides (5 is appropriate here)

• Been in a carrier at least 7 times (includes carrier being left for kittens to sleep/play in)

• Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys (including boxes, tunnels etc.)

• Been taken somewhere outside the nursery alone, without mom or litter mates, at least 7 times

 

4. What do kittens come home with?

 

Each kitten comes with TICA and/or CFA registration paperwork, a two year genetic health guarantee, certificate of health from our veterinarian, age appropriate FVRCP vaccines, spayed/neutered, free of internal and external parasites, starter bag of food, favorite toys, a blanket that smells of mom and litter mates and lifetime support from us.