Why we keep our kittens to at least 12 weeks:

• 12 weeks is considered the minimum for good development.
• 14-16 weeks is highly recommended for the best-adjusted, well-behaved cats.
• 14-16 weeks is an excellent, even ideal, time for a kitten to go home, as they’ve had crucial extra socialization with mom and littermates, preventing many common behavioral issues often in younger kittens, leading to better adjustment and fewer biting/scratching problems.

While 8-12 weeks is often cited as a minimum, staying longer, especially past 12 weeks, allows for vital learning about being a cat, making them more confident and well-adjusted companions.

Benefits:

• Better Adjustment: Longer time with family helps them develop confidence and adapt more easily to new environments and people.
• Reduced Behavioral Problems: Many issues seen in early-separated kittens (fear, aggression, poor litter box habits) are lessened by staying longer.
• Health Benefits: They are fully weaned, often have started vaccinations, and are robust enough for the transition.