Question:
When is the best time to give up puppies or kittens? My neighbor had gotten a 3-week-old kitten because the family did not want the mother cat to get attached to it.
J.M.H., Minneapolis, MN Apr 12, 2009
Answer:
It is quite wrong to wean pups and kittens before at least 6 weeks of age, since they need their mothers' milk and maternal care. I can understand the sentiment behind separating at 3 weeks of age, but because of high levels of milk production and circulating hormones, cats and dogs are likely to suffer more when their offspring are taken away at such a young age. The practice of early separation just a couple of days after birth is common practice with dairy cows and their calves. The reason given is so the cows don't get too attached, but that's nonsense when you hear them bellowing in distress. We humans just want the milk for ourselves! Kittens (and also pups) often develop behavioral problems later in life when weaned too early, ranging from over-attachment to humans to obsessive, oral self-comforting behaviors like sucking on owners' arms, earlobes, their own paws and tails and the corners of pillows and blankets. I do not ever advise disciplining animals to inhibit such behavior. Instead, try remotivation, as with a toy, and engage in play or groom the animal.
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