Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What's the earliest age a kitten can be separated from its mother?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 23 days old

When is the youngest age a kitten can be without his mother?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2016

When a kitten stops nursing on his mom he is ready to go, it's usually never before the age of 6 weeks. having said that a cat can survive from a younger age if fed kitten replacer milk, but it is not recommended if the mother is available.

Vote icon

14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    3 weeks old is a bit young. I prefer 6 weeks, but have bottle fed kittens who's mother died in labor as well. Without a mom you may need to bottle feed formula every 2/3 hours until they can lap it out of a bowl. Once they can eat out of a bowl you can transition them to softened cat food. Make sure they get dewormed and vaccinated a bit earlier (6 weeks for vaccines) since they do not have as many maternal antibodies from nursing. If you would like to consult, I would be happy to help. It is an intense age to care for, but with the right TLC they can grow into healthy kittens

    Vote icon

    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored