Best age to adopt kittens? When to handle and litter train them?

Question

A stray cat moved her kittens into my enclosed patio when we accidentally left the door open. The mom is nursing and I'm giving her water, wet and dry food, toys and a litter box. I made sure the kittens have a bed and towels. I'm going to adopt them out to a good home when they are old enough. What age is best for that? Also, when should I start handling the kittens so that they are used to human touch? Will the mom stop feeding them if I handle them? When should I litter train the kittens? Thx. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Mama will keep feeding them. If you leave a litter box on your patio, she will train them to use it. You can start handling them a little, Watch the mother. Make sure she does not get too upset, and when she does, stop handling the kittens and come back later. If you can weigh the kittens, you can find out how old they are. Count 1 week for every 3.5 oz of body weight. The kittens should stay with their mommy for 10 to 12 weeks, as she will teach them everything they need to know to grow up as good cats. She will teach them what to eat and what not, what to hunt and what not, how to hunt, to be careful of dangerous things, how to use the litter box. Put the water bowl a few feet away from the food bowl. Find homes for the kittens now, but do not take them away until they are 12 weeks old. They need their mama and siblings to socialize properly, play fight and to avoid bahavioral issues.

Best age to adopt kittens? When to handle and litter train them?

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