Taking a kitten away from its mother before it is 8 weeks old can be detrimental to the kitten’s physical and mental health and in some cases life threatening.
68% of cats purchased in the last year were found online, say our Partners Cats Protection. While online shopping has become a huge part of our lives, the online sales of cats and kittens can have heart-breaking consequences. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Cats Protection to help potential kitten owners identify a reputable breeder and kitten that is ready to go to its new home.
How to spot a kitten under 8 weeks old
Knowing what an 8 week old kitten should look and act like can help you identify a kitten too young to be sold. Laura Williams from Cats Protection shows us what to look out for if you’re considering buying a kitten.
Test if you know what to look for when buying a kitten
1) How long does a kitten need to spend with its mum? |
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2) How much should a kitten of around 8 weeks weigh? |
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3) What should a kitten’s balance and agility be like at 8 weeks? |
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4) Should the kitten be eating solid food at 8 weeks? |
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5) It's important to know if your breeder is reputable how can you tell? |
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6) What should I do if I suspect a breeder is selling kittens under 8 weeks old? |
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If you come across a breeder who you feel is acting irresponsibly and selling kittens under 8 weeks old it’s important to report it to the police by calling 101 (only use 999 in an emergency) and speak to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
An 8 week old kitten will be independent without its mother and if it has been correctly socialised, it will be ready to explore the world with confidence. Don’t forget they are still young, so careful introduction to new circumstances is vital. Your 8 week old kitten will weigh about the same as 2 cans of coke and will have good balance, its movement should be similar to an adult cats. They will be happily eating solid foods and should have had their first vaccinations.
When considering breeders, a reputable one will happily invite you to visit the kitten and have documented proof of the kitten’s age and health. You should also ask to see the kitten’s mother. Some key things to watch out for are: breeders who don’t have an online presence, encourage you to buy the kitten quickly without seeing it first or try to hurry you in to a decision to buy the kitten.
The team at Cats Protection are working hard to encourage responsible kitten breeding and to educate new owners on what to look for in a new kitten. Help Petplan support them by finding out more about the Big Kitten Con campaign.