When Can You Take a Kitten? The Best Time to Bring a Kitten Home

It's generally not recommended to rehome a kitten that is only 30 days old, as they typically haven't been weaned yet. It's best to wait until the kitten has completed its vaccinations before bringing it to a new home. This usually occurs around three to four months of age. At this stage, the kitten's immune system is stronger, making it more adaptable to new environments.

Taking a kitten away at 30 days old is not advisable. A month-old kitten hasn't been weaned and may have a fragile health status. The stress of a new environment can increase their risk of contracting diseases. Furthermore, kittens at this age are not yet litter box trained and still need guidance from their mother. It is recommended to ensure that the kitten has received all its vaccinations, has had its antibody levels checked, and has shown no recent signs of illness before rehoming. These measures greatly reduce the risk of health complications after the transfer to a new family.

Best Age to Bring a Kitten Home

Young kittens generally have weaker immune systems. It is highly recommended to wait until the kitten has received all of its vaccinations before rehoming them. Kittens usually start their initial vaccination series between six to eight weeks of age, with follow-up booster shots every 28 days, for a total of three vaccinations. Once the entire vaccination series is complete and the kitten has built up sufficient immunity, which usually places them at about three to four months of age, they are typically much better prepared to adapt to a new home. However, even at this age, the move can still cause a degree of stress, which may manifest as diarrhea or urinary issues. If your kitten experiences any difficulties adapting to its new surroundings, it's crucial to take them to a veterinarian for a check-up. Administering probiotics and supplements such as Vitamin B can help support their digestive health and immune function during the adjustment phase and potentially lessen any stress related responses.