When Is The Right Time To Take A Kitten Home?
I recently heard about someone who brought home two kittens at just 8 weeks old. As you might guess, those kittens are wild! They don’t know how to play gently and even wrestle too roughly with each other. They’ve been well described as ‘crazy’! Thankfully, that family doesn’t have other cats, or things could have gotten messy.
That story made me think: when is the best time to bring a kitten home?
Most people hear three ages: 8 weeks, 12 weeks, or 14 weeks.
Let’s look at what happens in each stage so you can see the difference.
Kitten Milestones
0–4 weeks: Babies! They need mom for food, warmth, and even help going potty.
4–8 weeks: Kittens start to eat wet and dry food. They try the litter box and play clumsily as their legs get stronger.
8–12 weeks: They eat on their own, but still need mom to teach manners. This is the most important time for learning how to play nice. They also get their first shots, which can sometimes make kittens feel sick.
12–14 weeks: Kittens get more vaccines that last longer. They’re braver and more confident, but mom still steps in to show them limits. Their immune systems are stronger and they’re ready for big changes like moving to a new home.
What the Experts Say
TICA (The International Cat Association): 12 weeks minimum.
CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association): 12–16 weeks.
AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association): Never before 8 weeks, but longer is safer.
State laws: Many say 8 weeks is the minimum, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best.
Why Some People Choose 8 Weeks
It’s the legal minimum in many places.
Kittens can eat on their own by then.
Shelters often need space, so they send kittens out earlier.
Some buyers want a kitten “right now.”
Some people believe earlier means better bonding.
But here’s the truth: 8 weeks is risky. Their bodies are still fragile, and they miss out on learning from mom. I’ve seen kittens taken too soon grow up to be rough players who never learned self-control.
12 Weeks vs. 14 Weeks
12 weeks
✅ Healthy, weaned, and litter trained
✅ Basic manners learned
✅ Families feel excited to get them sooner
⚠️ Immune system is still developing
⚠️ Less time for mom to teach boundaries
14 weeks
✅ Stronger immune system
✅ More confident and social
✅ Less chance of biting, scratching, or separation anxiety
✅ Smoother move into new homes
⚠️ Families may feel like the wait is long
⚠️ Some think kittens will bond less (not true — they adjust beautifully!)
My Choice
I send my kittens home at 14 weeks. Why? Because I want them to be strong, confident, and well-mannered before they start their new life. Maine Coons are known for being social, easy-going cats, and that extra time with mom and siblings helps them grow into the best companions possible.
I’ve seen the difference: kittens who stay longer play more gently, handle change better, and bond just as deeply with their new families.
At the end of the day, bringing home a kitten is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Waiting for those extra couple of weeks means your new Maine Coon isn’t just adorable — they’re also healthy, happy, and ready to grow into the amazing cat you’ve been dreaming of. 💙