QUESTION: How old should a kitten be before it is taken from its mother?

ANSWER: Kittens need to nurse from their mothers until they are 6 weeks old for a healthy start. An additional two weeks ensures kittens begin to learn proper feline manners from their mother and littermates. Even at the tender age of 8 weeks, kittens can be sterilized to ensure that they don't contribute to overpopulation.

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The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Write “;Pet Ohana”; in the subject line. Or, write “;Pet Ohana,”; Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.