Why Savannah Kittens Should Not Leave before 12-16 Weeks

[Kronos]

I got Kronos at 10 weeks. Breeder said he was ahead in development as far as his behavior goes... but could have been maybe why he came home with such an icky stomach bug (diarrhea for months) which is just now FINALLY gone. But it was true, he came out of his little crate the most confident thing on 4 legs I have ever seen lol.

 

[Breheart]

2. Before 12-14 weeks of age, a single serious bout of something as simple as diarrhea can kill a kitten. Dehydration can kill a kitten. A good chill can kill a kitten. They are so very very fragile up until 12-14 weeks of age.

Absolutely agree with point #2 very passionately. I took Keljin home at 10 weeks old and was very worried since he was a runt and severely underweight.. (He looked more like a 5 week old kitten in comparison to his siblings, 0.62lb compared to 1.2lb + on his siblings) But the breeder reassured me the vet gave him a clean bill of health and it was perfectly fine to take him home now.. I completely regret that now! He had severe dehydration and diarrhea so bad I worried he would die.. I am of course more than happy that he has grown up to be fine and I wouldn't trade him for anything, but whew.. those first few months home was so rough on me, I will never take a kitten home that young ever again!

 

[Eolsurion]

I got Zeus at 9 and half weeks of age. My breeder also had an approximate date as well ... I'm pretty sure we bought from the same breeder. This breeder in particular has the best interest of the kittens at heart. She is willing to hang on to the kittens if u ask her. She more than strongly believes the longer with their mother the better, but also understands that owners would like to have their pet as soon as can ... but the bottom line is what is best for the kitten. Most domestic cats are weaned from mother and sold at around the age of six weeks (just as comparison) ... I agree whole heartedly in doing what's best for the kittens and think extra time with the mother is all good but maybe not requires in every case. I guess it all gets down to if you are dealing with a quality breeder or a puppy mill type of breeder. Wether or not you did your research before purchasing a kitten so you know which you are purchasing from, and wether or not you trust the breeder. Let's face it, the breeding of Savannah's isn't that large of an industry and reputation is everything. I would think most breeders worth their name will error on the side of caution when it comes to the kittens they sell.

 

[admin]

Absolutely agree with point #2 very passionately. I took Keljin home at 10 weeks old and was very worried since he was a runt and severely underweight.. (He looked more like a 5 week old kitten in comparison to his siblings, 0.62lb compared to 1.2lb + on his siblings) But the breeder reassured me the vet gave him a clean bill of health and it was perfectly fine to take him home now.. I completely regret that now! He had severe dehydration and diarrhea so bad I worried he would die.. I am of course more than happy that he has grown up to be fine and I wouldn't trade him for anything, but whew.. those first few months home was so rough on me, I will never take a kitten home that young ever again!

But Breanna, I don't think it had anything to do with Kelgin's age. More to do with the breeder and the TriTrich in her cattery...another two weeks would not have helped him, in this case, since he was probably sick anyway.

 

[Eolsurion]

I didn't mean to offend anyone if I did. Was trying to help Barbja. Please talk with your breeder, I'm sure she will be more than willing to hold your new companion for a reasonable amount of time till your comfortable. I really think that the factors involved with when a kitten is healthy enough to go home with their new family are on a kitten by kitten basis, things like overall health, emotional maturity, how long been weaned etc. I wouldn't advocate sending a kitten home at 6 wks that is for sure but I think around 10 wks is reasonable. But talk with your breeder and find out why she thinks your kitten is ready to go home with you and if your not comfortable make other arrangements =}

 

[admin]

You did not offend anyone....not to worry!

 

[Dantes]

Duma was 10 weeks when I picked him up He's perfect! He is much more emotionally mature than my ragdoll, who I think I got too early - I believe he was 11 weeks when I got him, but he would've been better off being with his family until at least 16 weeks.

Duma's watching the screen and nodding as I write this

 

[Katniss]

We got ours at 16 weeks and they were so sociable and ready to be with a family.. I agree... 12 weeks should be the minimum!

 

[Per Lausund]

We keep them at least 16 weeks. SVs are not all up to (mature enough) changing homes before that, and we need to know they are able to feed properly. And they are still very young. Some could go younger, I suppose, but we find it best to let mum take care of them until then.

 

[DocMac]

In my trials, this age is just beyond the "biting fingers" stage. I think that's a behavior that takes a little experience to restructure.