How old can my maine coon kittens be before I give them away?

-- Anonymous, May 26, 1999

Answers

Breeders will generally not place kittens under twelve weeks old. This is because the kitten cannot be fully immunized until then. They may look independent and ready to go at 8 weeks, but they aren't!

The "passive immunity" a nursing kitten receives through its mother's milk interferes with the activation of the immune system that is the purpose of a vaccination shot. This passive immunity wears off gradually, but is always gone by 12 weeks, which is why vets always recommend the last of the initial "kitten series" of booster shots be done at that time. You want to do the earlier series when you think the immunity might be wearing off, but opinions differ about when that should be; hence some vets recommend shots at 6, 9, and 12 weeks; others at 8, 10, and 12 weeks.

A good breeder will also have had the kittens examined by a vet at least once, and many practice early spay-neuter as well. This is why good breeders rarely turn a profit... but their vets do. ;-)

Regards,

Ambar
Ambar Maine Coons

-- Anonymous, May 26, 1999

I'm puzzled by the term "give them away". Are these registered, purebred Maine Coon kittens? If so, most if not all breeders charge for their kittens. The kittens should go to their new homes with a full set of vaccinations, some do a set of 2 shots, others do a set of 3. Consult your Veterinarian as to what his/her protcol is. In addition, they should be checked by your Veterinarian and thus a health guarantee should be offered.

12 weeks of age would be the absolute earliest they should leave your home.

Sincerely,

Abbey Jones WYNDABBEY MAINE COONS http://www.islandnet.com/wynd

-- Anonymous, May 27, 1999