How old should a kitten be before I let my children hold them?

The kittens are just opening their eyes. There are three of them, and I have three children…all wanting to hold and have one. Their ages are 9,8 and 4.

Answer #1

Let them sit by the nest and hold them…the more they are handled early in life (even before their eyes are open)…the more social they will be. Just don’t let them pack them around and worry mama kitty. A couple times a day would be great…for both the babies and the kids.

p

Answer #2

It all depends on how the mom is around other people interacting with her kittens. If the mom is very loving and patient with other people, have your kids start to pick them up. This starts for a great relationship for the new kitten and your kids.
However, if the mom is very over protective, wait until the kittens have opened their eyes and start to wonder on their own a little bit. Sometimes over protective moms might not want to interact with their young ones after they have been held by people. This makes it very difficult for the kittens to nurse.

More Like This
Advisor

Pets and Animals

Pet Care, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Medicine

Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

The Parrot's Info

Pets, Animal Care, Nature

Advisor

MyKitten

Pet Stores, Animal Breeding, E-Commerce

Advisor

Camlist

Pet Adoption, Animal Rescue, Pet Services

Advisor

Simply For Dogs

Pets, Dogs, Animals

Advisor

petterr.com

Pet Adoption, Animal Welfare, Pet Care