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Why do I release kittens at 9-10 weeks instead of 12?

9/17/2015

6 Comments

 
Most breeders wait until a kitten reaches 12 weeks or more before releasing them. This is for several reasons. One reason is to assure themselves that the kitten is getting at least 2 rounds of vaccinations before leaving. Another reason is to give time for the kitten to develop into a higher quality so that the Breeder may charge a higher price or get a Breeder price. Lastly, most Breeders feel that additional time is required for the kitten to develop consistent litter box habits and important socialization skills.

So why do I break away from this norm? One way I have overcome the concern regarding vaccinations is by supplying the 2nd and 3rd rounds of vaccinations in an intra-nasal form that can be administered by the buyer at home. This results in peace of mind for both buyer and seller. As for allowing more time to determine quality, an experienced Breeder will be able to discern quality potential as early as 4 weeks. I also feel that the benefits of releasing at 9-10 weeks far outweighs getting more money based upon a higher quality achieved later.

Our socialization program, which starts the moment kittens are born, gives significant results in obtaining socialization skills. Lap Leopard Bengals also starts the process of presenting solid food and litter box training at 4 weeks. Our intense hands-on and early approach allows us to achieve consistent litter box habits and socialization skills on an earlier time frame then Breeders whom don't have as much time dedicated.

So why do we spend money on giving vaccinations away, potentially loose money from kittens that develop into higher quality, and use so much of our time to train and socialize our kittens on an earlier time frame? The major benefit to releasing a kitten at 9-10 weeks is that kittens are more vulnerable and thus more reliant on their new parents at this age. At this early tender age, a critical moment in development happens where a kind of "imprinting" can occur.  This allows for a stronger bond to be formed early. We also recognize that our kittens are going to homes that have all kinds of environments and they must adapt to their new home life and this is best done when young and impressionable. We don't want our kittens to bond to our family and become use to our home and their litter-mates. This would make their later transition more difficult. It is also possible that in the critical time between 9 and 12 weeks kittens can grow more confident and independent. While this sounds like a positive thing, it also means the new parents miss out on helping the kitten to grow in their confidence with them. 

So in our passion to develop not only stunning and social kittens, we are most concerned about having our kittens molded by you into the kind of lifestyle you desire.
6 Comments
Callum Palmer link
7/4/2019 12:02:19 am

I think that releasing the kitten at an older age is better for them. As you said, this allows the breeder to get them on their 2nd round of vaccinations. If I do end up getting a cat, I'll want to be sure that this is taken care of.

Reply
Monique
7/4/2019 12:24:19 am

That’s why we give the buyer 2 rounds of vaccines to take home as intra nasal vaccines, so that every kitten gets vaccines for the 8, 12, and 16 week mark even though we release kittens early. Furthermore, by giving intra nasa vaccines this way, we prevent a harmful side effect caused by injectable vaccines known as injection site sarcomas, which is a cancer. Thus we are able to release kittens earlier and still give all the vaccines!!

Reply
Melody link
11/24/2019 11:08:31 pm

There. Ant be any reason to hold a kitten from new family other than to get more money & control the kittens future. 8 weeks is old enough for any other baby animal & allows the kitten to bond & conform to the new forever home with less drama & stress! If someone pays this kind of money for a Bengal kitten I would think they are smart enough to make sure all its health needs are met. I want a kitten- not a young adult. I’ve raised baby kittens, pups, goats, fix, raccoons, cougars etc— ALL are much easier at younger age!

Reply
Britni
12/19/2019 08:23:50 pm

I agree with melody and Monique! I got very lucky to find a breeder of 20 years willing to let her kitten go at 8 weeks. She knew I was responsible and had owned a kitten before and I even prescheduled vet visits and reimbursed her for first one the day I took her. We have a large and expensive custom home that can’t afford to be ruined when a teen cat comes with its learned habits at 12-16 weeks. Also we have two adult cats and all are less threatened with a small baby still in fear stage. This is perfect that way by the time fear stage wears off she will be acclimated to smells of other cats and slowly introduced week by week to each room of house and other cats after that. We needed this time and searched hard for it. It’s been a blessing.

Reply
Marsha
5/17/2020 06:32:04 pm

I just wanted to compliment you on the 8 week delivery date. Your reasoning is so logical to me. As a long time breeder(40 years) dogs, I found that age 8 wks really forms a better bond. This is really important with our German Shorthairs & German Shepherds. Our Saints always bonded well but it was still stronger when done at 8 wks. Not sure of how cats are, but with dog the drive to be independent also has a fear component.The dependency at 8wks helps to strengthen the bond~ A reinforcement loop is created. I am afraid and go to my person for safety, being safe increases the bond.Children are the same way~they become more independent when they are secure in knowing there is ALWAYS a safe/love zone.
Anyway thanks for your post.

Reply
Melissa Corbin
8/10/2022 09:23:22 pm

Hello Monique,

You consistently seem to have large litters. This seems to be a lucrative business due to the fact that you are able to house homes for these kittens at the given time frame. How many times have you experienced a buyer not coming through with payment? And what happens to the kittens in the meantime?

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    Author

    Monique Dillon is the owner of Lap Leopard Bengals and is a fellow Bengal enthusiast that loves to share her passion for the Bengal breed! Prior to breeding she was a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biologist and likes to bring her knowledge into Breeding.


    Blog Titles Click to go to that title
    • How Often To Breed Bengals
    • Why Breeder's Right's Matter
    • Choosing a Breeder
    • Vet Visit, Your Options
    • Do Parent's Personality Matter?
    • Our Socialization Program
    • Why Get 2 Kittens
    • Cat Allergies
    • Brand Loyalty Myth
    • Why Did I Start Breeding?
    • Release Kittens at 9-10 vs 12 Weeks?
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    • How to Introduce Kitten to Home
    • How to Introduce Kitten to Your Pet
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    • Does Gender Matter?
    • Does Gender Matter to Your Existing Pet?
    • What Determines Quality?
    • Why Cats Suffer Dehydration
    • Cat Pregnancy
    • Importance of TICA Registration Papers

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