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When to separate a kitten from its mother

Kittens require two sets of vaccinations at eight and twelve weeks of age. If it is going to be allowed outdoors it must also be vaccinated against feline leukaemia. If you have purchased a kitten from a breeder that does not provide free health insurance for the first six weeks after purchase, be certain to take it straight to your veterinarian to be tested for feline leukaemia and feline AIDS, and have a faecal sample analysed for intestinal parasites.

Most kittens are weaned at 6 to 8 weeks of age but the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) does not permit breeders to allow a kitten to go home with their new owner until they are a minimum of 13 weeks old. By this time the kitten is weaned, has had all its vaccinations, is litter box and scratching post trained and socialised enough to settle into a new home.

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