Hi... I was wondering how old most of your kittens are before you let them go to new homes? Mine are 6 weeks old and people want them now! I have told them at least 8 to 9 weeks of age....but is that old enough? One of my vets said 8 weeks...but isn't that a bit young? I am thinking 10 to 12 weeks.....comments??

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Our kittens go with their chosen families at 13 wks,they don't leave us before this age as it means we can keep our beady eyes on them after they've had their 2nd set of inoculations plus it's a bit selfish but it's a great excuse to spend some more time with them You know training them to be as "playful" as possible so their chosen slaves have a great time bonding with their new ownerThese kitts are waayy to cute-it's criminal

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Burnthwaites Siamese

Hi Kelly...you may think I am crazy, but I do not vaccinate. Back several years ago, I had two 7 week old Tonkinese kittens vaccinated. Within two days, one was staggering. (The other was with my son, still on his mom, and it took longer to affect him.) I rushed him to the vet and then another and yet another vet....finally going to the big Veterninary college in P.E.I. Noone and I mean noone could save him. He died after a whopping vet bill of $1500.00 plus, at the age of 8 months. His brother died shortly thereafter. They had even lost control of their bowels....By times they would act normal and other times stagger constantly. It acted just like Malaria....here today, gone tomorrow...but whatever it was it always came back. It appeared as if his immune system was totally wiped out. I vowed never to vaccinate a young kitten ever again. I HAVE vaccinated at 3 months (but rarely).....the last cat I vaccinated was a barn cat last summer. She was sick for two days. I checked with the vet and he said that had been happening.....So whatever is up with the vaccines??? I tried to get a killed vaccine for our Akita a few years back. There was no such thing here in Canada. We gave her the modified live since that was all that was available. The breeder had warned that that type might compromise her immune system and believe it or not, she was the only one of our three dogs that contracted mange. We did not vaccinate her again. We did however, vaccinate our Rottweiler...so far so good. How do you convince people to allow the kittens to stay with you so long? Most people absolutely beg for the kittens....maybe I should not advertise till at least 10 weeks old...what do you think? Got any pics of your babies?

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As a registered breeder, we are bound to keep our kitties until they are at least 13 weeks old. Personally I think this is for the best interest of the kitten. A lot of moggies are sold at 8 weeks but I think they are better equipped to face life on their own 4 feet if they are left til later and to me seem better grounded at that age.

Also I do vaccinate all kittens, and touch wood have never had any adverse reactions. However the vets do not give first innoculations til the kit is 10 weeks old and then the second jab is at 13 weeks, so they cant go before that age in any case.

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Hi Desertstorm
My kittens leave me at 13 weeks, I'm sorry to read about your kittens adverse affect to inoculations sadly this can happen but not that often thankfully,
it could have been the vaccine that was used ?we use tricat and so far we have not had any ill affects
I do know of an Oriental breeder that has had problems with the leukemia vaccine though it is a very anxious time for most breeders when kittens are due to be vaccinated.
May.

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Mazpahs Siamese & Orientals

Hi i breed ragdoll cats and i usually let mine go at 8 weeks.By this time they are tearing round the house like loonies,eating well and hardly feeding of mum at all(maybe 5 mins here and there until mum gets fed up and gets up!)someone who has reserved one of my current litter bought her 1st one at 5 WEEKS ! she actually bought 2 but 1 died shortly after recieving its vaccinations...I dont vaccinate i leave it up to the new owners,but i do recomend killed vaccines only,if they do.However most vets say otherwise,and say its fine.I do think vaccinations are very overrated and on speaking to one very senior vet he told me that there is actually no need for yearly boosters and animals are actually covered for longer than you think...

I also have always had Tricat and never had adverse reactions. Also do not vacc against Leuk.

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I believe it is a growing trend in the US to give boosters every two years instead of annually, due to cats getting immune to the vaccine and as you say lasts longer than you think

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Hi Desertstorm Given your tragic experience i don't think your mad at all, i think it takes a very strong,caring and real passionate person to go forth as it were,and you already know what a beautiful credit your cats are to youAs for calming families down for collecting their kitt well-we simply explain with no room for quibbling that as the kittens health and well being is paramount and that they'll have their whole lives to share (and we have been fortunate thus far that they understand),if they do quibble you indulge their impatience and keep them updated via e-mails,phone calls and photo's. For pics of our gorgeous kitts and our stunning new Foreign White lady have a butchers in cat gallery/petphoto's or our site-think you'll fall in love-again But i do know that vaccination times are very worrying because if anythings gonna hit it's then-a few pics just for you DS
Angel

Rosie
Our Mitchell gang

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Burnthwaites Siamese

Oh my gosh! Is that an Oriental White? He is simply georgeous! Where are you located??? I do not recognize the name in your above info. I am in N.B., Canada. Well gotta go get supper. I am drooling over that white kitten....would love to add one like him to my kitty den. LOL. Will post pics later.