[Nikkinockinoo]

I'm very new to being a cat owner so didn't think too much about when a kitten should leave it's mum but boy do I know better now!!!
I picked up my Ziggy from his home when he was just 7 weeks old. He settled in really well after about a week (it took that long for our 4 month old kitty to accept him) but his tummy always seemed swollen even though I had wormed him.
To cut a long story shory short I took Zigs to the vet yesterday and found he had a slight tummy infection. Nothing serious I know but I honestly believe if he had been kept wit his mum just a bit longer he would have built up a better immune system. He's ok now and we will be keeping a close eye on him but I would urge people to not sell or give kittens away too soonl

[Normandie]

More likely that there was some mild infection endemic in that litter or even in all the cats in the house which the stress of moving to a new environment away from siblings and mum brought out. Or I suppose it's even possible that he's caught some bug from your other cat - who shows no sign of a problem him or herself.

Seven weeks is early - 8 to 12 weeks is better - but I doubt an extra week would have made much difference.

Enjoy your kittens - two is always more fun than one. Their antics playing together are usually very entertaining.

[bazaar1]

I agree with normandie, its early but unlikley to have a medical impace - i've had kittens as young as 2 weeks old on resuce and they've been fine (alot of hard work! but fine!). You also find kittens going to new homes from 6 weeks in a lot of places, young but qute common sadly. the biggest issue you find with early seperation is that the kitten does not develop great social skills - he my be a loner or not get on with others very well, however he may be just fine! there is very little evidence eitherway tbh.