When Do Our Kittens Go to Their New Homes?
At what age can your kitten leave the cattery?
Purchasing a kitten is an incredibly exciting experience. As a future Selkirk Rex or Devon Rex owner, you may be eagerly counting the days until your little one joins your home—but it’s important not to rush this important step.
The weaning period for a kitten generally lasts between 12 and 14 weeks. At Mon Chat Mouton, we have observed that some kittens take longer than others to fully wean. Sometimes the mother decides on her own that it is time, while in other cases the kittens simply lose interest in nursing. Some breeders allow kittens to leave their mother as early as 8 to 10 weeks, often for reasons related to cost, time constraints, or space limitations due to upcoming litters.
In our experience, however, the 8–13 week period is critical for a kitten’s development. For this reason, we spay/neuter our kittens at around three months of age, and they leave the cattery five to seven days after surgery, once recovery is complete.
⚠️ Important note regarding the Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a smaller-framed breed with a slower growth rate. For this reason, Devon Rex kittens require an additional 3 to 4 weeks before leaving the cattery compared to Selkirk Rex kittens. This extra time allows for proper physical development, surgical readiness, and a smoother transition to their new home.
During this extended time with their mother, kittens gain confidence and learn through mimicry—observing and imitating their mom. Our breeding females are gentle, calm, and confident, and we strongly believe it is essential for kittens to be immersed in this stable environment for as long as possible. This period plays a major role in shaping their personality, and you will benefit from this solid foundation for many years to come.
Occasionally, for medical reasons, some kittens must be weaned earlier than expected. In such cases, close veterinary monitoring and near-constant human presence are required—not only to ensure survival, but also to support balanced development. This is no small task: a prematurely weaned kitten may appear healthy for a few days, then deteriorate very quickly. It may stop eating and develop hypoglycemia, which becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Recovery then involves days or even weeks of intensive monitoring. This situation is emotionally and financially demanding for both the caregiver and the kitten.
While the waiting period may sometimes feel long, it is truly worth it. The breeder and the mother work together to educate your kitten and provide the best possible foundation, ensuring that it can thrive within your family—for your greatest happiness and the kitten’s long-term well-being.