Need advice on nursing a young kitten

Up until last year I had five cats. The two oldest were born in my house and I picked them up when they were just a couple hours old! So they have been extremely close to me. Well the one died last year at 14 years. I tried so hard to save his life but his liver gave out with hardly any warning. His sister is now 14.5 years old. She is'nt well ether. The remaining three cats are 10 years old and the sisters are 8. Anyway, I love them but the feeling of closeness (bonding) in't the same with them. (The 14.5 year old is my twin- she'd live under my skin if she could! She was born here). I am going to get another kitty and it was born on March 7th. I've been dropping by every couple days to pick it up and get it used to me. They live here in town. But I'm wondering if I can take it from it's mommie and get a bottle and nurse it here at home? Is it safe physically or emotionally for it? What do I need to know? If it doe'snt work out I can always take it bac****il it's weanned so that won't be a problem. But I'd love to wean it myself.But I want the closeness that I've enjoyed so much with my elder cats. I have time to nurse it and take care of it's needs as I'm home most of the time. But I don't want to endanger it ether. Do any of you have any experience like this? Also, does anyone have any experience teaching a kitten to use the toliet instead of a litter box? I knew an old guy (long gone now) who trained his cat to do that. I'd like to know how. Thanks. Daniel

OH Daniel, I hope I've written you in time!! Please wait until at least the kitten is 6 weeks old. I PROMISE it will bond with you big time!! Also it would be best for it to be the weekend so you can spend 2 good days when it is away from it's mother. It is VERY important that you let that kitten stay with it's mother. The reasons are numberous and if you'd like to know them, I can tell you. If you take the kitten from it's mother and it doesn't work out, that means it will die. I have raised a kitten like that and it takes feeding it every two hours with special milk and you also have to do things to help it go to the bathroom. The kitten will use the litter box totally out of instinct. No training is necessary but there are kits out there that supposedly teach a cat to use the toilet. Personally I have one of those automatic litter boxes and love it!! I so hope I've gotten to you in time. Please let me know!! OK?

Oh dear!! Please don't take baby away from its mommy! One of my cats had kittens in Sept., and I was told by 3 different vets not to give them away until they were 8 weeks old. Some people say that 8 weeks is too old, but a kitten can develop serious problems socially if they are taken away from their mothers too young. I had a kitten that was abandoned at 5 weeks, and he never really liked people; he was a little skiddish. I know you "crave" that special bonding feeling, but I have 2 kittens that I raised from one day old, and I have others that I adopted when they were older. I have bonded with them all equally, and I love them dearly. My 9 cats are my life!!! As for toilet training, it can be done, you are right there. The last time I was in PetSmart, they had a kit to get your kitten started at toilet training, and they also have books. In fact, I have one of those books. It's time consuming, and for me I wouldn't want to do it because you have to leave the lid up all of the time, and I have some "fresh" kitties who like to play in the toile****er!!! Well, whatever you decide, good luck, and keep us posted!!! Desirae

Hi Daniel, I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult losing a treasured furry family member can be. Just think about your kitty, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you. I know I do the same with my pets who have gone to the other side of the Bridge and it comforts me, knowing that they're waiting for me. I agree with the other two ladies who already replied, but with a different opinion of the "right" age to adopt a kitten. DON'T take the kitten from it's mother and siblings at such a young age. Kittens are not like puppies at 6-8 weeks of age. In their very early weeks kittens mature much slower than puppies so they really need that extra time with their mom. Kittens need their mothers and siblings, at least until they're 10-12 weeks, to teach them social skills, proper litter box habits (no, it's not always instinctual) among other things. I breed and show my cats, American Curls, and none of my kittens go to their new homes until they are between 12-16 weeks. This allows me to make sure all their shots are done, they're spayed or neutered before placement, and they have the necessary social skills to make the transition to a new home without their moms and siblings, making it a less stressful time for them (too much stress, new water, food, litter, etc. can cause kitten to get diarrhea, kitty colds, and many other things). I strongly urge you to leave this kitten with it's mom until at least 10 weeks if you can, longer if possible. The kitten will be much better off and will still be able to bond with you easily, especially since you're able to go and visit it on a regular basis. In answer to your question about it being "safe for the kitten, physically or emotionally", well, that is a tricky question. Yes, it can be done, but it's not the ideal situation for the kitten (staying with mommy is always the best thing to do). Why put that much pressure on yourself, especially if you have to go away. Who will take care of the kitten, nurse it, potty it, cuddle and keep it warm if you are gone all day at work, shopping, etc.? The kitten's mommy is the best one for that job. Beth

Daniel - Many moons ago I used to work in a grooming shop, and saw kits to train your cats to go on the toilet. The best way to do it is to get one of the kits, a bag of litter and an extra bathroom if you have one. You will want to put the kit on the toilet and put some litter in the kit. Keep it there at all times (hence the extra bathroom). also there is a weight limit to this, so you will need to read the directions on the kit. I swore the next cat I get will be trained that way as I hate the litter box! Good luck! P.S. It is best to keep the kitten with it's mommy until weaned, if the owner of the momma is good, they will handle the kittens often.