When Can Kittens Leave Mom. The mother is the sole nutritional source for kittens until they're about 4 weeks of age, although weaning often continues until the cuties are between 8 and 10 weeks, according to the aspca. During this time, the kittens will still occasionally nurse on their mother but they will also start to eat liquid kitten food.
Until kittens are a year old, give them as much as they want to eat. The weaning process usually continues for about another month until the kittens are fully weaned between eight and 10 weeks of age. It is possible but not recommended.
So the best time for them to be separated from their mother is at 12 weeks.
But at this age, they still have valuable skills to learn and they also have to receive their first vaccinations. When all conditions are favorable for the kittens to leave the mother’s side, the goal should be to ensure that everyone involved will transition into the new life easily and happily. Sometimes a kitten may refuse to eat or seem depressed for several days after leaving his mom. The weaning process usually continues for about another month until the kittens are fully weaned between eight and 10 weeks of age.