Animal Doctor

Weaning in Haste Can Lead to Behavioral Problems

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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Dear Dr. Fox:

When is the best time to give up puppies or kittens? My neighbor got a 3-week-old kitten because the family did not want the mother cat to get attached to it.

J.M.H.

Minneapolis

It is quite wrong to wean pups and kittens before they are at least 6 weeks old, because they need a mother's milk and care. I can understand the sentiment behind separating at 3 weeks old, but because of high levels of milk production and circulating hormones, cats and dogs are likely to suffer more when their offspring are taken away at such a young age.

Separation a couple of days after birth is a common practice with dairy cows. The reason given is so the cows don't get too attached to their calves, but that's nonsense when you hear them bellowing in distress. We humans just want the milk for ourselves.

Kittens and pups can develop behavioral problems when weaned too early, including over-attachment to humans and obsessive, oral self-comforting behaviors such as sucking on owners' arms and earlobes, their own paws and tails and the corners of pillows and blankets. I never advise disciplining animals to inhibit such behavior. Instead, try remotivation, as with a toy, and groom or engage in play with the animal.

Dear Dr. Fox:

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