Whats the result of getting a young kitten?

I can only say that I foster kittens from the shelter. Most often, the mom was killed and the kittens were orphans. So I bottle feed them and let them grow up to when they can be spayed/neutered and get onto a forever home.

If the mom wasn't around, then you probably saved their lives.

Kittens learn from their mom so the longer the mom is around, the better the kitten. I often observe the kittens will suck more and have a slower growth weight. If their siblings are around, they learn to play and eat from them.

Long story short, it is because, kittens are better off with their moms for about 10 to 12 weeks so they get the best food and learn how to be cats.

But if mom is out of the picture, humans need to step in and save the kittens and teach them to become cats.

That is what you did.

"Mamma Cat" is spot on. I have fostered kittens, and they do have some behavioral problems not having their mothers around. Luckily, I do have a lot of other cats that help to mitigate SOME of the problems, but not all.

Since I have raised so many kittens ... I'd say over 50 ... there is a marked difference in their cat socialization that happens between 8 weeks and 10 weeks old. They are happier more confident kittens when they stay with "home" until 10-12 weeks old.

I just got an update from a lady who adopted one of my kittens. The kitten is confident, gets along with the other cats and their dog (and he never experienced a dog before!), even loves to take car rides with the dog! He demands attention... he's a spoiled but loving cat.

Me... kittyslave23... I know my place.

The nutrients, especially found in first milk, is very beneficial to young animals. There is also some defense against pathogens there. Mother cats teach their kittens the correct behaviors; I know someone who raised a kitten, and as an adult he scratches and bites HARD when he plays because she always let him do so. He also still sucks on necks, fingers, etc... it's quite strange!

Physically, mothers supply the best nutrients for their young. Taking them too early could stunt their growth, and sometimes using replacement formula causes problems, and for the mother, her milk production piles up without relief. Eventually it would stop, but I imagine it would be painful for her for awhile.

Psychologically, there are strong bonds between a mother and her offspring, just like humans and other animals have. Taking them before they are ready to depart could cause a heightened sense of fear and insecurity in the young, and the mother could get depressed and go looking for them.

it can sometimes be physical. they could mainly die but it can be mentally. example would be that the kitten would turn feral. or just simply be scared for its life. i dont think you have anything to worry about. these kittens have a wonderful home now and im pretty sure they would have died under that shop! your such a good person for rescuing them. others would have walked away!