When Can Maine Coon Kittens Go Home?

What Age is Best and Why it Matters

by Carrie Profenno: Author, Coonie Mama & lifelong Mainer

Many future Coonie owners wonder, "when can Maine Coon kittens go home?" I was contacted by a reader who is researching a particular cattery, and they had a great question - Is it normal for a breeder to send kittens home at only ten weeks?

It’s something a lot of new owners wonder about. The excitement of bringing home a new little one is huge, and waiting can feel like the hardest part!

The wait can feel long, especially when you’ve already picked out your kitten and are counting down the days.

So, when can Maine Coon kittens go home? Most responsible breeders keep them until they’re at least twelve weeks old, with fourteen weeks being the standard.

Some even wait until sixteen weeks, depending on the kitten’s needs. This extra time with their mother and littermates makes a big difference in their development.

Why Not 8-10 Weeks?

When Can Maine Coon Kittens Go Home? Many people assume eight weeks is the right age, but that’s actually too soon. Waiting until at least twelve weeks gives them a much better start in life.

Young kittens learn important social skills from their mother and littermates.

Between weeks eight and twelve, they practice boundaries through play, develop bite inhibition, and learn how to interact with others.

Kittens who leave too early may struggle with rough play or timid behavior later on.

Health is another reason to wait. The first round of vaccines happens at eight weeks, but boosters follow a few weeks later.

Kittens taken home too soon may have weaker immune systems and be more vulnerable to illness.

Early weaning can also lead to digestive issues, since they may not transition well from nursing to solid food.

Behavioral development is stronger in kittens who stay with their breeder longer. They tend to be more confident, better at handling new experiences, and less likely to develop anxiety.

A few extra weeks with their mother makes a big difference in their ability to adapt to a new home.

It can be hard to wait, but patience pays off. A kitten who has had enough time to grow, learn, and build a strong immune system will be happier, healthier, and ready to thrive in their new family.

What to Expect at Each Stage

While waiting for your new fur-baby, they are growing and thriving at the cattery!

Ideally, you are having updates, calls, receiving photos, and maybe even visiting during this time. Here's a look at what's happening during this time:

8 Weeks Old

A Maine Coon kitten at 8 weeks old may seem ready to go home, but they still have a lot to learn.

At this stage, weaning is in progress, though some kittens may still nurse for comfort. They have started eating solid food but might not be fully adjusted.

This is also when they receive their first vaccinations, an important step in building immunity.

However, they still need booster shots in the coming weeks. Their immune system is not yet strong enough to face a new environment.

Socially, they are still highly dependent on their mother and littermates. They learn how to interact, control their bites, and build confidence through play.

Taking a young kitten home too soon can lead to shy or overly rough behavior.

A responsible breeder will not send a kitten home at this age. Waiting a few more weeks allows them to develop properly.

9 Weeks Old

At nine weeks, a young feline is full of energy. Play sessions with siblings teach them coordination, boundaries, and social skills.

They are still learning how to interact properly, which helps them grow into well-adjusted adults.

10 Weeks Old

By ten weeks, a young feline is becoming more independent. They are curious and playful but still rely on their littermates for comfort and social lessons.

Time spent wrestling and chasing teaches them how to interact with other cats and even humans.

Health-wise, Maine Coon kittens at 10 weeks still need their next round of vaccinations.

Their immune system is getting stronger, but exposure to new places and people too soon could put them at risk.

Some breeders begin introducing their kittens to new experiences at this age.

They might meet different people, explore safe parts of the home, or get used to common household sounds. This gentle exposure builds confidence and prepares them for life with their future family.

Even with this progress, they still benefit from staying with their mother a little longer.

11 Weeks Old

An 11 week old Maine Coon kitten is full of confidence. They are more active, playful, and eager to explore. This is a key time for learning, as they continue to pick up life skills from their mother and littermates.

They have developed good social habits, but they are still fine-tuning their behavior.

Playtime with siblings helps reinforce gentle play and proper interactions. Removing them too soon can lead to shyness or difficulty adjusting.

This extra time also helps them become more adaptable.

A kitten that stays with their first family until at least twelve weeks is more likely to handle changes, new environments, and different people with ease.

It's hard to wait for kittens to go home, but it sets them up for a lifetime of confidence and good health.

12 Weeks Old (Earliest Recommended Age)

At twelve weeks, most social learning is complete. A Maine Coon kitten at 12 weeks old has spent enough time with their littermates to understand boundaries, play behavior, and proper interactions.

They are more confident and better prepared for life in a new home.

By this age, they have also received their necessary vaccinations, including booster shots.

Their immune system is much stronger than it was at eight or nine weeks, making the transition safer.

Some breeders allow kittens to leave at twelve weeks, especially for pet homes.

While this is considered an acceptable time to go home, waiting a bit longer can be even better.

Staying an extra couple of weeks helps a kitten develop further, making them even more adaptable and secure.

13 Weeks Old

At thirteen weeks, your kitten is even more prepared for the big move.

Their immune system is stronger, reducing the risk of illness when transitioning to a new environment.

14 Weeks Old (The Ideal Age)

A Maine Coon kitten at 14 weeks old is fully vaccinated and physically ready to go home.

They have had their booster shots, making them more protected against common illnesses.

Socially, they are confident and well-adjusted. Extra time with their mother and littermates has helped them develop patience, play skills, and proper behavior.

They understand boundaries, making them better companions for their future families.

They are also more resilient. Moving to a new home, meeting new people, and traveling are much easier at this age.

They are less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to settle in quickly. For most families and breeders, this is the perfect time to bring their new companion home!

15-16+ Weeks Old

Some breeders keep kittens longer, especially those intended for show or breeding.

This extra time helps them develop the traits needed for success in the show ring or responsible breeding programs.

Even for pet homes, waiting until fifteen or sixteen weeks can have benefits.

Large breeds grow more slowly, and extra time with their first family allows them to gain more strength and coordination. They continue learning social skills, reinforcing good habits.

By this stage, a young feline is fully independent. They have strong litter box habits, excellent manners, and confidence in new situations.

While fourteen weeks is ideal, waiting a little longer can be a great choice for those looking for a well-rounded, adaptable companion.

What If a Breeder Sends Kittens Home Too Early?

Bringing home a kitten too soon can lead to issues.

Kittens weaned too early may struggle with eating solid food, grooming, or using the litter box consistently.

They might cry excessively, seeking comfort they would have received from their mother. Some become overly timid or, in contrast, develop rough play habits due to missing social lessons from siblings.

If you’ve already brought home a kitty that seems too young, extra care is needed.

• Provide a warm, quiet space and plenty of soft bedding.

• Bottle-feeding may be necessary if they are not eating well. Hand-feeding small amounts of wet food and encouraging proper bathroom habits can help.

• Social interaction is also important. Gentle handling and playtime mimic the socialization they missed with their littermates.

Before committing to a kitten, ask key questions. “When Can Maine Coon kittens go home?” should be one of the first things discussed.

A responsible breeder will explain why waiting is better. Ask if vaccinations are complete and whether the kittens have been fully weaned.

A reputable source will have no problem providing details about health care, socialization, and diet.

Take the time to ask these questions and help avoid future difficulties and sets the stage for a happy, well-adjusted companion.

When Can Maine Coon Kittens Go Home? The Verdict Is...

The best breeders focus on health and socialization first. They do not rush babies into new homes too soon.

Most follow the 12-16 week standard, allowing little ones to grow, learn, and build confidence before leaving.

Waiting may feel long, but it’s worth it! A well-adjusted, social kitty settles in faster and adapts more easily. Those extra weeks with their mother and siblings shape them into confident, well-mannered companions.

Finding the right match takes time. Getting on a waiting list is normal and often a sign of a reputable breeder who has limited litters and puts the health of their kittens and mothers first.

The excitement of bringing home a new kitten can be overwhelming, but patience leads to a better experience.

Your healthy, happy Maine Coon kitten is worth waiting for! 

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Reference: The Vets. (2025, January 20). Kitten development stages and milestones: First 18 months | The Vets. https://thevets.com/resources/pet-health-care/kitten-development-stages/