Is 6 weeks too young to adopt out kittens??
Yes. A kitten should stay with its mother for an absolute minimum of eight weeks and preferably 12 weeks. Although they may be "weaned" prior to eight weeks, they will still have the occasional need to nurse. Kittens taken from their mom cats before this time often develop nursing behavior on themselves, other cats, humans, or fabric, and these habits will often continue throughout adulthood. They also need this time to learn proper cat behavior from their mother cat, including use of the litter box, socializing with humans and other cats. The time they spend with their mother and siblings is very important because they will learn a lot about thing like using litter box, weaning, interaction with their siblings etc. and if they don't have that important time together, they are more prone to having behavior problems later. Often kittens that are separated from their mother too soon, will be very shy, and have social problems with other animals as well as humans. Another tell-tale sign is if you notice the kittens attempting to nurse on clothing, fingers or other things.
14 week old feral kitten - is it too late to socialize?
I've successfully socialized ferals up to about a year old. It's not easy and it definitely takes time and patience, but it can be done. You'll have to keep the kitten isolated to its own room with food, water, toys and a litter box. Go into the room several times a day and just sit in the middle of the floor, essentially ignoring the kitten. At some point, the kitten will realize that you're not going to make any moves toward it and will come closer and begin to sniff you. Let it, but don't move a muscle. Once the kitten is coming to you regularly, continue to sit in the floor and hold out a hand for it to sniff... but still don't move toward it. Once that becomes a comfortable routine, try petting the kitten. Don't approach toward the kitten's face. You want to be sure that s/he can't see your hand coming toward its face. Approach from behind the head and stroke down the back. If the kitten tolerates this well, continue doing so until the kitten signals that s/he has had enough. Then stop and resume just sitting still. Repeat this several times each day. At some point the kitten will become comfortable with your presence and will seek you out for attention/affection. At that point (and after a vet has given the ok on health) you can attempt a gradual introduction to other cats to see how well s/he will socialize with them. Some of the older ferals I've worked with have never adapted well to other animals and have needed to be adopted as only cats, but they've managed to adapt to people quite well. Trust is key with ferals, and using this conservative approach will help to build it. I've only had two instances out of many in which this approach hasn't worked. You will have to remain patient, though. It's taken up to six months for me to get some to come around, even a year in one case.
Can a kitten survive at 6 weeks old away from their mother?
At 6 weeks, a kitten is neither reliably weaned nor litter box trained. Taking the kitten at this age is setting her up for failure. She 'promises that the kitty is healthy and grew up with cats herself'. Has the kitten been to the vet? Wormed? Flea treated? She is still suckling from momma cat from what you are saying. She needs to stay with Mom at least two more weeks, preferably longer. People don't bother getting their cats spayed, then are in an all-fired hurry to get rid of the kittens -this person is one of them. Kittens will require special care at this age - they need to be fed a slurry of kitten replacement milk and quality canned food (NOT dry!). They need to be confined to one room with their litter box (with non-clumping litter) until they are old enough to use the box reliably and learn not to eat the litter. Mom would be teaching her - but she won't have mom. Mom would also teach her manners - how to play without biting and with claws retracted. Kittens taken from mom too early often have social issues - they end up playing too roughly and biting, and *you* will need to teach her not to do that. If you can't get the woman to keep the kitten until she's weaned, then consider carefully if you can meet the kitten's needs or not, and what you're going to do if you get her home and she refuses to eat, or can't use the litter box.
Is it difficult to tame 6 week old kittens that keep running from you?
Not at all!Keep the kittens in a small room, like a bathroom (which hopefully has a window with a screen for fresh air). Go inside the bathroom often and sit with them. Reach for them and pet them even when they hiss. They’ll get used to your presence as you use the toilet, brush your teeth, shower etc. They’ll become curious and indifferent to the noises you make during your daily routine within a few days.Give them a litter box and make sure they use it. Keep it clean! Kittens poop twice a day usually. When you first start keep plopping them into the litter box, taking their little front paw and moving it in the sand vertically (like a cat does when it uses the litter). Six week old kittens are old enough to use the litter and will get the idea. But just in case, make sure there are no other “desirable” places to pee, like potted plants or a pile of towels.Provide them with a box to sleep in. You can put a towel inside it if they’ve begun using the litter box consistently. Make sure the kittens are in a reasonable climate, that it’s not too hot or too cold in the room.Keep visiting the kittens. Bring your computer or book and sit in the bathroom doing your thing. They’ll get used to you within a week. They’ll stop hiding and start greeting you by the door. They’ll start trying to leave the bathroom to explore - not because they’re scared but because they’re curious and want to have fun! This is when you can expand their reign in the house, though always making sure they have access to the litter box!Also feed them a lot. Six week old kittens should eat canned food. Add some water to it to make sure they get enough liquids.Here’s a photo of kittens who spent their first two weeks of “domesticated life” in my bathroom.
Preparing house for two kittens?
Stock up on litter and food and pick up a litter box, litter scoop, bowls, scratching posts, collars, and ID tags. To make them feel more comfortable, you can get a cat bed big enough for the two, toys, and definitely a scratching post. For the first few days when you pick them up, they will probably be real shy and eager to hide. This is normal behavior for a kitten in a new environment. Just make sure to show them where their litter box is and supply them with food and plenty of fresh water. I would suggest leaving them be for the first couple of days while they get used to the new sights, sounds, and scents of this new home. After that inital time, you can start the bonding process. Pet them and speak to them in a reassuring, friendly tone. They'll soon learn to like you. Good luck to you and congratulations on your soon-to-be new additions! EDIT: Oh, yes, and be sure to kitten-proof your home. Move any wires or chords that may be on the floor and remove any tiny things that the kittens may put into their mouth.