On Aug 11 I found 2 dead kittens in my patio. Part of the embilicle cord was still attached. The mother is nursing 2 other kittens in a secluded area of the patio, and I would like to take them as indoor pets when they are old enough to be taken from her.
I have read that kittens need to be with their mother for 6 or 7 weeks before separation. I don't know much about cats, but at that age I would think that they could climb the wooden patio fence and go their own way.
I have also read that if they are with the mother for 8 weeks they do not make good pets.
So my question is: at what age should I catch the kittens? and should I try to socialise with them before catching them? when and how should I socialise?
I put food and fresh water every day for mama, and she is not at all spooked by my being 3 or 4 feet from the nest. I have deliberately made no attempt to get any closer.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Thank you for your answer. I hope it will help me with the adoption process.
Harold.

Harold,

if their is a way you can take both mom and kittens inside your house it would help. Try to start approaching the kittens asap. Usually the mother cat will stay far enough away that she won't interfere with you. Try to pick a time when the mom cat isn't around, just so you feel safer. Although it doesn't sound like the mother cat is worried about you, which means she probably won't mind you doing what I'm about to tell you.

Get as close as possible, start talking to the kittens so they get used to the sound of your voice. As soon as you feel comfortable start picking them up, make sure to handle them on a daily basis. As soon as they start eating the food you put out for mom (on a regular basis) take them away from her. Even if they still hiss and growl at you, as long as they are eating on their own you should take them in. 4-5 weeks of age. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Put them in a small room in your house, a place where they can't hide to easily from you. The bathroom is a perfect place as long as everyone in the house agrees. Continue handling them on a daily basis.

At 6 weeks of age the kittens can get their first distemper shot. If you don't know of any cat rescues in your area, you can go on petfinder.com, click on the rescue/shelter groups icon, then enter your zip code. That will bring up a list of rescue groups in your area. If they are a true rescue group, they should be able to help you with the shots and possibly the adoption.

Ask them if they can trap the mother cat and get her altered. There are many organizations out there that can help you get this done for free. Since the mother cat is feral, they will probably want to return her to your yard if that isn't a problem. It would be a great way of making her a happier, healthier cat.

If the first organization can't help you, ask them for other phone numbers. Also be patient, if an organization says they will help you, they will. Sometimes the organizations are overwhelmed with calls, but once they commit to helping you, they mean it.

If your up for it you could catch them your selves but they may runaway and find a new place. Another option is getting animal rescue, they will catch them. Spay the mother and give the cats medication etc. They can/will be put up for adoption or you can ask for them as soon as they are treated. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

For breeders and cat stores 8weeks is the legal age. hope this helps xxx

For wild kittens you may want to take them away from the mother at 4 weeks to ... During their first week, kittens should be kept between 88 and 92 ... Do not overfeed kittens, as this can bring on diarrhea as well as other problems

i just wanted to add to these two good answers:
i would suggest getting some kitty formula and a kitty bottle so when you take them they and still dont seem ready to eat hard food, you can feed them. i fed one of my kittens from day one (to weak, small and blind to eat from mommy like the other 4) it was actually pretty easy to do

also, if youre going to get them, get them. dont pussy-foot around and visit daily beacuse mommy will get nervous and move them.