How and when to adopt a kitten

[The Chickadoodles]

There is a mother cat and 2 kittens near my house and I've been taking care of them for a few days. The mother cat is very friendly and let's me pick her kittens Up. I can only have 1 kitten and I'm worried if I take one away, the other kitten and mother cat will get sad or the kitten I took home becomes sad. What age should I adopt a kitten from it's mother and siblings?

 

[ABS9590]

Generally when it's weaned, maybe 6-8 weeks, but if you've already been taking care of them it sounds like they adopted you

 

[CatWhisperer]

If they are homeless you should take them all in. Take momcat to a shelter if you don’t want to be responsible. Kittens really do best in pairs so they have a companion when the house is empty and someone safe to play aggressively with. I am a veterinarian and cat specialist, not making this up. Two cats are practically no more work than one. If the momcat is tame don’t leave her homeless, be kind.