People can often think that cats are aloof, reserved or even mean. This could not be further from the truth, as cats are very social animals. It’s important that they be socialised from a young age so that they gain the confidence to be able to play well with people and other animals. This early foundation is the basis for all the good behaviours that will make a cat a good pet. The importance of socialisation cannot be understated.
If you’re looking into how to become a registered cat breeder, then you’ll need to have well-socialised kittens who can adapt well to their new homes. If you’re bringing home a new kitten, you need to be able to build on the foundations that your breeder has set. If you’re looking to adopt an adult cat, they’ll need to be socialised even more, since they will have already gotten used to a different routine and environment.
How to Socialise a Kitten
Kittens are absolutely adorable, and who can resist their fluffy little faces and playful antics? If you’re thinking of adding a kitten to your family, you’ll want to make sure they grow up to be a well-adjusted, friendly cat. Here’s how to socialise a kitten, starting from when they are just a few weeks old.
Kittens are most receptive to socialisation between the ages of 3 and 16 weeks old. At this age, they are starting to become more independent from their mother and littermates, but they are still open to new experiences. It’s important to introduce them to as many different people, animals, and situations as possible so they learn that there is nothing to be afraid of.
The socialisation process is vital to a kitten’s development and future temperament. Kittens who are not properly socialised during the critical period between 3–16 weeks old may be fearful of people, other animals, new experiences, and unfamiliar environments later in life. The good news is that it’s never too late to socialise a kitten – even adult cats can learn to enjoy being around people and other animals if they are given time, patience, and positive experiences.
Here are some tips for socialising your kitten:
- Handle your kitten frequently from the time you bring them home. Gently stroke them all over their body, including their paws, tail, and belly. This will help them get used to being touched and handled by people.
- Give your kitten lots of positive experiences with people. Invite friends and family over to meet your new addition, and allow your kitten to approach visitors on their own terms. Never force them to interact if they seem scared or uncomfortable.
- Take your kitten on short car rides starting at an early age. This will help them get used to being in a carrier and being transported in a car. It’s important to make these experiences as positive as possible by offering treats and praise during the ride.
- Introduce your kitten to different types of people, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It’s important that they learn to feel comfortable around all types of people so they don’t grow up to be fearful of anyone.
- Get your kitten used to being brushed and having their nails trimmed from an early age. These are both necessary grooming tasks that can be stressful for some cats if they’re not accustomed to it. Start slowly and work up to longer brushing sessions or nail trims as your kitten gets more comfortable with the process.
- Enrol your kitten in a positive reinforcement–based obedience or agility class when they reach adulthood. This will give them continued exposure to people and other animals while teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc. It’s also a great way for you to bond with your cat while having fun!
Socialising an Adult Cat
By adopting an adult cat, you’ve given a home to a cat in need and gained a new furry friend. Most adult cats are socialised enough that they don’t need much help in this department, but there are always exceptions. If you have an adult cat that is shy or unsocialized, you can follow certain steps to help them become more comfortable around people and other animals. Though your new cat may be a little shy at first, with some patience and effort you can socialise them and help them feel comfortable and confident in their new home. Just be sure that you already have all the essential supplies before adopting a cat.
Here are some tips for socialising an adult cat:
- Give them time to adjust. It’s important to give your new cat time to adjust to their new home and surroundings. They may be wary or anxious at first, so it’s important to go slowly and let them approach you on their own terms. Don’t try to force them to interact with you or other members of the household – let them come to you when they’re ready.
- Create a safe space. Cats feel more comfortable when they have a safe, quiet place to retreat to when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Make sure your cat has access to a room or area where they can feel safe and secure – this will be their special spot where they can go to relax.
- Establish routines. Cats are creatures of habit and they feel more comfortable when they have a regular routine. Establishing set mealtimes, playtimes, and bedtimes will help your cat feel more relaxed and secure.
- Provide enrichment. Cats are curious creatures and they need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Make sure your cat has access to toys, climbing cat trees, perches, and scratching posts to keep them entertained. Rotating their toys regularly will help keep things interesting for them.
- Give them attention on their terms. Cats are independent animals but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy attention from their humans! Pay attention to your cat’s body language and give them the type of attention they’re comfortable with – whether that’s petting, brushing, or simply sitting near them while they nap.
- Introduce them properly. As the cat becomes more comfortable around people, you can begin to introduce them to other animals. If you have another pet in the house, start by allowing them to smell each other through a door or baby gate. Once they start to appear comfortable with each other, you can let them have supervised visits where they can explore and play together.
I hope you like reading on