Socialising your kitten

Why socialise?

Cats are highly social animals. You want your cat to be outgoing and have confidence. Cats that are talked to, cuddled, and played with are going to be affectionate companions. Cats that are ignored and seldom handled are going to grow to be aloof and independent. Humans often overlook their sociability because a cat’s greetings and displays of affection can be so subtle. A nose touch, a slow eye blink or a tilt of the tail are all signs of affection.

Cats can become bored and depressed if they are ignored or do not receive attention consistently. They misbehave just to get their owners attention. When you get home from work spend the first 10 minutes visiting with your cat. A couple of 10 to 15-minute play sessions will improve your cat’s attitude and fitness.

Make sure your cat also gets accustomed to being patted, groomed and handled by a variety of people if possible. This will help your kitty to stay calm during vet appointments or when meeting new people. 

Multiple cats

Cats are intelligent creatures and learn by observation, imitation, trial, and error. Most behaviorists believe cats lead healthier, happier lives if there is another cat in the house. Even if the cats do not become the best of friends, just sharing the house with another living creature helps break up monotony and loneliness and create a more socialised cat. Cat boredom is often the root of a variety of behavior problems including excessive grooming, depression, and aggression. 

Cat nip

Catnip is derived from the peppermint plant and has a remarkable effect on cats. It both stimulates and  relaxes them at the same time. Cats take off on a 10-minute trip during which they appear to be in a state of ecstasy, rubbing and rolling on the plant. The positive or neutral response to cat nip happens after a cat reaches 6 months of age. Cat nip stuffed toys heightens the cat’s interest in stationary toys that would otherwise be considered dead prey, lifeless and boring. 

Familiarity

Cats thrive on the comfort, security, and familiarity of their environment. When introduced to a new environment, it is important to gradually let your cat explore every nook and cranny. This basic research provides your cat with valuable information about her surroundings and enables him to feel secure. Cats are aware of even the smallest change in your household. Feeding, litter box, cleaning, grooming, playtime, and bedtime are all familiar events which your cat will anticipate if they occur at the approximately the same time and place each day. Cats can change; they just don’t like it to happen abruptly. To reduce your cat’s stress during this transitional period, you will want to do the following:

• Plan Ahead – Give yourself enough time to make the change slowly
• Start Small – Don’t make a big change too suddenly or too many changes at once. Incorporate familiar things as much as possible
• Gradual Change – Take small steps and give your cat a lot of positive attention and praise
• Watch for signs of stress – This would include lose of appetite, over grooming, or a change in litter box habits/inappropriate elimination

Households with children or senior citizens

From the start, children should be taught how to properly hold and pat a cat. The child should also be taught some basic cat body language so that they will know to leave the cat alone when her ears are back, her tail is twitching, or she is growling/hissing. A kitten (over 4 months) or young cat would be great with children under 7. They can better withstand the young child’s quick movements and noise.

The key to a harmonious household is to supervise the interactions between the cat and the young child. Children can share in the responsibility of caring for your cat as long as an adult is ultimately in charge of making sure that the cat is properly cared for.  

Cats make great companions for senior citizens. The most important thing for senior citizens is not to get scratched or nipped. Senior citizens should be taught how to properly hold and pat a cat if the particular individual has never been taught before. Seniors should also be taught to recognise some basic cat body language so that they will know to leave the cat alone when her ears are back, her tail is twitching, or he is growling/hissing.

Kittens can be very active and playful, and it is important to interact with them appropriately. Do not reward undesirable behaviours (letting them play bite or scratch, otherwise they will assume this behavior is allowed). Cats and senior citizens are a wonderful combination and can become the best of friends.