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SELECTING AND TRAINING A KITTEN
Feline Development
Raising a kitten is a lot like raising a child. There are many things that we can’t control. Genetics and luck play a big role in their future. This does not mean, however, that everything is left to chance. Proper training and socialization can play a huge role in determining what kind of relationship we will have with our cat. Most behavioral and training problems with dogs and cats are the result of inadequate training and socialization.
Starting socialization early is crucial. The most sensitive period of socialization is between 2 and 7 weeks of age. The more handling and human contact they receive during this time the better. Kittens deprived of this contact are more likely to develop behavioral and emotional abnormalities, including increased reactivity, fearful and aggressive behaviors toward people and other cats, and cognitive impairment.
Selection
Since most kittens don’t come into their new homes before 6-7 weeks of age, carefully consider the kitten’s environment up to that point. Early interaction with humans is important. Early handling facilitates behavioral and emotional development and is essential during the socialization period. Questions about the food choice and substrate preference of the queen may also help prevent early non-litter box use and foster good nutritional intake since these are also learned from the queen. Some research has suggested that personality in cats is heritable, with some influence coming from the father as well, so questions about both parents might be helpful.
Home Integration
When a kitten is first brought home, transportation should be done in a cat carrier for safety and comfort. Once at home, the kitten should be provided a quiet, secure area as a home base. This area should include an appropriately sized litter box, food bowl, and water as well as a comfortable resting place. Care should be taken that any potentially harmful items are removed and that there are no small areas where the kitten could become trapped. When supervised, the kitten can be allowed to explore the new environment. Supervision helps prevent inadvertent destruction or scratching of household possessions. When the owners are away, the kitten can remain in its home area for safety. Appropriate toys should be provided and playtime should be encouraged daily.
If there is already another cat in the household don’t expect it to enthusiastically welcome the new kitten. For the first few days, isolate the resident cat while the new kitten is exploring the house. Place the two cats in adjacent rooms so they can begin to get aquatinted under the door. Supervise their time together at first. Hissing and complaining from the resident cat in not unusual but physical conflict is rare.
Training & Play
Appropriate human-cat interactions should be fostered immediately. This can include rewards for coming when called, calm, quiet behavior, and responding to its name. Reward litter box use and keep the box clean and in a private area. A scratching/marking post should be provided and its use encouraged.
There is no such thing as too much handling provided it is in a calm, reassuring manner. Pick up your kitten frequently, hold in every position (on its back, etc.), and handle its mouth, ears and feet.
Kittens like to play rough. This is normal and they should be allowed to do so provided it is directed at toys or other objects. NEVER participate in rough play or allow chasing hands and feet, play biting, etc. This will develop habits that we will be sure to regret later. When possible, playtime with other kittens of the same age is helpful.
Summary
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