Page 220 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

218 C ARE AND BEHA VIOR

SOCIALIZING YOUR CAT

By nature, cats are solitary creatures. That said, some cats
are able to live quite happily in groups. Bringing a new cat into
your home may change his whole outlook on the people and
other animals around him. But if introductions are made
carefully and sensitively, your cat will grow into a confident,
Dogs and cats
need not be arch enemies friendly animal that can cope with all social situations.

Start early
Socialization should start in kittenhood. Give your kitten
plenty of opportunities to meet new people, cats, and dogs,
and make it a fun and rewarding experience. Introduce him
to friends, neighbors, and the vet at an early age; keep initial
encounters brief and reward your kitten with treats for good
behavior. A cat that is not exposed to new situations as a
kitten may grow up to be timid and fearful, and is liable to
react badly to being touched or approached by strangers.
Kittens start to learn social skills from their mother
between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Be wary of bringing home
a kitten younger than this, otherwise his socialization will be
your responsibility. It is important that your kitten gets used
to being handled, with plenty of play designed to hone his
predatory skills, but let him sleep when he wants to. Kittens
left to spend a long time on their own without stimulation or
OLDER AND CALMER
attention may develop antisocial behaviors and grow up to If you have very small children, it may be better to get an adult
be aloof or aggressive toward people and other animals. cat. Toddlers may not realize how gently they need to handle
a kitten, while an older cat may be more tolerant of children.
Socializing an adult cat
Adult cats take longer than kittens to adapt to new been treated in the past. Try to get as much information
people and surroundings. Changes in routine are upsetting as possible from the previous owner or rescue center about
for an older cat, and unless you are familiar with your cat’s the cat’s personality, habits, motivations, and favorite food
previous home there may be issues related to how he has and toys. Familiar objects can also help him to settle in, so
try to bring some of his old bedding or toys to make him
feel more secure. Provide him with a refuge, such as a
SOCIALIZING carrier or box, to which he can retreat and feel safe when
MOTHER things get too overwhelming.
Adopting a kitten An older cat may initially be wary of contact with his new
less than 12 weeks
old is not often owners and may resist being touched. Let him explore his
recommended—it surroundings in his own time. Talk to him in a low, soothing
still needs a lot of tone so that he gets used to your presence and the sound
socialization time of your voice. Gradually accustom him to being handled by
with its mother,
who will teach it rewarding him with treats. One of the main problems with
essential life skills. poorly socialized cats is that they play too rough, biting and