You'll want your kitten to become a cat that relates well to people and is a friend and companion. To achieve this, you need to bear in mind that cats have a very short socialization phase. So the first four to 16 weeks of life are a critical time for behavioral and social development.
Your Kitten's Early Experiences
Before your kitten comes to live with you, they will have been interacting with their mother, the other kittens in the litter and probably several different people.
Be wary of choosing a kitten that has had little human contact, such as a kitten that has been raised in a shed or pen far from the house. Kittens need to get used to being handled by people very early on, preferably by several people so they don't just learn to accept a single caregiver. They also need to become accustomed to the sights, smells and sounds of everyday life.
Your kitten will probably move into your home when they're about eight to 12 weeks of age. Assuming they've already had lots of human contact, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to reinforce all the good work and help them grow into a friendly, happy, confident cat.
When your kitten first arrives home with you, remember it can all be a bit overwhelming for them. Take them to a quiet, safe place and show them where the bowls and litter boxes are. Give them lots of love and reassurance and pet them gently, talking to them in a soft, calm voice. Playing is also a great way to socialize your kitten and form a bond with them early on in your relationship.
Introducing Your Kitten to Other Pets
Before introducing your new kitten to other pets in your household, visit your veterinarian to ensure all pets are healthy and their vaccinations are up to date.
Smell is the most important sense for cats, so it's a good idea to transfer some of the smells of your home onto the coat of your new kitten before the introductions. Mix the scents by stroking first your resident cat, then the kitten, without washing your hands, and vice versa.
Introduce your new kitten to other pets gradually and one at a time. Keeping your new kitten in a carrier or behind an expandable baby gate is a good way to supervise the first encounter.
During the introduction, separate the pets at any sign of aggression. Acceptance may take time, so never leave your new kitten unsupervised with any of your other pets until you are certain they get along well. Always keep smaller pets, such as hamsters, fish and birds safely out of reach.
Tasty Tips
Kids & Kittens
If you have children, they will naturally be very excited about the arrival of a new kitten. Your kitten should be socialized with your children as early as possible, but teach them that your kitten is not a toy and must be treated carefully. Play time must end when the kitten has had enough. It's also a good idea to warn the children that they may scratch or play-bite.
Your Kitten & Other People
People come in all different shapes, which means it's a good idea to introduce your young kitten to as many people as possible. Get them used to strangers but be careful that they don't scare or overwhelm them with a strong show of affection. This way, you're likely to avoid them developing a fear of strangers in later life.
Don't forget that kittens can become tired quickly; make sure that meeting times with new people are kept quite short so your kitten has time to rest.
Separation Anxiety
The good news is, you've done a great job raising your kitten to get along well with people. The bad news is, they're now so attached to you, they may not like it when you go out.
Separation anxiety, previously only recognized in dogs, is now acknowledged to occur in cats. Signs that your kitten may be suffering from separation anxiety include seeming stressed by you going out, excessively vocalizing or soiling the house in your absence.
Tips on dealing with separation anxiety include limiting the time you leave your kitten alone as much as you possibly can and trying not to make a big "production" out of leaving the house. If your kitten does soil the house, don't punish them. Cats don't understand punishment and, since their behavior is a result of stress, you'll actually be making the problem worse.
You can easily teach your kitten to tolerate short absences by leaving them in a room, closing the door and walking away. After a few minutes, go back in but don't greet them. When you've done this several times, extend the absences to 30 minutes. But if theybegins to get distressed, and starts meowing or scratching at the door, you should shorten the absence period.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Related articles
Ringworm in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Learn helpful information about ringworm in cats, including how cats become infected, symptoms to watch for, treatment options & prevention.
My Cat Won't Eat: What You Can Do to Help
Does your kitty's lack of appetite have you asking, "Why won't my cat eat?" Learn reasons why she may be snubbing her food and tips for getting her to eat.
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
Keeping Your Cat's Mouth Healthy
Learn how to brush your cat's teeth vs. having a professional cleaning done, as well as common signs that she might have an oral health problem.
All About Cat Kneading
Understand what is cat kneading and why cats knead various surfaces and belongings. Learn why excessive kneading can be a concern for your cat.
Choosing the Best Cats for Apartments
Learn important tips for choosing cats best suited for apartment living, including what types of living spaces are best for certain breeds of cats.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Prevention
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Prevention
Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
The Changing Needs of a Kitten Becoming a Cat
Learn the needs of your aging kitten. It's nutritional and exercise requirements will start to change as it grows from being a kitten into an adult cat.
Are Laser Pointers Safe for Cats?
Learn if laser pointers are truly safe to use with your cat, if there are any recommended types, and when to recognize your cat's playtime frustrations.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
Caring for a Senior Cat: The Basic Essentials
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
Why is My Cat's Meow Silent?
If you're wondering, "Why does my cat meow without sound?" read on to discover what a silent meow actually means (as well as the other types of meows).
Why is Fiber Important in Cat Food?
Learn about the role of fiber in cat food, including how it can benefit cats with a variety of health conditions like diarrhea, constipation and diabetes.
Weight Control Food for Cats: Key Features and Feeding Tips
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Cat Hernia 101: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about types of hernias in cats, causes of this condition, possible symptoms and treatment options (including combining it with spaying your cat).
Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?
Learn why your cat might show signs of being overly hungry, if there could be an underlying medical concern, and options to help them control their hunger.
Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?
Chocolate is known to be poisonous for dogs, but it can also be toxic for cats. Learn why chocolate is bad for cats & what to do if she's eaten it.
The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells
Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.