There might not be a more appropriate word for an under-socialized kitten than this one: SPICY. So, is it possible to turn down the heat on a spicy kitten? You bet. But socialization is vitally important for all kittens—even the friendly ones—to ensure a harmonious family-pet relationship.
A well-socialized kitten is one that looks to humans for all the good stuff—food, cuddles, and safety. But if a litter of kittens has been left to their own accord for too long, they’ll be very independent and downright wary of human interaction. As cats develop, they encounter numerous experiences that are unfamiliar and may lead to fear and anxiety. Good pet owners recognize the stimuli that can be disconcerting for kittens and help create positive experiences out of the sounds, smells, and sights. This is called habituation, which is “the process of getting used to and not reacting to those stimuli by continuous exposure under circumstances that have no untoward consequences.”
What kind of stimuli are we talking about? Introduce your new pet to extended family members like the elderly or children, men or women, and other family pets. Car rides are considered “stimuli” and you’ll need to make vet visits in the future, so getting a kitten used to a car ride is a great start. Lawnmowers, barking dogs, steps, mirrors, thunder and lightning, rain, various toys, travel crates, nail clipping, television, and music are all exciting new things in a kitten’s life so a positive, slow, and non-threatening introduction is important.
The first nine weeks of life for kittens are critical for proper socialization. Humans should keep an eye out for potentially scary situations and minimize negative repercussions, but they should also expose their new pets to new situations and environments in a positive manner. This will go a long way toward preventing the kitten from developing irreversible fears that can lead to timidity or aggression. The goal is for new pets to feel secure in the home environment and develop a trusting owner-pet relationship. Touch your new pet often; calm petting, for even just five minutes a day (but more is highly recommended!), works wonders. Don’t forget to touch ears, tails, and paws in anticipation of future veterinarian appointments. Talk to your pet often; a reassuring voice is key. The more you talk, the more they understand. Is it playtime? With practice and repetition, the kitten will recognize a cheerful, high-pitched voice as a sign that it’s playtime. Did you catch the kitten doing something you’d prefer they don’t? Make the correction in a stern, authoritative voice.
What is the ideal timing for doing this? Although the first nine weeks are critical, kitten socialization can continue “easily” up to 14 weeks of age. That’s not to say that it’s impossible after that, but it will require more patience. Socialization can begin as early as two weeks old with self-play and social play among littermates. At 16 weeks old, kittens become more suspicious and fearful of things they have not experienced.
As key as socialization is for your new furry friend, the process is even more important for the bond between human and pet.