Cats are adorable pets loved by people the world over, but growing and socializing them effectively is a complicated matter. Not many people know how to socialize cats properly and the behavior of cats reflects the training that they gained during their formative years.
Most cats that do not get socialized from an early age are afraid of new things. They cannot play or behave well and feel uncomfortable within new environments and people. So, it is very crucial to socialize cats from an early age.
If you are looking at how to become a registered cat breeder, you should know how important it is to have a well-socialized kitten. Socializing makes it easier for kittens to adjust to new environments with different kinds of people and other animals.
If you want to teach an older cat to become comfortable in a new environment, then you have to be more careful because adult cats feel more insecure and uncomfortable than kittens if not trained properly. In this article, we are going to discuss how we can socialize kittens as well as adult cats.
How to Socialize Kittens?
Kittens are generally responsive to socialization between the ages of three to sixteen weeks. During this time, they are beginning to venture further from their moms and siblings but are still wary of new environments. It’s critical to expose them to various individuals, creatures, and circumstances so they feel safe in the world.
The socialization of kittens is necessary for their future temperament and behavior. If you feel that your kitten is not well socialized, it is not too late. There’s still a chance to teach your lovely kittens how to interact with new people, animals and environments.
Here are a few tips to help socialize your kitten properly:
1. Get your kitten used to being touched early on.
Delicately pet them all over their little bodies, including their feet, under the chin, behind the ears, and on their bellies. This will allow them to get used to being stroked and cared for by humans.
2. Give your cat heaps of positive encounters with other people.
Welcome loved ones over to meet your new kitten and allow your kitten to approach your guests on their own. Never force them to interact unless they feel comfortable enough to do so.
3. Take your cat on car rides early on.
Getting them used to traveling at an early age will keep them relaxed when being brought around places. Give treats and lots of love while traveling so they associate it as a positive experience.
4. Introduce them to different animals and environments
Acquaint your cat with various people, both kids and adults. They must figure out how to feel good around a wide range of individuals so they don’t grow fearful of anybody.
5.Get your used cat to being groomed
Get your cat used to getting groomed and having their nails trimmed from the beginning. Grooming rituals can be distressing for certain felines when they’re not used to it.
Start off gently with short sessions and gradually work your way up to longer ones. Be sure to supply them with treats to positively reinforce them.
Socializing an Older Cat
Older cats are a little bit more difficult to socialize but there are still opportunities to socialize them if they are treated with great care. Here, I will share some tips on socializing your adult cat.
1. Give them an opportunity for change.
It’s essential to give your older cat a chance to acclimate to its new surroundings. They may be uncomfortable and restless in the beginning, likely hiding for several hours, but allow them to get used to it naturally and approach you in their own time. Don’t force anyone on them if they’re not ready. And be sure to give them lots of love when they do.
2. Make a place of refuge.
Felines feel better when they have a protected, calm spot to withdraw to when they’re feeling overwhelmed or scared. Ensure your feline has a space where they can have a solid sense of reassurance and security – this will be their place to go to when they need to unwind.
3. Lay out schedules.
Felines are predictable animals and they feel great when they have normal everyday routines. Laying out set meal times, breaks, and sleep times will allow your older cat to feel calm and safe.
4. Give them entertainment.
Cats need a lot of stimulation to feel happy. Make sure your feline has enough interactive toys, climbing cat trees, scratching posts, cat towers, and hiding spots to keep them engaged. Rotating their toys regularly also helps keep them from getting bored.
5. Pay Attention to Their Cues
Cats are autonomous creatures but they need to be given proper consideration. Focus on your older cat’s non-verbal communication and reassure them when they seem anxious or insecure by stroking them or brushing them, or even calmly staying close to them.