How To Socialize A Kitten | Chewtorials
As your kitten grows into an adult cat, they’ll need your help to adjust and learn about the world around them. We’re walking you through the process of kitten socialization, AKA introducing your kitten to new people, places and experiences
What Is Kitten Socialization?
In a nutshell, socializing kittens means gently introducing them to stimuli they’ll likely encounter throughout their lives, including people, pets, sounds, toys, food and beyond. The socialization process exposes them to a wide variety of experiences so they can learn to accept new environments, animals and humans.
When Is the Best Time for Kitten Socialization?
Ideally, kitten socialization should start as early as possible. There are two main socialization periods: at 2 to 9 weeks old, and at 8 to 16 weeks old.
Generally speaking, many older kittens and adult cats who haven’t been exposed to human touch and care are more difficult to socialize. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but it certainly becomes more challenging.
How to Socialize a Kitten
Ensuring your kitten has positive experiences early on is one of the best things you can do for them. Here are some simple steps you can take to properly socialize them as they grow up.
Keep Kittens With Their Family Until They’re Weaned
Age: Birth to 2 weeks old.
The first weeks of a kitten’s life are a special time for them and their mama cat. During this time, it’s best to avoid touching the kittens unless absolutely necessary (for example, to check if they are breathing). Some mama cats will react aggressively to protect their kittens from what they may perceive as a threat from you.
Of course, you’ll have to handle kittens who are without their mothers and need to be bottle fed. In this case, it can help for the single kitten to be around another cat—even if it is an adult cat—to learn proper socialization.
2. Practice Gentle Handling
When to Start: 2 to 4 weeks of age.
At this point, kittens may be introduced to soft and careful touches, such as holding them, stroking their belly, light petting and brushing. Now is a good time to introduce simple “examination” movements that can help prepare them for future important touches by you and the vet, too. These include:
Opening their mouth
Looking in their ears
Touching their toes
Lifting their tail
Ideally, the cat care provider they’re with is doing these things until the kitten is old enough to be adopted (around 8 weeks). Once you’ve adopted your cat, you should continue doing these things routinely as they continue to grow older.
3. Introduce Them to Their Cat Carrier
When to Start: 2 to 4 weeks of age.
Plan on traveling anywhere with your cat? Whether it’s an adventure-packed vacation or just a routine visit to the vet, it’ll be helpful to introduce your kitten to their cat carrier so they can become familiar with this environment. Follow our tips on helping your cat get comfortable with their carrier: https://be.chewy.com/positively-train...
4. Introduce Them To Other People & Pets
When to Start: 3 to 7 weeks old.
As your kitten gets a bit older, they can gradually start meeting additional humans and pets. Over time, expose them to different types of pets and a variety of humans—young, old, noisy, meek, tall and short—always ensuring positive exposure. Have the new visitor offer a treat, for example.
5. Provide New Toys, Foods, and Experiences
When to Start: 8 to 16 weeks old.
Around 8 weeks old, your kitten will likely be curious about everything they lay eyes on. Encourage that curiosity by providing plenty of new ways to play:
New toys: Let your kitten explore a variety of toy types, including tunnels, teasers and wands, and interactive toys.
New hangout spots: A cat tree or cat shelves give your kitten plenty of practice climbing and jumping, and higher vantage points can also make some cats feel more secure. Shop cat toys: https://www.chewy.com/b/toys-326
New essentials: Bringing your kitten home for the first time? Don’t forget to show them their cat bed, litter box and food and water bowls, with plenty of praise and treats to encourage them to use them.
6. Keep the New Experiences Coming
When to Start: Immediately, and continue throughout their life.
All the above steps will help your kitten become a socialized creature who feels comfortable and safe with humans and other animals, and in the world at large. Once your cat reaches adulthood, continue giving them love and affection and showing them the wonders of the world. This could include adventures like:
Teaching them to walk on a leash
Taking them for a hike
Taking a road trip together
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