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AAHA AccreditedTopics Below: Social Nature | Sex & Age | Successful Environment | Preventing Problems
Social Nature
Genetic differences and early social interactions between cats, particularly during the sensitive period from 3 to 7 weeks of age, account for how social a cat becomes. Some cats are more independent with little desire for human contact.
To reduce fearful or aggressive behavior toward people, kittens should receive as much exposure and contact as possible prior to 7 weeks, then maintain these relationships into adulthood. Inherited personality type also plays a part, about 15% of kittens being resistant to socialization. The best way to predict behavioral attributes is to obtain a purebred from known parentage. Petting and handling the parent(s) also may provide some insight into the offspring's potential.
[Top of Page]Sex and Age
Obtain your kitten by 7 weeks at the latest, or pick an older kitten which has had a lot of human contact. Castration reduces urine odor, roaming, fighting, and urine marking by about 90%. Spaying eliminates heat cycles and associated marking, but 5% of females will still spray urine.
[Top of Page]Setting Up the Environment For Success
Cat Proofing:
Crate training can work, but kitten-proofed rooms are usually sufficient. There should be appropriate toys, a scratching post or activity area, a comfortable bed, and a litter box. Install barricades as necessary. Problem areas can be booby trapped - aversive odors or tastes, uncomfortable stimuli or motion detectors.
Litter Box Training:
Put soil in the box if the kitten eliminates in plants containers, or keep away from the plants. Make the litter box desirable - private type in a private place, keep spotless, clumping litter often being preferred.
Preventing Behavioral Problems
Play, Exploration, & Nocturnal Activity:
Understimulation produces excessive energy, and lack of appropriate opportunities for play can lead to play aggression, destructiveness or excessive nocturnal activity. Cats are more stimulated by moving objects that can be stalked, swatted, or pounced on (ie. ropes, fur or feathers, rolled toys, mirrors, laser pointers). You can obedience train with food or play as rewards. For self-play use ping-pong balls, walnuts, dangling toys, battery-operated toys, empty boxes or an activity area. A second kitten often helps if both are socialized to other cats.
Destructive Behavior:
Provide appropriate outlets for play; deter access. Cat-scratch feeders, or providing small meals in various locations makes feeding more active and productive. Provide dog chew toys and/or dry bulky foods if chewing or wool sucking is a problem.
Excessive Vocalization:
This must never be rewarded by letting your cat outside, or by rewards or attention. Interrupt with a water gun, compressed air or a loud verbal "no", then ignore the cat until calm and quiet.
Scratching:
Keep away from problem areas, trim the claws and provide a scratching post. Place the latter near the sleeping area, and cover with a material which is appealing. Furniture can be covered. Provide a noxious stimuli as above if it will not stop. We also have Soft Paws® which are re-applied monthly.