In addition to the playtime and fun you’ll have with your new kitten, this is also a time for learning. You’ll spend time teaching him how to use the litter box, where to scratch (and where not to) and more.

One important aspect of this training involves socializing your kitten – helping him develop comfort with people, handling, and different environments.

Be sure to ease your kitten through new experiences, so he’ll be more comfortable with change as an adult. Here are some tips:

·          Frequent, gentle handling is important to show your kitten that being in someone’s arms is a positive experience. It will help him become more comfortable being handled as an adult cat.

·          Familiarize your kitten with the carrier and travel. Take him for car rides around the block or when you go to the bank drive-through.

·          Visit the veterinarian clinic for fun …yes, fun! Take your kitten there for quick social visits so he gets used to the sounds, smells, and sights. Many times, staff members will take time to pet and hold him for a couple of minutes.

·          Have visitors over to help your kitten get used to unfamiliar guests in the home.

·          Touch your kitten. At some point when he grows older, your cat will require medicine. He’ll also eventually need his nails trimmed, teeth checked, and lots of other things. So spend a little time each day gently touching his ears, paws, and mouth. It will make administering medicine or trimming nails much easier.

Step-by-step instructions can be found in the book Think like a Cat.

© 2009 Cat Behavior Associates, LLC