Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets

You'll want your kitten to become a cat that relates well to people and is a friend and companion. To achieve this, you need to bear in mind that cats have a very short socialization phase. So the first four to 16 weeks of life are a critical time for behavioral and social development.

Your Kitten's Early Experiences

Before your kitten comes to live with you, they will have been interacting with their mother, the other kittens in the litter and probably several different people.

Be wary of choosing a kitten that has had little human contact, such as a kitten that has been raised in a shed or pen far from the house. Kittens need to get used to being handled by people very early on, preferably by several people so they don't just learn to accept a single caregiver. They also need to become accustomed to the sights, smells and sounds of everyday life.

Your kitten will probably move into your home when they're about eight to 12 weeks of age. Assuming they've already had lots of human contact, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to reinforce all the good work and help them grow into a friendly, happy, confident cat.

When your kitten first arrives home with you, remember it can all be a bit overwhelming for them. Take them to a quiet, safe place and show them where the bowls and litter boxes are. Give them lots of love and reassurance and pet them gently, talking to them in a soft, calm voice. Playing is also a great way to socialize your kitten and form a bond with them early on in your relationship.

Introducing Your Kitten to Other Pets 

Before introducing your new kitten to other pets in your household, visit your veterinarian to ensure all pets are healthy and their vaccinations are up to date.

Smell is the most important sense for cats, so it's a good idea to transfer some of the smells of your home onto the coat of your new kitten before the introductions. Mix the scents by stroking first your resident cat, then the kitten, without washing your hands, and vice versa.

Introduce your new kitten to other pets gradually and one at a time. Keeping your new kitten in a carrier or behind an expandable baby gate is a good way to supervise the first encounter.

During the introduction, separate the pets at any sign of aggression. Acceptance may take time, so never leave your new kitten unsupervised with any of your other pets until you are certain they get along well. Always keep smaller pets, such as hamsters, fish and birds safely out of reach.