Kitten Day

It’s Kitten Day!

Today is national kitten day! Here is some information about kittens from a behavioural and safety perspective.

Safety

Kittens can fall through gaps very easily - these can include bannisters on stairs and at the back of radiators. Blocking these off is key to keep them safe.

Kittens can get through small gaps such as windows very easily too - Flat Cats have window safety options.

Kittens love to explore and climb -be mindful of cookers and hobs - they can easily jump up and walk on these.

Kittens love to hide, so they may do this in your washing basket - make sure they are not hiding in there when you pop your washing in the machine.

Thinking about kittens from a behavioural and emotional perspective

Just because a kitten has come to you past the critical socialisation period (thought to be 2-9 weeks), does not mean socialisation and habituation cannot stop happening. Getting a kitten habituated to handling can help with vet care, also thinking about sounds is important - sounds such as the vacuum, fireworks, pots and pans, weather and children. We always want a kitten to have a healthy fear of traffic so do not desensitise them to traffic sounds. Seeing different people and always having the option to move away is key - it is not about placing a cat in a room and playing sounds very loudly - this will sensitise them - make them more sensitive. Sounds should always be played at a very low level then gradually increased. Having vertical space and low space is key so the kitten can move away if they would like to.

Kittens can also climb into wardrobes and get stuck. Same for cupboards.

Taking time off to care for a kitten

Getting a kitten used to being alone is important. Puzzle feeders to encourage independence can help and a variety of different resting spots too.

Check out my video on Facebook to learn more.