You are much more likely to be given information on taking care of a dog than taking care of a new cat. Cats tend to have a reputation for being particularly aloof and independent. However, this attitude is often a result of the cat not having enough socialization. When you take the steps to socialize a kitten, you’ll often have a far better companion. Cats are great pets and can be incredibly affectionate when given the chance. Here are a few tips to help you socialize a kitten.

When to Socialize a Kitten

The ideal socialization time for a kitten is generally between 3 and 9 weeks of age. However, they should generally stay with their mom during this period of time. When you adopt a kitten, it is highly likely that you have adopted them outside of this ideal socialization period. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t still be socialized. Older kittens and even adult cats can be socialized properly. In fact, socialization should be a continuous effort that you engage in throughout their lives.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is often the ideal way to help socialize a kitten. Punishing them for bad behavior will not help them to become socialized properly. Provide them with fun experiences and treats periodically to provide this positive reinforcement. Take them on short trips to fun places, rather than only putting them in a carrier for vet visits. This will help them to get used to traveling and reduce their resistance to their carrier. It is often beneficial to leave their carrier open in their space, so that they get more used to it.

Use Treats

Give your kitten treats whenever people come over to visit. This will enable you to make a connection between treats and company. Then, they will start to have positive feelings toward people coming over to visit.

Throw a Party

Throwing a party can be a great way to socialize your kitten. When you have many guests over to your home, your kitten will quickly get over any anxiety they have around strangers. Having a party can help to ensure that your kitten gets used to having people over.

Start with Small Spaces

When you move your kitten to a new home, it can often be incredibly overwhelming for them. Start by keeping your kitten in a small space, like a single room, before you provide them with access to the entire area. This can prevent them from getting overwhelmed.

Spend Time Playing with Them

Playing with your kitten is a great way to help them build trust with you. Spend time playing with your kitten every day. This can also help with potential behavior problems, because it will enable them to work out excess energy.

Provide a Safe Environment

It is important to ensure that you keep your kitten safe. Take some time to review the environment and “kitten-proof” it so that you can provide them with a safe environment. Protecting your kitten and keeping them safe will build their trust and help them to be socialized properly.

When you socialize a kitten, you will generally be able to obtain a friendlier, affectionate companion. These tips can help you to socialize your kitten. You may also want to consider taking them to the veterinarian’s office occasionally without requiring them to have an uncomfortable experience to help reduce their anxiety. Give them lots of treats and affection. For more information about how to socialize a kitten, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!

Are you planning on bringing home a new cat? Ensuring you have all of the necessary supplies in advance can help you to keep them comfortable and allow them to adjust to their new home. The last thing you want is to have to make a last minute trip to the pet store when you’re trying to help your cat get settled! Here are some of the things that you need to buy for a new cat.

Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment

First and foremost, you will want to ensure that you schedule an appointment for your cat with your veterinarian. They will be able to provide a thorough checkup and ensure that your cat is up to date on any necessary vaccinations. This is an important step in keeping them healthy.

Cat Carrier

You will need a cat carrier in order to safely transport your new cat to your home. A plastic cat carrier is often the best solution. If you are purchasing a new cat carrier, you may want to consider a top loading variety. This is often easier than trying to force a cat through a typical opening. When your cat carrier has an opening on the top, you can simply put them in and be on your way.

Litter Box

Your cat will need a place to use the bathroom. Due to this, you will need to ensure that you purchase a litter box and litter for your cat. There are many varieties of litter boxes that you can choose from. It is important to ensure that your litter box is at least 1.5 times longer than your cat. This will provide them with ample space to turn around when they are using the bathroom. You should also consider getting a mat to protect the floor beneath the litter box.

Food and Water Bowls

Food and water bowls are another important tool for your new cat. It is important to ensure that you get new bowls, even if you already have some for an existing pet. Many pets feel threatened by the scent of other pets, especially if they haven’t adjusted to the new home yet.

Cat Trees

Cats like somewhere high to sit. If you don’t provide this for them, they may choose other places, like your kitchen cupboards. Cat trees can be a great way to both provide a scratching post for your cat, as well as a high place for them to perch.

Scratching Post

Your cats will naturally want somewhere to scratch. By getting a scratching post, you can help to provide this place for your pet. This can help to protect your furniture, as well as keep your cat happy.

Toys

Various toys are essential in keeping your cat happy. The “right” toys are often a matter of feeling out what your cat likes. Wand toys with ribbons attached at the end are extremely popular toys for cats. You may also want to consider various types of toys that have catnip. Getting a variety of toys can help you to learn about your cat’s preferences.

Bed

A cat bed can help to ensure that your cat has a place of their own to get comfortable. Many cats like feeling surrounded while they sleep, so you may want to consider getting an enclosed bed to help your cat feel secure. Ensure that you choose a bed that is the right size for your cat.

Collar

Even if you intend to keep your cat indoors, it will be important to ensure they have a collar and ID tag. This will help you to ensure they can be easily identified if they happen to escape your home. Try to get the kind of collar that can detach easily when snagged to prevent your cat from getting injured.

It will also be important to get food and treats for your pet. It can be helpful to learn what food they had previously so that you can help them to adjust more easily. Gathering all of these supplies is essential before you bring your new cat home. To learn more about how to prepare for your new cat, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!

Are you planning on getting a new pet in the near future? There are several steps that you can take to help a new pet adjust to your home. By taking these steps, you will be able to ensure that your pet can be eased into their new life in your home. It is also important to be considerate of any existing pets that you may have to help them have the best introduction possible. Here are a few tips for helping a new pet adjust to your home.

Get the Supplies you Need

You’ll want to make sure that you get all of the supplies that you need before you bring your new pet home. You probably won’t want to leave them for the store immediately after getting them. Taking them with can add to their stress levels! Getting the supplies that you need in advance can help you to be prepared for the arrival of your new pet. Make sure that you get food and water bowls for your new pet. It is important to make sure these are unused, as the scent of another animal can cause them stress. You’ll also want to purchase food and treats for them.

Get a collar with an ID tag that has your contact information on it. You will also want to ensure that you have a bed to help keep your new pet comfortable. Toys can help offset their stress and keep them entertained. It is also important to get a brush for careful grooming. Cats will need a scratching post and dogs will need a leash and poop bags for walks.

Take Care with their Diet

Quickly changing your pet’s diet can cause them to develop stomach problems. You will want to ensure that you find out the kind of food they have been eating previously. If you intend to get them on a different type of food, you will want to transition them slowly to this new diet. This will aid in preventing digestion problems that may otherwise occur.

Confine to a Smaller Space

It is often best to help your new pet adjust by confining them to a smaller space initially. Keep in mind that many pets in shelters are kept in minimal space, so a complete house or apartment can be overwhelming. You can confine them to a single room for a few days or until they appear relaxed and comfortable. Then you can slowly provide them with access to additional areas in your home. It is also important to ensure that you provide multiple hiding spaces or a separate, private space for them. This will give them a place to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

Don’t Force Interaction

Forcing interaction will likely just make your pet more stressed. Though it is natural to want to form a fast bond with your new pet, it is important to be patient with them and give them whatever space they need. If you want to coax them to you, you can play with interactive toys or offer them treats.

Ensure All Existing Pets are Healthy

If you already have pets in your home, it is important to ensure that they are healthy before you bring a new pet home. Make sure that your pets are up to date on their vaccinations and are free of any health concerns.

Introduce Pets Slowly

It is also important to ensure that you introduce new pets to your pets slowly. Ensure that you have spent a good deal of time supervising their interactions before you leave them alone together. It may also be beneficial to switch beds or do other small things to get them used to each other’s scents.

Helping a new pet adjust to your home can help you to keep them comfortable. It is important to be patient during this process. While it’s natural to want to form a bond with them as quickly as possible, you need to be conscious of the extreme changes that are occurring in their life during this time. By taking the process slowly and providing them with safe spaces, you can help to ease their transition to your home. It is also important to have your new pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that they are healthy and up to date on vaccinations. To learn more about how to help a new pet adjust to your home, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!