Socialization Cat

Keywords:
Cat, travel, bath, train, behavior, new, adopt, handling, stress, change, sibling, toys, social, strangers

Socialization Cat

Socialization Cat

Want a cat that travels in the car without screaming from anxiety? Crave a cat that doesn't go crazy when you try to give it a bath, trim its' nails or give it a pill? Wish that when company comes to visit that your cat would actually come out and say hello rather than hide under the bed?

It is critical that during a kitten's `sensitive period', between the ages of 2 to 8 weeks, that you lay the foundation for your kitten to grow into a confident adult. Whenever possible, obtain your kitten from a breeder who has an understanding of how to mold the personalities of his or her kittens during this impressionable time.

When you get your kitten home be sure to handle it gently and frequently. Make these times positive and pleasant. You don't want to frighten the kitten. Try checking its ears, and opening its mouth. Play with its paws, and be sure that it is comfortable with you brushing its back as well as its belly. Studies have shown that handling during this period of a cat's life allows it to cope more effectively with stress later on.

Variety is the spice of life, and `mixing it up' a little is essential if you want a cat that can deal with change. Introduce new people, sights and sounds to your kitten. Make these changes in small doses and on a regular basis.

Think that you may want to get a dog or another cat in a few years? Have a friend with a gentle, calm dog or a well mannered cat over for a `meet and greet'. This can make the homecoming at a later date result in fewer `bent out of shape' whiskers.

You've heard the phrase - `curiosity killed the cat' but without environmental enrichment as a kitten, you will likely have the proverbial adult `scared-dy cat'. Curiosity instills intellect, and novel toys that engage cat's paws, as well as its brain, are key. Cats can be like children--they can bore easily with the same old toys, so change them on a regular basis.

Pet stores have a myriad of interactive toys, but you can also make them yourself. Take one card board box, cut a few small holes in its sides. Plop in one or two of your kitten's favorite toys and watch your kitten have a grand old time trying to figure out how to retrieve the prize inside.

Place a bird feeder outside your kitten's widow perch. This live entertainment will engage your cat for hours. Or try playing a video tape with programming made just for kitties.

Cats can be social, well adjusted members of the family. Start shaping the behaviors that you want and preventing those you don't the moment you bring your kitten home

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Daily Pet News


Take caution when choosing a weight loss food for your fat cat
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again… An animal that is not overweight will live 30% longer than an overweight animal. So if you have a fat cat, do it a favor and put it on a diet. But before you do, know that 50% of weight control cat foods cannot do what they claim to do. The report from the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that the best way to help your pet is to design a weight loss program with the help of your veterinarian.

Does the thunder roll your dog into a cold dark corner?
If your dog is like mine, then he crawls under the covers or into a cold dark space when the thunder rolls. Experts say the best way to battle these fears is with love and treats. The fear of loud booming noises usually develops as a puppy and can worsen with age. However, positive reinforcement such as petting your dog or offering a treat can help to rewire the circuit. That is, they will now associate the thunder with pleasant events, rather than fear of injury. Between storms, playing loud sounds and using positive reinforcement, can help to desensitize your pet to the real thing. If things do not improve, you can ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety drugs.

Some foods that are toxic to dogs
Some foods that are considered healthy or harmless to humans can be toxic to dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping these items away from your dogs… Alcohol, caffeine, garlic, onions, avocado, and chewing gum. It is also advisable to limit intake of salt and sugar.

Babies can read facial expressions in dogs
A study at Brigham Young University has concluded that human babies as young as six months can tell the difference between an angry growl and a friendly bark. The study included showing two different pictures of the same dog to the infants, all of which lived with dogs. One picture was an angry looking dog with a scowl. The other was a playful looking dog with a nice smile. When playing a recording of a growling dog, the subjects tended to stare at the picture of the angry dog. When playing audio of a playful bark, the infants then focused on the happy looking dog. A BYU professor said that emotion is one of the first things babies can pick up on in their social world. Pets, in turn, are also very aware of emotions of their surroundings.

Rabies enters Colorado neighborhoods
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Foxtail can pose a serious threat to your dog.
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Pets need blood transfusions too
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Further research is necessary to find out why cats are dying
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Yogi Bear may have rabies?
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