ArticlesV3N3 - Kitten Socialization

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Socializing Kitty

One of the most important aspects of living with a cat... is the ability for the cat to be socialized into the human family, that is, how much she feels at home with you. Arguably, the overall health of a cat, physically and psychologically, depends upon how comfortable she is in your home. The idea of a well socialized cat is complicated by the fact that cats are so darn independent. Unlike pack animals like dogs, cats are loners. And as anyone who has studied personality types knows, it makes no difference whether you are a 'groupie' or the 'Lone Ranger', we all need the acceptance of our peers and the company of our family to maintain a healthy state of mind.

Because a cat is unique for her loner tendencies, the challenge of socializing a cat is even more critical and necessary for producing a happy homestead. Consider the following:

Cat health is closely related with family relationships that are established while they are kittens. A cats natural heritage is to grow as a singular, self-dependant individual not reliant upon others for physical or psychological support, so their socialization process will be demonstrably different from that of puppies. Socialization is also most easily accomplished while they're impressionable kittens.

Cats are basically "loners" and want to be left alone, but they do have a need for socializing company, albeit on their owns terms. Cats each have their own unique personality. I've seen cats socializing by sitting on the edge of an activity, such as when I mow the grass, and just watch the action. Then abruptly stand, turn and walk away all in one move. "We've had enough fun for one day. It's time for me to go home, now."

A properly socialized cat will bring continual joy to your home and be a pleasure to be around. A poorly socialized cat will be a constant source of disharmony within the home, the family, and even the neighborhood. Problems such as urination or defecation in the wrong places, using improper scratch posts, i.e. your furniture, or exhibiting 'cross' personality behavior and fighting will become the only way you describe your cat. Moreover, whenever there is disharmony, there is the potential for physical illness.

The health (or disease) of cats and their human family often mirror each other. On a more spiritual/philosophical level, there are some Native American tribes that believe domesticated animals were sent here to mirror our diseases. If your cat is a happy, well-balanced and healthy individual... so are you. And if she isn't, then one needs to look within oneself to find what's wrong with you, which is being reflected through your cat.

Poor socialization and the resulting behavior problems are the main reason that every year in this country several million pets, cats and otherwise, are put to sleep simply because they are no longer able to be cared for by their human caretakers. Pets, like all animals are motivated by certain tools such as instinct, experience and adopted habits. Some animals grasp concepts better than others through these tools and are therefore called 'smarter' or 'dumber' based on their ability to utilize those tools. People reason their way through life and expect animals to do the same. But, it just doesn't work that way. You can explain why scratching the sofa is not good, but kitty will only respond to the 'show and tell' of training which of course takes a lot longer than any verbal explanation. Mostly, one has to be smarter than their pet. A challenge to many. A challenge because it takes time and a focused thought process, which one may not have the time or inclination to immerse themselves in.

The process of socialization begins unquestionably with understanding cat behavior. Cats are cats. They are creatures with certain definitive characteristics. Being familiar with these characteristics is best way to understanding how to socialize your kitty properly. For a better understanding of cat behavior:

Robert J Gallegos