Kitten development

Kitten

In the first year of their life kittens go through a phase of rapid changes, both physical and mental. Proper teaching is a chance to strengthen the bond between you as well as an investment into an emotionally stable and well-behaved adult cat. From the very beginning teach your cat how to behave at home and around other animals and people.

Litter training

Using the litterbox is the first and basic skill your kitten has to master in their new home. Cats are very clean pets and their instinct to bury their faeces is very strong - wild cats do it, to mask their smell. Most cats from breeders or shelters shouldn’t have too much trouble getting used to a new litter box, as most of the time kittens are already trained. At the beginning try to avoid strongly scented litter - cats have very sensitive noses and intense scents can discourage a kitten from using a litter box. Once you bring your kitten home, immediately show him where is the litter box, you can even gently place the kitten inside. If your kitten uses the litter box, praise him for doing so and offer a reward, preferably a tasty treat. Kitten usually have to use the litter box after a meal or a nap - at first, you can carry your kitten to the litter box when he finishes his food or wakes up. Always praise and reward a kitten for using the litter box.

„At the beginning try to avoid strongly scented litter”

Recommended for Kittens (Kittens love):

Understanding cat’s language

Cats have a whole plethora of verbal and non-verbal signs they use to communicate with their humans. Cats can meow, purr or hiss and all of this is accompanied by a complex body language. You can tell your cat’s mood by observing the position of ears as well as the tail. Observe how your cat reacts to the surroundings and your behaviour to understand when he is interested and when he’s scared. Remember that you’re not alone in this learning process. Your cat, just like yourself, is trying to understand you and make connections between your tone of voice and your mood.

Observe how your cat reacts to the surroundings and your behaviour.

Kitten alone at home

Separated from their siblings and parents kittens find the most comfort in the companion of their new families. Unfortunately, you cannot constantly be at home with your kitten, so you need to get your kitten accustomed and comfortable with staying alone when you need to go to work or grab some groceries. If you have to leave your kitten, start easing him in with short absences where you don’t go too far - even leaving the room will do. Slowly, try to gradually extend the time you’re absent. Leave the house naturally, don’t make a scene of it. You can play with your kitten before you leave, to help him use up some of the energy. A tired kitten will most likely just go to sleep once you leave the house. You can leave out your cat’s favourite toys or even turn on a radio or a TV as an added distraction and something that can grab your cat’s attention.