Kittens can be frightened when you first take them home, resisting any care and affection. Naturally they are fearful of all human beings. Nurturing these cuddly little animals can be difficult under these circumstances. Getting a kitten comfortable with you and people in general, is possible when you take the right approach. After learning how to socialize a kitten, you will receive continuous love, and it will no longer be terrified of humans.
Be Patient
Already have a room set aside specifically for the kitten when you bring it home. Make sure the room is a low traffic area. If you place it in a room where there is a great deal of noise or commotion it will feel threatened and become distressed. Allow the kitten to have its own space to prevent it from feeling pressured.
Slowly Increase Attention
Visit the kitten to give it food and speak to it softly. While visiting, pet it for short periods of time and gradually increase, the more relaxed it is in your presence. It is also very important not to get too close or even make eye contact with the kitty in the beginning. Sometimes they think you are trying to attack them and become feisty. Do not be discouraged if it seems to continue to reject your affection. Keep repeating the steps. The kitten has to feel that it is in a safe environment. It has to feel that it can trust you and others in its new surroundings.
Let the Kitten Explore
As you begin to see the kitten become more relaxed and at ease with you, let it explore its new home. Try to make sure there is little disturbance and few people around when you first begin to give it a tour around the house. When you are socializing a kitten around the house make sure there are no spaces that it could possible cause injury or it could get stuck in.
Slowly Socialize Kitten with People
Once the kitten is at ease with you and the home, then it is a good idea to socialize it with other people. Start off with one or two people at a time. As it becomes more restful around a few people then you can gradually increase the amount of people you introduce it to at one time. Make sure when you bring family and friends around the kitty, that they are gentle and not aggressive. Watch for kids who can be rough unintentionally.
As you learn how to socialize a kitten, keep in mind that some will loosen up sooner than others. Some kitties only take one day to unwind and others could take a week or longer. No matter how long it takes, you will be satisfied once your adorable furry companion is comfortable. The time it takes to learn how to socialize a kitten is surely worth the wait.
More Related Content:
How to Welcome a Second Cat Into Your Home
Pet Names: Important Tips Before You Pick
Pet Precautions Owners Must Take in Hot Weather