Bringing a new kitten into the family is exciting, especially if you have young kids and other animals who would like to befriend them or be involved with pet care. Although cats aren’t known for being naturally warm and outgoing, you can encourage them to be more affectionate. Use the following tips to help raise a cute and cuddly family member.

5 Tips for Nurturing Sociability in a Cat

1. Make Careful Introductions 

When introducing the kitten to your kids, emphasize that the pet should be treated with gentleness and respect. Allow as many people as possible to interact with the kitten so that they get accustomed to humans. Discourage scaring the animal by chasing or yelling at them. 

If you have other pets, handle them first and then play with the new kitten without washing your hands. Mixing their scents may help your pets acclimate faster.  

2. Offer Your Scent Strategically 

Since smell is extremely important to cats, rub your hands on the kitten’s toys, blankets, and bedding. Your kids and other pets can do the same. The kitten may identify a sense of comfort, peace, and trust with you and everyone else in your home, making them more willing to socialize and accept pet care. 

3. Use Positive Reinforcement 

If the kitten is reluctant to come near you or the kids, try throwing them a treat. When they eat it, toss another one a little closer to you. Keep doing this until they’re near enough to be lured to a treat on your lap. 

Also, if your kitten spends time or acts friendly with your kids or other pets, offer them a treat. They’ll learn to associate pleasure with interaction. 

4. Respond to Their Communication 

To make your kitten more comfortable with your way of socialization, communicate with them using theirs. For example, cats blink slowly to signify warmth or affection, so blink slowly a few times in return.

When they meow, be responsive and try to figure out their pet care needs at that moment. If you talk back, speak gently and directly. 

5. Discourage Isolation 

While it’s good to let your kitten have space and time alone, they may need encouragement to hang around the family. Over time, remove their access to hiding places. For example, keep bedroom doors closed so that they can’t hide under beds or in closets. 

For more advice about nurturing a sociable cat, contact All Feline Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Their passionate veterinarians offer a variety of feline health support services, including cat vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and treatment for a variety of cat illnesses. They can also provide tips on how to raise a healthy and happy cat. To learn details about their services, call (402) 467-2711 or check out their website.