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Unlike humans and dogs, cats are solitary creatures. This doesn't
mean that they cannot exist in groups but rather that they don't
feel the need to socialize. Most felines are like this, with the
exception of lions. Cat owners often wonder why cats don't show
affection openly – the answer is simple, they don't have the need
for affection or socializing like humans. Depending on the food
resources and the number of cats in an area, some feral cats do
form groups but this is more for protection than for
companionship.How social a cat is also depends on it's owners.
For example, if you bring a kitten home and train it to play and
interact with other humans and pets then it most likely will grow
up and retain the same characteristics. However, even in these
cases cats do need their alone time.
Territory
Most cats have their own territory where they feel secure enough
to eat, sleep and even interact with other cats. This area is
established through scents from their facial glands, anal glands,
urine and feces. Dividing an area into territories reduces
conflicts amongst cats, especially feral ones. If a random cat
enters another cat's territory, it is likely to be chased off or
get into a fight.For house cats, their territorial areas are less
defined as they consider the entire house to be their safe area.
When another cat is introduced in the house, they either form
separate territories or live together. They often do not feel the
need to interact with each other even when living together,
unless the owner initiates it.
Colonies
Feral cats often form colonies for food, protection and offspring
rearing. Interestingly, unlike humans, cat colonies are
female-centered and tend to have loose hierarchies. Male cats
tend to roam around and mix with different groups, based on the
female's decision to either accept or reject him. Female cats
raise all their kittens together and will feed each others
kittens if needed. Some female cats also act as midwives for
other cats giving birth.While the social structure works well, it
is not as set as dog packs or other canine packs. The Alpha Cat
is often easily replaced and controls only certain areas. With
environmental changes, alpha cats may not be considered alpha
cats anymore. This could also happen when new cats are introduced
into the group.Within the house, cats view petting as mutual
grooming. Cats that bury their feces likely consider their humans
to be the Alpha Cat in that situation.To put it simply, cats are
social creatures but their socializing is not the same as ours.
They can form long-term relationships, groups and some even
experience separation anxiety.
How to Help Your Kitten Socialize With New People
Cats that are actively socialized tend to be less afraid in
unfamiliar situations or unpleasant changes in the environment.
Kittenhood is the perfect time to teach your cat to enjoy the
various sights and sounds, other people and animals. If you pair
the new experiences with rewards, it will boost your kitten’s
confidence.Just like puppies do, kittens also have a prime period
for socialization. But while puppies have socialization classes,
kitten socialization is still a relatively new phenomenon. But if
you plan the right experiences, you can help her socialize on
your own.
When to start?
Your kitten needs proper socialization when he is young. The main
window is from 2 weeks to 7 weeks of age, but in some cases, it
can go up to 14 weeks. It is around this time that your cat will
be most receptive to new experiences. Moreover, kittens are not
usually brought home till they are at least 7 weeks of age, which
makes it imperative for you to select a breeder who will provide
your cat with plenty of experiences during the early
weeks.Kittens also need to be protected from parasites and
infectious diseases before they begin socializing. Kittens get
antibodies from their mothers, which last for a few months. After
that, they are more vulnerable to diseases. Feline vaccinations
are given in a series and last till they are 16 weeks old. It is
around this time that they might be exposed to new people, but
you must take care to shelter them from other cats. Follow your
vet’s advice about when it is safe for you to expose your kitten
to his feline compatriots.
Positive exposure
Make sure that your kitten is accustomed to being handled by a
wide variety of people and being touched in different places,
like the paws, ears, belly and mouth. You must also offer your
kitten a wide variety of opportunities to explore and interact
with the world around them. If you combine different situations
with rewards and positive reinforcement, you are increasing the
chances of your kitten growing into a confident cat.
Create a schedule
Make yourself a list of things that your kitten is likely to
experience during his lifetime. Use the list to come up with a
schedule. Here are a few suggestions for situations that you must
expose your cat to:
Environment
- Car ride
- Crate
- Veterinary office (including exam table, scale, restraint and
handling)
- House situations (cleaning, suing different tools, music,
working)
- Outside (on a harness)
- Groomers
Animals
- Other kittens and cats (all vaccinated and well-socialized)
- Dogs
- Birds
- Farm animals
Situations
