Socialising your kitten

During a kitten's early life, they experience many new things that can be exciting or a little scary. Good socialisation helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted cats, rather than timid or fearful ones. It's important to let your kitten explore at their own pace, as some are naturally shy. Take things slow and gentle.

Kitten socialisation

Kittens learn most social behaviours in their first three months. The most crucial socialisation window is between 2-7 weeks, before they come to you. So, much of this important stage is down to the mother cat and the breeder. Once your kitten is home, you should continue to introduce them to new sights and sounds.

To socialise your cat, they need to meet different people and experience new things in their environment. Here are some examples:

• Getting them used to the vacuum cleaner and other household appliances

• Meeting new people

• Meeting children

• Getting used to the doorbell

What to keep in mind

• Always respect your cat's boundaries – your kitten's world revolves around eating, sleeping, grooming, and playing. Make sure socialising doesn't disrupt this routine.

• Reward good behaviour – Encourage and support your cat when introducing them to new experiences. Give them plenty of praise when they make progress.

• Play is key – use playtime to introduce your cat to new people. This helps them associate visitors with positive experiences.