Bringing home a new cat is always a fun experience. Usually, at this age cats are full of energy, very playful and you can spend happy moments observing their funny behaviors and the general curiosity they show. Sometimes, however, you may feel exasperated by the constant movements and activities of your new friend; however, there are ways to try to calm and relax him, while keeping him lively, enjoying his vitality and energy.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Handle the Kitten
Step 1. Get it at the correct age
The best age for the socialization of cats is between two and seven weeks of life. This means that in this age group they are more likely to accept other animals, people and situations. Although most respectful owners of cat mothers do not separate them from kittens until they reach eight weeks of life, this age does not correspond to the most suitable age for socialization; as a result, owners generally tend to socialize their cats again when they are nursed by their mother.
If you know you will be getting a kitten before this time has elapsed, approach the litter and mother to make sure the future kitty has gotten used to people and you
Step 2. Adopt a kitten who has already socialized
When you get one that's over seven weeks old or if you adopt it from an animal shelter or cattery, you need to make sure it has already interacted with people. You have to make sure that the little one wants to come with you, that he is curious and that he seeks your attention; check that he does not blow or that his fur stands up towards you after being in your company for a few minutes.
You should be wary of kittens that behave this way and make sure the one you choose is friendly enough to you
Step 3. Take your time
Once you have chosen the cat to adopt, you need to take the time to understand if its character is compatible with yours before bringing it home. Consider spending at least an hour getting acquainted with the potential new family member so that you really get to know his or her personality; caress and show affection to see if they appreciate being touched and to make sure they feel comfortable around people.
You can understand that she is really comfortable with you when she starts purring in your arms
Step 4. Help him in the transition phase
When you first take him home, he is likely to be fearful and cautious for a few days; the experience of changing a home is always stressful for this animal and it is therefore quite normal for it to exhibit a reserved and insecure behavior when it has to become familiar with a new environment.
- You can help him in this phase by asking the old owner to leave you the blanket or towel he used with his brothers and mother; in this way, he has something with him with a familiar smell to make the detachment less traumatic and help him get used to the new home.
- If you have decided to adopt him from an animal shelter, ask the staff if you can bring the blanket he used or some other blanket from his litter home to give him the same scent.
Step 5. Give him attention, but in a balanced way
When you have a new kitten, it's normal to want to constantly pay attention to him, but try to limit yourself. It is right to be with him, but you don't have to continually pick him up; if he wants to get away, you have to let him and let him drop out of your arms. In the end it will be he who will come looking for you to receive pampering.
This aspect is even more important if you have children, particularly if they are young; they don't understand the concept of giving cats their own space. Monitor every interaction your child has with the cat carefully so that neither of you is likely to get hurt or frustrated by the other's attitude
Method 2 of 3: Let Him Get Out of Energy
Step 1. Play with the puppy
Once he's familiar with the house, he starts playing with him; in this way, you allow him to release all the extra energy. Buy several toys suitable for kittens; for example, feathers tied to a wand are great fun and allow you to interact with the animal.
Those that the cat can chase or hit are also perfect; try using toy mice and balls. You can also use a pocket flashlight or laser pointer, which is great fun for your cat when it tries to catch the light
Step 2. Play the right way
The puppy needs to move for a certain period to be able to run out of energy. Try to dedicate at least two daily moments of 15 minutes each or even longer; in this way, you establish a bond with the animal, you make it feel safe and secure.
- Do not to leave never that the cat plays with twine, woolen thread or rubber bands; it could swallow them, triggering very serious or even fatal intestinal obstructions.
- Don't allow him to play with your hands or feet; you may find it funny as long as the kitty is just a puppy, but this behavior could become a major problem with an adult cat. If he starts to "hunt" your upper and lower extremities, immediately replace them with a toy he can pounce on.
Step 3. Purchase some useful exercise tools
If you do not have time to play with the kitten or the animal is still very lively after physical activity sessions, buy a scratching post or a special "gym" that it can climb on. These are turrets or poles arranged both horizontally and vertically; the cat can scratch them to "mark" them with their own scent and play with them.
- The turrets allow him to exercise and become a safe place from which to observe everything that happens in the house.
- Try to place these objects near a window, as this is the best place for him to observe what is happening outside.
Method 3 of 3: Discourage Bad Behavior
Step 1. Use feline pheromones
Kittens are often hyperactive due to a hormonal explosion. You can try to calm your specimen with pheromones like Feliway; these substances are used to prevent the animal from reaching areas closed to it, but they are also useful for relaxing it.
The spray contains chemicals naturally produced by cats and which are useful for soothing them; Feliway is available in the form of wet wipes, spray or diffuser
Step 2. Test the deterrent systems
When the kitten is too hyperactive, he may jump on forbidden furniture. To stop him from continuing this behavior, try a motion sensor spray; the device emits a puff of compressed air every time the cat approaches an area where it should not be.
- You can also attach double-sided tape to surfaces. The sticky feeling annoys the cat and dissuades him from getting on that particular shelf.
- While it is a popular method, using water spray bottles as a punishment is only effective when you are around, but be aware that with this technique your cat associates punishment with your presence and grows afraid of you.
- As your cat learns not to jump on surfaces, store all food out of the way.
Step 3. Provide enough items to scratch
An overly active cat may show excess energy by scratching furniture, walls and other fixed surfaces. To stop him, you need to offer him plenty of material that he can easily scratch. The scratching posts are perfect and allow him to sharpen his nails both upwards and outwards; then buy various models of different shapes and sizes.
- Each cat loves different surfaces, so you need to try a few times before you find the one your feline friend likes best.
- Make scratching posts well displayed in the home and make other places, such as sofas or furniture, less attractive by putting double-sided tape.
Step 4. Give him his space
Maybe you would like to spend all your free moments with him, especially at the beginning; however, cats need time to sleep, play and look out the window. If you keep harassing your puppy, he may go into hiding to avoid you.
Learn to understand the signals he sends you and that let you know when he is tired of playing. This includes attempting to attack and then running away and hiding and crying in discomfort
Advice
- Cats that live indoors typically need more attention and playtime than those who spend time outdoors. They enjoy chasing a ball or jumping high when you stimulate them with a feather attached to a stick.
- Remember to treat your kitten with respect. It is a living being and you cannot completely control it; however, you can have a lot of fun sharing your time with him.
- Puppies have sharp teeth and nails and can accidentally scratch or injure you; be careful when you touch your cat, learn how to cut his nails or take him to the vet every two weeks for a "manicure".
- Don't scold him, the only thing you would get would be to scare him.
