How to raise a socialized kitty
Ten years ago Dr. Kersti Seksel, a veterinary behaviorist from Australia, developed the first program for kitten socialization. One of the reasons for developing the program was the recognition that more kittens were being abandoned for behavioral problems than for any other reason. Many times the root of the behavioral problem occurred in the early development of the kitten.

Studies have shown that the period of socialization in a cat is very short. Kittens that are isolated between 3 and 10 weeks are more likely to grow up fearful and antisocial. It is very important for kittens to play and have contact with as many new, non-threatening things as possible during this period of their life. They need to meet children, adults and other kittens. They need to travel in a carrier, in a car and even be exposed to a veterinary hospital. All of these experiences can be fun for a developing kitten and can prepare them for the rest of their lives.

Training cats is fun and enriches the relationship between owners and cats. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has issued behavioral guidelines supporting the use of socialization classes.

Training must begin before the kitten is 14 weeks old. They need to be handled and spend time with other kittens. It is important to remember that kittens respond well to food, praise and games of hide and seek. Patience, consistency and tasty treats are the key to successful training.

The Cat Clinic of Stillwater is offering kitten classes this summer to kittens between the ages of 8 weeks and 15 weeks. We believe these are the first kitten kindergarten classes offered in Oklahoma.

The classes will be small, between 3 and 5 kittens. Each kitten will be accompanied by his/her family. The class will be an opportunity for the kitten to play with new toys (and with other kittens!) in the reception room of the clinic. It will also be an opportunity for kitten owners to get the answers to questions concerning litter box usage, claw trims and medication administration.  The idea is to prevent behavioral problems before they start.

Before attending the class each kitten must be healthy and have received appropriate preventative medical care prior to class. If the kitten is ill and cannot attend class the owner may attend and then train the kitten at home.

Each kitten will attend two, one-hour classes one week apart. The classes will be fun and educational. We are excited about offering this new opportunity and look forward to watching the classes of 2007 grow into perfect feline companions.