The best time to start taming a kitten is around four to eight weeks, aiming for the younger end of that range if possible. Around this age, kittens start discovering their personalities, playing with their siblings, and weaning from their mothers. Use feeding time as an opportunity to interact with them.
Some kittens bond with their caretakers in a matter of days, while others need more time to feel comfortable. Kittens that are more fearful or timid might need several weeks to bond with you. No matter how long it takes, the key is to be patient and continue going through the steps to connect with your kitten.
Cats are solitary, territorial creatures by nature so don't force siblings together. It may take weeks or months for a cat to adjust to their new lifestyle. Cats introduced too quickly may fight and never learn to get along. Gradual introductions are essential for long-term brotherly/sisterly love.
However, most folks get their kittens when they're around 8 weeks old — and this is a prime time to show your kittyBAE that their new people are excellent sources of food, petting, and playtime. Cats over 6 months may take a bit more time for bonding, depending on the personality and life experiences of the cat.
If two bonded cats were to be separated from each other, they would likely end up suffering from depression, leading to other behavior issues. A study has shown that cats who are bonded together are more socially adjusted and live longer, happier lives.
Fading kitten syndrome affects kittens between the ages of six to eight weeks old, or from birth to when they are weaned from their mother. The best you can do is keep an eye on how often the kitten eats and how much weight they gain on a daily basis.
Of course, getting two kittens is certainly not the easy option but it is very rewarding! Just keep in mind that each animal needs an equal amount of time and effort and that each kitten has enough resources (ideally a pair of kittens will need three litter trays!).
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance.
At what age do kittens begin to imprint? “The initial imprinting stage for kittens tends to occur between two and seven weeks after birth,” Tamburo says.
Kittens who have been separated during the early weeks of life tend to forget each other. Young kittens often miss their mom and siblings and show signs of separation anxiety after being taken into the new home. However, it doesn't take them too long to adapt to the new home and develop bonds with their new family.
Each bonded pair develops its own dynamic: one might be more dominant, or they might both be equal. As they mature, your senior bonded pair will settle into companionship. There will be less manic playing, and more side-by-side snoozing.
Playful behaviour
Play is a great indication of happiness, and your kitty will play with other pets and humans that they like or trust. From exuberant sprints and kitty wrestling matches to calm paw patting of the features, these playful activities indicate a happy cat.
Cats do love their humans, even if sometimes they have a funny way of showing it. In fact, they form strong attachments to their owners and display their emotions very similar to humans.
The best way for your kitten to learn affection is to always treat them with affection. Makes sense, right? So even if you weren't there for their first 8 weeks, you're here meow, so the more you pet and cuddle them, the more they'll be inclined to treat you and others with the same affection. Recipurrocity!
As tempting as it may be, avoid letting your kitten sleep on your bed or with the kids. As well as being dangerous for your kitten, cats carry some diseases that can be transmitted to humans. To avoid injury, it's best to keep your kitten in a secure space while you're both sleeping.
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.
Every animal is different. If you have an adult female cat and are looking to adopt another female, a kitten or a youngster is your safest bet. Two female kittens raised together should be fine as well.
From Ten to Fourteen Months is the Worst
Most kittens edge into adolescence at about ten months of age. This can vary, though, depending on the kitten. My orange tabby, Kirk, was actually closer to a year when I saw the adolescent changes in his behavior.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens between two and four months of age should only be left alone four to six hours at a time, not a full workday. When they're a little older, around six months, you can be gone all day. But they'll certainly be happier if you can check in on them at lunchtime or ask a friend to stop by.
If this sounds familiar, they might be going through the 'Terrible Two's' phase! Cats are juniors until the age of 2, and like human children, may start to show a different temperament between 6 months and 2 years old, even progressing from the (sometimes) defiant 'Terrible Two's' to becoming a stroppy teenager!
Fading Kitten Syndrome can start immediately after birth up until the age of weaning (about four to five weeks of life).
Hypoxia (lack of oxygen), trauma, hypothermia – kittens born after difficult birthing (dystocia) have a higher risk of death and this may be the most significant cause of early deaths. This results from lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and/or trauma.
Symptoms of Fading Kitten Syndrome
Early signs that a kitten is fading may include lethargy, lack of interest in nursing, sleeping separately from the litter, and whining. Caregivers may notice that the kitten's skin is less elastic, which is a symptom of dehydration.