After that, then handling the kitten on a daily basis is a good idea. Having the kittens bonding to human scent and human handling is very important, especially during weeks 3 through 7. You've got this window for socialization. Up until 7 weeks is prime time.
Gently pet and hold newborn kittens for just a few seconds several times each day. At 2 weeks of age, pick up and hold the kittens in different positions for brief periods every day. As they get older, it is okay to handle them more frequently and for longer periods of time.
"Being held or stroked for too long can be very stressful for some cats," said Nicky Trevorrow, behavior manager at Cats Protection. "Space and peace is often what they need.
During the first couple of days, any handling should ideally take place when the kitten initiates it. After the first forty-eight hours, handle the kitten throughout the day for short periods of time, rather than providing continuous physical contact.
It's very important that different people gently handle and play with kittens starting at 4 weeks old. Studies show that just 5–15 minutes of handling per day is sufficient to aid in socialization at this age. Social play with mom and littermates becomes prevalent by 4 weeks of age.
Observe your cat for signs of overstimulation and impending aggression. Common signals to look for include: tail swishing, skin twitching over the back, flattening of the ears, tenseness, dilated pupils, low growl, walking away and lying down. Stop petting at the first sign of any of these early warning signals.
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.
Don't Let Your Kitten Go Outside Unless Supervised And On Lead The outside world is full of hazards for a young cat. There are coyotes, hawks, automobiles, and dreaded diseases. Occasional excursions outside on lead are acceptable but make sure you stay with the kitten as it explores.
If your kitten is actually well socialized, then doting on him with a lot of cuddles and pats is a great way to build a bond. “Once they're comfortable in their new home, invite a friend over to interact with your kitten as well,” suggests Watts.
Let them sleep on your bed or in your lap if they want to. However, it's important not to give in to their demands for attention all the time, as this can actually reinforce clingy behavior. Feed them on a schedule. Feeding your cat on a regular schedule can also help to reduce their clinginess.
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.
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.
2. Learn Where Your Cat Likes to Be Petted. In general, cats prefer to be stroked along their back or scratched under the chin or around the ears. Paws, tails, their underbellies and their whiskers (which are super sensitive) are best avoided.
Socialization. If your feline pal is just a baby, cuddling her regularly is very important. Being held and petted is crucial for socialization. Letting little Fluffy get used to being petted and handled regularly now will go a long way towards helping her grow into a friendly, outgoing adult cat.
Hold and comfort your kitten
A frightened kitten will probably resist being picked up by a stranger, so start by picking them up in a gentle, calm and supportive way. Consider using a towel or light blanket to assist if needed.
Your kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, such as on top of furniture, it's safest for young kittens if their beds are low down to begin with.
Kittens under 4 months old should not be left on their own for more than 4 hours at a time. If because of your lifestyle, your cat will need to get used to time alone, begin training your kitten by gradually increasing the amount of time you are out of the house.
Purring. The most obvious and common way cats show their happiness and love is through purring. Cats seem to have a special little motor inside them that get started when they are relaxed and enjoying something. You'll often hear this rumbling, vibrating noise while you are petting your cat.
Your Cat Is Looking for Security
Sleeping next to you helps them feel more secure in their ability to sleep because they know they have an extra layer of defense if a predator comes their way.
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.
Cats, while often independent creatures, still crave attention and love, in addition to their obvious nutritional needs of fresh water, clean litter, and food. If you decide to bring a cat or kitten into your home, you should be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a day giving your cat loving one-on-one attention.
Usually, cats start to mature and settle down after the eighteen-month mark, and by their second birthday your cat will have fully grown into their adult personality.