{"id":616,"date":"2020-12-18T09:35:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T09:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/?p=616"},"modified":"2020-12-18T09:35:00","modified_gmt":"2020-12-18T09:35:00","slug":"do-kittens-need-human-interaction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/","title":{"rendered":"Do kittens need human interaction?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cats learn a lot about how to be a cat when they are kittens. Between their 2<sup>nd<\/sup> and 7<sup>th<\/sup> week on this planet is a very important time in their lives called the socialization window. At this time, kittens are the most receptive to anything new introduced to them. If you want to have any hope of your cat to enjoy being around humans, it is best that they get to be around humans for at least one hour a day in this period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#Do_young_cats_need_humans\" title=\"Do young cats need humans\">Do young cats need humans<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#When_can_kittens_be_handled_by_humans\" title=\"When can kittens be handled by humans?\">When can kittens be handled by humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#When_can_I_introduce_my_kitten_to_my_dog\" title=\"When can I introduce my kitten to my dog?\">When can I introduce my kitten to my dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#Introducing_a_kitten_to_older_cats\" title=\"Introducing a kitten to older cats\">Introducing a kitten to older cats<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#When_the_cats_human_interaction_is_with_kids\" title=\"When the cats human interaction is with kids\">When the cats human interaction is with kids<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#Video_Introducing_a_kitten_to_an_adult_cat\" title=\"Video: Introducing a kitten to an adult cat\">Video: Introducing a kitten to an adult cat<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#How_much_time_should_I_spend_with_my_kitten\" title=\"How much time should I spend with my kitten?\">How much time should I spend with my kitten?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#Why_is_my_kitten_not_purring\" title=\"Why is my kitten not purring?\">Why is my kitten not purring?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#What_do_you_need_for_a_new_kitten\" title=\"What do you need for a new kitten?\">What do you need for a new kitten?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/do-kittens-need-human-interaction\/#Do_kittens_imprint_on_humans\" title=\"Do kittens imprint on humans?\">Do kittens imprint on humans?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_young_cats_need_humans\"><\/span>Do young cats need humans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If it is a matter of need, kittens don\u2019t really NEED humans at all. Cats are very independent creatures. However, if the kittens in question are eventually going to be adopted out, they will need to have to be ample time to be around humans.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_can_kittens_be_handled_by_humans\"><\/span>When can kittens be handled by humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The handling of the kittens should be at a minimum within the first few days since birth. When the kittens are a little bit older (after 2 weeks), it\u2019s best to expose them to human touch, scent, and affection on a daily basis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, the best time for socialization for kittens is between their 2<sup>nd<\/sup> and 7<sup>th<\/sup> week.&nbsp; During this time, it\u2019s best to socialize them not only with humans but with animals as well \u2013 including dogs.&nbsp; In fact, it\u2019s best to socialize them with dogs so they won\u2019t be afraid of dogs when they\u2019re older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_can_I_introduce_my_kitten_to_my_dog\"><\/span>When can I introduce my kitten to my dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best way to introduce a kitten to a dog is when both the kitten and the dog is calm. Have the dog be on the leash for safety and gently rub the kitten\u2019s body on the dog as a way to transfer scent.&nbsp; Throughout the whole thing, reaffirm your dog by giving them treats. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That way they will learn to associate the presence of this new kitten with good things happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introducing_a_kitten_to_older_cats\"><\/span>Introducing a kitten to older cats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Introducing a kitten to a resident cat may be a bit trickier. Cats are much more sensitive to change than dogs.&nbsp; The key thing to do is the same, let your cat associate only good things (like food and playtime) happening with the new kitten.&nbsp; Feed them together in between a door so they can smell and hear each other while they\u2019re eating, but not see each other. Once they\u2019re comfortable with that setup, replace the door with a screen wall, and finally, remove the door entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the 7<sup>th<\/sup> week, all through their 6<sup>th<\/sup> month of life, they should continue being socialized and exposed to things they will be doing all throughout their lives \u2013 like being in their carriers and going on trips to the vet.&nbsp; If they will be living in a space where they will meet a lot of new people, expose them to new people at this time.&nbsp; This is the opportune moment to help them be comfortable with anything later in life. Just be sure that every interaction your kitten is going to have with people is gentle and positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_the_cats_human_interaction_is_with_kids\"><\/span>When the cats human interaction is with kids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is such a thing as over handling kittens. If you have children in your household, it is best that they are taught to be gentle with the little fur babies. If they are dropped, they can be injured. Please supervise your children when they are around your pets \u2013 especially kittens.&nbsp; Don\u2019t let your kids play rough with the kittens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll know that a kitten is well socialized if they\u2019re not hiding and showing fear.&nbsp; You don\u2019t want them to be hyperactive either. The best bit is when they purr when they\u2019re handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video_Introducing_a_kitten_to_an_adult_cat\"><\/span>Video: Introducing a kitten to an adult cat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introducing our Kitten to our Adult Cat | Bringing Miles Home\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1mOmfMrk_9g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_time_should_I_spend_with_my_kitten\"><\/span><strong>How much time should I spend with my kitten?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As much time as you can.&nbsp; Kittens require a lot of attention, especially when they are very young.&nbsp; They\u2019re also notorious for being extremely energetic.&nbsp; They need to be this energetic and curious because this is how they learn about the world around them.&nbsp; If you have taken in a new kitten into your life, be sure to play with them for at least 20 minutes to tire them out before bed so you can have a restful night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_kitten_not_purring\"><\/span><strong>Why is my kitten not purring?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This may sound really weird, but not all cats purr.&nbsp; Cats can be very different from each other.&nbsp; While other purr loudly at the lightest touch, while others may take a very long time before you can start to hear the faintest of purrs.&nbsp; This doesn\u2019t mean they don\u2019t love you though.&nbsp; Cats have a plethora of ways to communicate: vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language.&nbsp; They could be saying they appreciate how much you care for them in other ways except purring.&nbsp; However, if you see a big change in your cat\u2019s behavior, please let your vet know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_you_need_for_a_new_kitten\"><\/span><strong>What do you need for a new kitten?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a list of essential things that you should have on hand when you\u2019re welcoming a new kitten into your life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li><strong>Separate food and water bowls<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Litter box and litter<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Comfortable beds<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Scratching posts<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Grooming tools <\/strong>like flea combs and brushes \u2013 especially if you have a long haired cat<\/li><li><strong>Lots of toys.<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/how-much-time-do-you-need-to-spend-with-your-new-kitten\/\">Kittens need to be exposed to humans<\/a> if they are to be raised to become pets when they are older.\u00a0 The earlier and more consistently they are exposed to being around humans and other pets, the better they will adjust to home life when they are older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_kittens_imprint_on_humans\"><\/span>Do kittens imprint on humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cats imprinting on humans can happen when they are newborn or young kittens. If bonding with the kitten ends with the kitten being imprinted on a human, this cat will look at the human as being his parent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Do-kittens-need-human-interaction-2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Do kittens need human interaction\" class=\"wp-image-618\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats learn a lot about how to be a cat when they are kittens. Between their 2nd and 7th week on this planet is a very important time in their<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":617,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8],"tags":[24],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Do kittens need human interaction? 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