Socialise your kitten

During the first few years of a cat's life, it is introduced to many new things that can be both fun and a little frightening. Effective socialisation will help it not to grow up to be a scared or timid cat. It will also be more even-tempered and confident if you socialise it early. However, it's important that you do this at the cat's own pace - some cats are naturally shy - so it's better to take it slow and gentle.

Kitten socialisation

Kittens learn most social behaviours in their first three months. The most important age for socialisation is between 2-7 weeks of age, before you bring your kitten home. Therefore, the mother cat and the breeder are responsible for the most important part of your cat's socialisation. However, once you have brought your kitten home, you should continue to get it used to new and unfamiliar things.

To socialise your cat, it needs to meet different people but also experience new things in its environment. Below is a list of examples of things you should do to socialise your cat: 

• Get your cat used to vacuuming and sounds from other household appliances

• Let your cat meet new people

• Let the cat meet children

• Get your cat used to the sound of the doorbell

What should you consider?

• Always respect your cat's privacy - your kitten's life revolves around four things: food, sleep, hygiene and play - so make sure you don't disrupt this routine when you start socialising your kitten.

• Reward desirable behaviours - It's important when introducing your cat to new things to encourage and support them. Give it lots of love when it has made new progress.

• Play is key - you can introduce your cat to new people through play, as it will link the play and the people in question to positive experiences.