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.jpg) Getting Started - Feline body language
A common mistake pet parents make with new kittens
is accidentally rewarding unwanted behaviors.
Help
your kitten relax by demonstrating relaxation. Let out a big sigh and all
your body tension. Sit on the floor and put out one finger
for your kitten to approach and sniff.
(This is a proper feline greeting.) Try making your own purr sound. Purring in kitten language means, "everything
is alright - just relax." Mother cat and kittens give
each other this important signal.
Murmur, "Good kitty, kitty, kitty," under
your breath to communicate affection and friendship.
Think of your kitten as being in one of two zones: a
comfort zone or anxiety zone. Shape a more confident and
tolerant personality by praising
comfort behaviors.
CAUTION: Be careful not to reward fearful behaviors in an effort to "comfort" the kitten.
Attention tends to increase behaviors.
Reading kitten
body language
tense; ears and whiskers are relaxed, tail is up.
Fearful kittens look tense with
ears back, mouth open, pupils dilated, crouched to look
small or arched to look big.
A stressed kitten may fight or
take off in flight depending on genetics and early
socialization experiences.
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