At 3 to 8 weeks of age your kitten's brain
is
like wet clay. Shaping good habits and a loving personality
is easiest during this early learning period. As your kitten's
brain matures, like drying clay, it takes a little longer to shape
behaviors. Early learning endures - good or bad - so take
charge.
Your mission, should you choose to accept:
Learn how to introduce your kitten
to other people, pets and places in ways that build your
kitten's confidence, friendliness, and cooperation while
protecting your kitten from both physical and emotional pain.
Do NOT hit, yell or in any other way hurt or scare your
kitten unless you want your kitten to become fearful, anti-social,
aggressive and difficult to love and teach.
This
week: Pretend to give your
kitten a thorough veterinary exam. Make this a positive experience
using treats and praise. Hand feed every meal with sweet talk
and find your kitten's favorite
spots to finger tickle.
Introduce your kitten to people, pets and places using treats to
reward confident, relaxed, friendly behaviors while protecting
your kitten from both physical and emotional pain. Never hit,
yell or in any way hurt or scare your kitten unless you want to
shape a fearful, anti-social, aggressive personality
Kitten
Development: Early Socialization - 3 to 8 weeks of age
[ AAFP.
(2004). Feline Behavior
Guidelines. Pg. 10.
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