How to socialise a kitten: a complete guide

Kitten socialisation is an essential part of being a cat owner; socialising a kitten isn't something that's optional, you must do it.

The benefits of socialisation include improving your kitten's behaviour, increasing their confidence and preventing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Here, we discuss what kitten socialisation is, how to socialise a kitten and tips you shouldn't ignore.

What's kitten socialisation?

Kitten socialisation refers to getting a kitten used to animals, people and new experiences early.

It helps grow their confidence when seeing new things and helps prevent issues like aggression and anxiety.

Why socialisation is important for kittens

Socialisation is an essential part of maintaining good behavioural health in pets. There is a key window in cats between two and nine weeks old where they must experience socialisation. This is known as the socialisation window.

Socialisation helps kittens form positive associations with other animals, people and experiences. They learn that these things aren't scary and that they can handle them.

Socialisation is key to a cat's behaviour, confidence and mental health; without it, cats can become aggressive, depressed or fearful.

How to socialise a kitten

Socialising a kitten involves three key stages: handling, introducing them to new things and meeting other pets.

Handling and interaction

The first step is getting your kitten used to handling and touch. You should start by touching or holding your kitten gently, then gradually increasing exposure over time.

A key part of socialisation training is positive reinforcement - reward good behaviour, like positive reactions to handling, with things like treats, toys and soothing words.

But never punish your kitten for not taking to socialisation straight away; negative reinforcement doesn't work and causes long-term stress for your kitten.

If possible, encourage other people to handle your kitten, as this will get them used to people who aren't you. This is key for reducing separation anxiety.

Introducing new environments

Next, you should try exposing your kitten to different environments. Introduce them to new rooms, surfaces and sounds. Eventually, you should introduce bigger noises, like doorbells and vacuum cleaners.

You should set up a safe space for your kitten if they end up getting stressed, but try not to cause too much of a fuss. You want them to grow confidence in different areas and learn not to panic when there's sudden noise.

Meeting other pets

Introducing cats to each other is a big step, but it's important. This is the stage that might cause the most problems.

Generally, the steps to follow are:

1. The scent swap

This is where you introduce the other cat's smell to your kitten using a cloth or a blanket. You'll then do this for your kitten with your other cat.

2. Controlled visual introduction

Introduce your kitten to your cat visually. Try to do this behind baby gates or glass doors to maintain separation. If the reaction is positive, move on to the next step. If it's negative, give it more time.

3. Supervised interaction

Let them meet face-to-face under supervision. Make this a short meeting, and be prepared for any aggressive behaviour.

4. Full integration

Assuming all the above steps are successful, allow the kitten and the cat to integrate. Use positive reinforcement training if any problems crop up.

Our guide on cat introductions discusses more.

Socialising a kitten with children

Socialising a kitten with children should be a gradual, positive experience. Always supervise during this, especially in the early stages.

You should complete all the above stages first, which is getting them used to touch, exposing them to new experiences and letting them meet people and pets.

Prepare the children

First, prepare your children for the meeting - teach them about looking after a kitten in a responsible way. Focus on teaching them about boundaries and safety, but make the introduction fun - try not to stress them out too much.

Introduce them both

Start with a sniff test, where the kitten can get used to your child's smell. Then, slowly let the kitten come to the child, not the other way around. Encourage the child to talk to the kitten.

Keep these sessions short, and if they're positive, you can let your child pet the kitten. But always supervise them, especially early on.

Some additional tips include:

• Be patient. This can take time.

• Reward positive behaviour, but just ignore negative ones. Never punish your kitten, as this will create anxiety.

• Go at a slow pace.

Signs that a kitten needs a break from socialisation training

The signs that a kitten is feeling overstimulated with socialisation training have a lot to do with cat body language. Symptoms include:

• Agitation

• Clear signs of fear and stress

• Dilated pupils

• Excessive grooming

• Flat ears

• Hiding

• Hissing

• Loss of appetite

• Swatting

Make sure you give your kitten a break if they're showing any of these signs.

The role of kitten insurance in early life

Kitten insurance can help protect your cat during the exciting early stages of their life.

And thankfully, our cover includes behavioural treatment as a result of an accident or injury when recommended by your vet, meaning you can get your kitten socialisation help if they need it (terms apply).

Our kitten insurance can help with unexpected health issues with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, a host of ManyPets Perks and 24/7 access to a professional video appointment through FirstVet.