Expert: Norman Auspitz - 3/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi we just got 2 MC kittens (3 months old)...they are from the same litter and it's their first time being away from the mother and in the new surroundings. So far they have been really scared and shy which I assume is normal but I wanted to ask for tips on how to make the whole transition less stressful and what to do to gain their trust and show we mean no harm....

Best regrads, Maja

ANSWER: Maja,

The best way to put the kittens at their ease is to leave them alone, ignore them.  Let them come to you when their natursl curiosity and want of affection pushes them to approach you.  It is always better if the kittens approach you on their terms as if being with you is their idea.

I have found that it does not take long for the kittens to relax and joing the family. So, you do not approach them, do not try to pick them up, do not try to hold them until they tell you they want that.  You willkittens, soicalizing them know when they want you to hold them.

How are they doing with the litter pans?

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info...you were right, they have already come a long way and seem to be comfortable with the surroundings now :). They are great with the litter pan, though they took a liking to some of the house plants as a means of play which I'm trying to teach them is not allowed...any tips for that? what's the best way to deal with unwanted behavior?

Answer
Maja,

I have never found a way to keep cats out of the house plants, so they are somewhere the cats cannot get to.  We have pretty well cat proofed our house, which is the easiest way to deal with avoiding the cats getting into things where they should not be.  Putting things up and blocking out dangerous places are still the best and only sure ways of keeping cats out of trouble that I know of.

There is a behavior modification technique called clicker training which can be used for behavior modification for cats and other species.  You can check out Karen Pryor's web site at www.clickertraining.com  It is pretty involved, and I do not think it would be used for most minor situations.

Best regards... Norm.