126 Chapter 8Early Experience
Because the feline sensitive period for learning is between approximately 2 and 7
weeks of age (Karsh and Turner, 1988; Knudsen, 2004), (see Chapter 5) the respon-
sibility to ensure that kittens are well prepared for their future life sits squarely with
the breeder or carer of young kittens.
Habituation
A fear or startle reaction is normal in response to novel or unidentified stimuli, but if
an animal were to react fearfully to every sight or sound it experienced the result
would be increased stress and reduced welfare. Habituation is a natural process
whereby an animal learns that most everyday sights, sounds and smells are harmless
and therefore there is no need to respond to them. Habituation to everyday stimuli
occurs more readily and easily during the sensitive period.
● Kittens should be raised in an environment that is similar to where they are
intended to spend the rest of their lives. Kittens intended to be household pets
should be raised in a family home where they will regularly experience and
become accustomed to everyday household sights, sounds and smells.
● Sounds that kittens may encounter as adults, but are not a part of their everyday
surroundings, e.g. thunderstorms and fireworks, can also be introduced in the
form of recorded sound effects. These sounds can often be loud and frightening in
real life and if recordings are played at a realistic level, the result can be to cause
increased fear and reaction (see ‘Sensitization’ in Chapter 7) rather than habitua-
tion. Therefore, these should initially be played at a very low level and the volume
very gradually increased as the kittens become accustomed to them.
Socialization
This is the process whereby a young animal develops social attachments and learns
to recognize and to develop appropriate social behaviour with members of its own
species and with members of other species with which it lives. Kittens that do not
experience sufficient or appropriate socialization during the sensitive period are
unlikely to be suitable as domestic pets.
Socialization with other cats
Frequent and regular positive encounters with adult cats, in addition to the mother
cat, can increase tolerance of other cats as an adult (Kessler and Turner, 1999).
Raising the kittens in an environment with other friendly and well-socialized adult
cats can therefore be advantageous. It is important, however, to ensure that these cats
are not only friendly towards the kittens but also that they have a good relationship
with the mother cat.