CHAPTER 11 Kitten Socialization and Training Classes

It is now well accepted that puppies benefit from attending socialization and training classes. So if puppies can attend school, why not kittens? There are many positive outcomes when kittens and people attend kitten socialization classes, which were first developed in Australia as Kitten Kindy.¹³

The idea of training cats, let alone holding kitten socialization and training classes, is a foreign concept to most people.¹³ However, kitten classes can be just as successful and deliver many of the same benefits to owners, kittens, and the veterinary practice as puppy classes (Box 11-1). Kitten classes are designed to be an early socialization, training, and education program to help owners and kittens start off on the right track. Kitten classes aim to help prevent behavioral problems, as well as educate owners on all aspects of raising a kitten and then living with a cat in the family. The aim is also to establish a close bond among the cat, the owner, and the veterinary practice. It is yet another valuable service that veterinarians should offer their patients and clients.

BOX 11-1 The Value of Kitten Socialization Classes

• All kittens are examined before attending, which requires establishing a relationship with a veterinarian.

• Kittens are desensitized to the carrier.

• Kittens are habituated to travel.

• Kittens are habituated to unfamiliar people.

• Owners learn about proper care, which enhances cat health: nail clipping, brushing the coat, and brushing teeth.

• Owners who have a stronger bond with their cats may be more likely to note subtle signs of illness and visit the veterinarian proactively for wellness exams.

• Many behavioral problems can be prevented.

• The class provides a veterinary resource for behavior-related problems.

• The instructor can provide information on feline heartworm prevention and what to do to control fleas and ticks (where applicable).

• The class helps to dispel common myths about cats (e.g., cats are antisocial).

• Owners learn that they can exercise their cats and provide an interesting enriched life indoors. They also discover that cats can learn and be trained.

• The class boosts the confidence of kittens and owners alike, and the sessions are fun for kittens, owners, and instructors.

Although the issue has not been formally studied, kitten classes are likely to save lives, insofar as some of the recognized potential risk factors for relinquishment could be addressed in well-run kitten classes. These risk factors include harboring unrealistic or inappropriate expectations about the cat’s role in the household, allowing the cat outdoors, owning a sexually intact cat, and never having read a book about cat behavior; cats that eliminate inappropriately on a daily or weekly basis are also at risk.¹¹ The most frequent explanations for surrender are behavioral problems—problems that might have been prevented.^9,¹⁰

Most veterinary behaviorists now believe that kitten socialization classes (when properly taught) are beneficial,^9,^10,¹² and kitten socialization classes are suggested in the American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Behavior Guidelines.¹⁰

On average, cats visit the veterinarian less than half as often as dogs,⁷ yet cats outnumber dogs by approximately 20%.¹ Given that most socialization classes require a sign-off form from the veterinarian, enrollment in such a class ensures at least one veterinary visit and so establishes a relationship with a veterinarian.¹⁰

There are many reasons that cats may visit the veterinarian less often than dogs, and these range from the cat’s fear of the carrier and the corresponding car ride to difficulties with handling the cat for even minor procedures. Kitten class instructors can address some of these issues in the class, as well as provide instructions regarding the best ways to desensitize kittens to carriers and car rides even before the first kitten class.

Dog trainers who teach puppy classes often remark that educating the owner is the most important aspect of the classes. Kitten classes are no different, offering an opportunity to educate clients about their kitten’s behavior and set up realistic expectations of living with a cat in the household.

Getting to know a cat better might help when a cat is not feeling well. This is even more imperative with cats than dogs because cats often mask signs of illness. The more connected families are to their cats, the more likely they are to detect these subtle signs.