What is Cat Socialization?

Cat socialization is the process of developing trust in your cat and acclimating her to people and other animals in the home environment. A cat who is not socialized can be timid, distrustful, scared or aggressive. A well-socialized cat is more likely to be loving, trusting, affectionate and well-behaved. It’s especially important to socialize your cat if you have young children in the house so that they won’t be scratched or bitten during play.

When choosing a cat, one who exhibits friendly and outgoing behavior is going to be easier to socialize. Older cats who haven’t been socialized will require a lot more time and effort to train, but it’s not impossible to do so.

If adopting a kitten, socialization is likely to be easier if you adopt a pair of kittens. They will keep each other company when you’re not around, and are less likely to engage in the type of destructive behavior that arises from boredom. Many shelters have bonded pairs available who need to go to the same home.

Your success at socializing your cat will vary depending on the cat’s innate personality and genetic makeup, and the amount of socialization she received prior to nine weeks of age.

Cat socialization need not take a lot of time. The more handling the better, but even short sessions of 15 minutes each day will help to gain your cat’s trust and put her at ease in your home.


How to Socialize a Cat

Handle Your Cat


Start slowly. Pet the cat in areas where she enjoys being petted – like the top of the head. Then, pick her up, stroke her feet with your fingertips, move on to the belly, the tail and the back. As you touch her, speak to her softly in a calm, low voice. If she becomes agitated, end the session and leave her alone.

If your cat engages in rough play during the session, tell her a firm “NO!” and put her down.

After a “touching” session, give her a treat. Continue to do this several times a day, extending the length of the sessions as your cat grows comfortable with you.

Extend the sessions to include handling of the feet and toes, including extending the nails. Open her mouth, and run your fingers across the gums. Stroke her ears. These exercises will help her win a “Good Kitty” award later when she is being groomed, examined by the vet, having her teeth brushed, or having her claws trimmed.


Play with Your Cat


As with the touching sessions, you should not reinforce bad behavior. If she attacks you during play, tell her “No!” and end the playtime.

Introduce Your Cat to Strangers



If Your Cat Won’t Socialize

Be Patient



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