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socialization best for cats usually confined
September
25, 2008
We often hear about the importance of socializing dogs, but it's
just as important for cats. When I recently went to a friend's house
to feed and visit with their 4-year-old female kitty while they were
out of town, I was greeted with less than a warm welcome. Their cat,
Gabrielle, has purred at my feet, but it turns out she wasn't
comfortable doing so when her human companions weren't present.
This time, I was greeted by hisses, growls and body language that
said she didn't appreciate me being in her home. I suspect the
situation was compounded by the fact that her owners usually keep
her sectioned off in one area of the house when guests are there,
especially guests that may not be cat lovers. So when I entered
Gabrielle's space, she understandably became territorial and wary of
what she considered an intruder.
Shortly after this experience, Gabrielle had to deal with evacuating
for Hurricane Gustav. The experience proved to be more than
unsettling. When she returned home, Gabrielle was hissing and
growling and even charged her human companions. They consulted a
veterinarian who provided them with advice and medication to help
ease Gabrielle's anxiety.
In the long term, the best help that Gabrielle can receive is more
socialization. It's best to socialize cats when they are kittens,
but it's not a lost cause when you're dealing with an older cat like
Gabrielle. But gradual socialization is best when dealing with an
older cat.
The Web site "Perfect Paws," which posts quite a bit of literature
about dealing with aggression in cats, recommends allowing an adult
cat to approach a stranger rather than the human trying to approach
the cat. Forcing an older cat to meet a new person will frighten
them even more. Simply giving the cat ample opportunity to approach
a human works best.
It may take several days or several weeks, but the more chances the
cat has to meet new people, the better. Just allow them to do it on
their own terms. After they see that nothing bad will happen, they
will develop the confidence to trust people, and confidence is the
most important factor when it comes to having a well-socialized cat.
-
Gloria Dauphin
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