CATS AND PEOPLE:Cats react to people in the manner
in which they were taught. 
Cats and kittens who receive a lot of handling as babies
are more likely to be people-friendly.
CATS AND PEOPLE:Cats react to people in the manner
in which they were taught. Cats and kittens who receive a lot of handling as babies
are more likely to be people-friendly.
Heredity and environment also play a part in this process. At Capitolcats, kittens are born in our bedroom and handled from day one. Here's a photo of a two week old kitten in Stuart's shirt pocket. These cats and kittens gravitate TOWARDS people and new experiences.
INTRODUCING YOUR KITTEN TO YOUR OTHER
CATS: When you first arrive home, put the kitten in a bathroom,
laundry room or somewhere that you can keep them away from your current cats.
Allow your cats to sniff at the door. Tell your cats that you have found
a new friend for them. After a few hours, lock up your cats in a bedroom,
etc. and allow the kitten to explore without interference. If your cats see
the kitten climbing, sniffing, and checking out their territory, it generally
causes problems, so it is best if they are hidden.
Now, put the kitten back in its room and release your other cats. They will
probably check out the new smells. When they seem relaxed, put the kitten
in a carrier and carry it to the middle of the living room floor. Allow your
cats to inspect it. Keep talking to your cats and tell them that they have
a new friend; that this is their baby. ABOVE ALL ELSE, DON'T PAY ATTENTION
TO THE NEW KITTEN!! This may seem harsh, but will bring everyone together
more quickly. If both your cats and the kitten seem fine, open the carrier
door and step back, allowing the kitten to come into the room. Continue talking
to your cats. If a fight breaks out, separate everyone and put the kitten
back in its room. Keep repeating the process until you have harmony.
For the first few nights, you should lock the kitten in its room (even if it cries) and allow your other cats to sleep in their usual beds. This will help assure them that they are still number one. Once everyone is getting along peacefully during the day, you can allow the kitten to sleep with the others at night.
If you take time to make the introductions properly, soon they will be playing like the cats pictured.
PLAYING:
Each kitten has some special
characteristic that is unique to them. 
(Witness Descartes giving a cheek rub. - Who do you suppose
enjoys this more - Descartes or LeAnn?)
Finding and practicing those "tricks"
is rewarding for both you and your pet. For example, some kittens will "give
kisses" (lick your finger or face) if you hold them a certain way. Others
will beg for treats by sitting up on their haunches, have a "hug attack"
(come running towards you crying and purring) and need to be petted a certain
way, or make a special sound that sends you a particular message. Discover
what your kitten likes to do and practice with them every couple of days.
Most cats enjoy playing with a paper bag (NEVER PLASTIC!), box, rope (large enough they won't swallow it), balls, etc. I rotate their toys so there's always something different to play with.
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LeAnn Harner, Capitolcats, capitolcats@starband.net
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