How to Pet a Kitten

Stroke a kitten gently to socialize it to people.

Young kittens are delicate and require careful handling and petting to help them bond with you. When done gently, petting a kitten helps to socialize it to both you and other people, making it view humans as something good. Kittens thrive with attention and cuddling, which can actually speed their physical development, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Avoid any rough handling, which may not only injure the kitten, but could instill a fear of humans. Keep all of your interactions positive and kind.

Things You'll Need

• Cat treats

Instructions

1. Approach the kitten and speak to it in a calm voice. Allow it to smell your hand so it can learn your scent. If possible, sit or crouch down in front of the kitten to appear smaller and less threatening. Avoid direct eye contact with the kitten, which is a threatening gesture to cats.

2. Gently stroke its back, from the shoulders to the tail, with the tips of your fingers. Continue to stroke the kitten gently, especially if it begins to purr in contentment.

3. Pet the kitten's head with one or two fingers, speaking softly to reassure it. Watch for signs of upset such as the kitten hissing or backing away. Do not force the kitten to submit to petting. Wait a few minutes then try again, keeping the petting sessions positive and pleasant.

4. Pick up the kitten by putting one hand under its chest and the other under its back legs. Hold it to your chest with one hand, supporting its bottom and back legs, so it feels secure and hears your heartbeat, which will calm it. Lightly stroke its head and down its back with your fingers.

5. Handle and pick up the kitten gently during the day to socialize it for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Further positively reinforce the experience with a cat treat after each session once the kitten is old enough to eat solid foods at about six weeks of age.

Tips & Warnings

• If approaching a kitten whose mother is present, first allow her to smell your hand. Pet her to gain her trust before approaching the kittens to pet them. Watch her body language for signs of aggression such as raised fur, hissing or growling, and leave the kittens alone if she becomes overly anxious.

• Make petting time grooming time -- use a pet grooming mitt when petting your kitten to remove any loose hair and dirt from its coat.

• Never restrain a kitten against its will -- always let it go and try petting and holding it at another time.

• Supervise young children when petting kittens. Do not allow them to pick up or restrain a kitten while petting it as this can lead to injury for both the child and the kitten.

References

• Urban Cat League: Socializing Feral Kittens
• Catster: How to Handle a Cat
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Socializing Your Kitten
• PetPlace: How to Talk To and Handle My New Kitten
• VetInfo: Creating a Safe Home for Newborn Kittens
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Fear of Visitors