How to Raise Kittens to Be Loving Cats

Raising kittens to be loving cats doesn't just happen, you have to work on it. Ever get a new cat looking forward to it snuggling on your lap while you watch tv in the evenings, but it wants nothing to do with any of that loving, cuddly stuff? Even just being held sometimes would do, but some cats won't even go for that.

Being an animal lover of all sorts I have had many cats, some given to me as kittens, some already grown and quite a few litters of my own. Just because you get a kitten at the age of seven or eight weeks old doesn't mean it will grow up to be a nice cat either. Sure there are some that will turn out to be good cats, by luck of the draw, but if you want a sure bet you need to start from square one.

There are many different views on having a litter of kittens in your home. Some people say to leave them alone and don't touch the new kittens for weeks. This is definitely not my opinion. I like to start preparing for the new kittens a couple weeks in advance of the mothers due date. I do this by making a nice, secure feeling box with a soft, inviting old towel or blanket in it. Put this new bed in a place that is easily accessible to you but not in the main traffic area of your home.

Periodically over the next few weeks when your cat is feeling like a nap take her, lay her in this new bed, pet her and tell her what a good kitty she is. She will not only become accustomed to the new bed and feel safe in it, but she will also enjoy the positive attention that you are giving her in it. Usually if she feels safe and happy in the bed she will choose this place to have her new family.

If you are home and realize she is going into labor you can encourage her to lay in the bed to have the kittens, if she has not already chosen a place. I like to stay with my mother cats and give them encouragement while they are in labor by petting them and giving them a lot of loving praise. While she is giving birth continue petting her so that she is use to your hands being in the bed with her, this way she won't mind you touching her kittens later.