Cat Whispering: How to Socialize a Cat

We are all celebrating Orange Julius's big breakthrough at the garage! Over the last few weeks, he has gone from being a skittish untouchable (and best red-dot jumper in the house) to suddenly figuring out how much fun it is to be PETTED! Now he turns up underfoot, parade tail up and ready for some serious attention!

So Orange Julius, you are the inspiration for this week's Cat Whispering post.

I found this article in a great blog Tracie sent over, called CATSTER, which is a great site with loads of info that I plan to steal.

The stepped up attention that all the cats have been getting, and the two months of getting used to new faces is probably what tripped the trigger for little O. Julius, the article explains how you would actually work on a cat step by step. So, get your bag of cat treats ready, and prepare to turn our shy babies into little purry little love bugs!

Here's the shorter version of the Catster How-to, complements of SGLA:

1. Cats that are fearful & timid (Zim, Dib, Natalie, Maura, Pockets, the gray hider, and a few more (which?); and cats which bite and scratch (Aries, Tiger Lily) need reassurance that nothing bad will happen to them while they are in your arms.
   
2.  Start slowly. Pet the cat in areas where she enjoys being petted - like the top of the head. Then, if the cat will allow it, pick him/her up, stroke the 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.
   
3. If your cat engages in rough play during the session, tell her a firm "NO!" and put her down.
   
4. End the session with a cat treat.
   
5. At first, sessions should be short, maybe only petting the head and back. Move on to the sides and stomach, and moving on to the feet and toes, and even the toenails. This will get the cat used to being groomed, and having its claws trimmed later. Touching the feet, stomach, and ears can also be very calming, if done slowly and gently.
   
6. If you can, open the mouth and get the kitty used to having its gums rubbed for future dental cleanings and medications.
   
7. Of course we all know this one: "Screaming at your cat or hurting her will only increase her fear and distrust. Always approach and handle her calmly, and speak in a low soothing voice."

 OK that's it! Volunteers, let us know if you are going to try this, and if so, which cats you are working with and how it goes!