Tips to Get Shy Kittens to Open Up

Due to their natural sociability, eager playfulness and high level of cuteness, kittens are some of the most popular pets in America. Most kittens are given away or sold between 8 and 12 weeks old, as that is when they are considered fully weaned from their mother. Taking a new kitten home and integrating him into a new environment away from his siblings and mother may cause the kitten to exhibit signs of shyness, but there are a few things you can do to help your kitten's curious and friendly personality shine through.

  1. Initial Environment

    • When taking in a shy kitten, the first thing you should do is make it feel safe and protected. This is best done by giving the kitten it's own private space in a large box with litter and good quality food and water. This should help the kitten relax.

    Nurturing Play

    • While a kitten is getting used to the new environment away from other pets (especially other cats) in the home, you should take frequent opportunities to show affection to the kitten, by stroking and petting the kitten. Some kittens respond well to being bottle fed while held, which shows the kitten that it can trust you to be a caretaker.

    Scheduled Play

    • Kittens should be introduced to toys and scratching poles to keep them stimulated and make them more open to socialization. For example, kittens enjoy stalking play, which can be done with low power laser pointers. When kittens are stimulated, they are more amenable to socialization.

    Gradual Socialization

    • After getting the kitten used to a safe environment and play opportunities, you should be able to introduce it to other pets you may have, in order for them to get used to each other. When a kitten begins opening up, it may enjoy playing with much larger pets and become attached to them.