Here at CP Bridgend we have a socialisation chart which we start when the kittens are from 2 weeks old. It starts off with just handling the kittens and week by week progresses to more advanced steps such as playing with specific toys, feeling different textures underfoot and using different types of litter. All of this is to get them ready for the big wide world that is ahead of them once they leave the centre.
This week Daisy's kittens have been exploring their outside pen, we have provided them with lots of different toys and textures to get them interested in their surroundings. The floor in the back run of the pen is concrete and a little bit of a shock to the kittens when they first touch the cool floor (a big difference from their cosy under floor heated pen!) so they don't like to spend too much time out there to begin with however, as with most litters of kittens, once they start going out to play they cannot get enough of it!
We put down several disposable carpet samples to get the kittens used to the feel of carpet, we also use small cardboard boxes with shapes cut into them for some fun enrichment - we often put a Ping-Pong ball inside and the kittens love it!
We also continue handling the kittens individually. We hold them away from their litter mates so they get some one on one human contact and we do little tasks such as checking in their ears, smoothing their heads and touching their paws and tail. This sets them up for being handled in their new homes and also helps with vet checks.
We also have a CD that we play into the corridor which contains household noises such as the hoover, the television and laughter. This gets the kittens used to the sounds that go on around everyday homes.
Another task is getting the kittens to use their cat flap! As you can see below these 4 are having no trouble popping in and out as they please now :)
Daisy is currently our sponsor cat and you can help contribute towards the cost of caring for Daisy, her kittens and other unwanted cats by becoming a Cats Protection sponsor, to get started, please visit here
Alternatively you can make a one off donation to our kitten appeal at http://bit.ly/2GDxM7P or by texting BRKW48 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.
Daisy is one of the lucky cats who has found her way into our care, sadly every year many cats give birth out doors with no proper shelter and care. Although we all love seeing mums with kittens at the centre, we would always advocate getting cats neutered as this is the only effective way to reduce unwanted cats in the UK. A fact which surprises everyone is that one female cat can be responsible for a staggering 20,000 descendants in just five years! For help with neutering your cat, please click here
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