![]() This shapes the cat’s response to people for life. ![]() You will need to know this because you will undoubtedly have kittens in your care from time to time, or take in pregnant cats, so if you intend them to be adopted as pets you will need to ensure they get the early experiences they need. At this time kittens are most receptive to learning about their surroundings and their own and other species (this period is referred to as the sensitive period – some people refer to this process as early socialisation). If a cat is going to live comfortably with people when it grows up it is essential for the kitten (between the ages of two and eight weeks) to have positive experiences with a number of people.Cats that are friendly are likely to pass on this trait to kittens – many pedigree cats are chosen for their friendliness to people and this can be seen in their behaviour alternatively, street cats living independently will be more alert to danger including potential threats from humans – this may be because they are naturally more reactive to people and less relaxed in their company. The temperament of a cat is shaped by its genes (traits passed down by parents) and the environment it is brought up in.Pet cats are made, they are not born that way! What influences where cats sit within this range? ![]() See the ISFM Guidelines on Population Management and Welfare of Unowned Domestic Cats ( Felis catus) In between the two ends of this range are cats that live alongside people with varying amounts of contact and different reactions to being near people, from pleasure, to fear and distress. Let’s look at the range of ways in which cats live, from the feral cat that is free-roaming and survives by hunting and avoiding all contact with people, to the pet cat that is happy to share our homes and company. This does not mean, however, that they are all the same in relation to their needs and desire to live closely with people and we have to consider this carefully in deciding how we can help them for the long term. Identifying solutions for ‘inbetweener’ catsįeral, street and pet cats are all the same species (domestic cat, Latin name: Felis catus). ![]() Outcomes for kittens born to free-roaming unowned cats.Managing cat populations based on an understanding of cat lifestyle and population dynamics.
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