Kitten Etiquette: The Basics of Raising Young Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are much more independent, freedom-loving, and headstrong. Consequently, training them is somewhat different, but it should not be completely neglected. After all, you certainly have some ideas in mind for a harmonious coexistence with your cat. For example, your kitten should ideally use the litter box for its business, not use the plants as climbing trees, or keep its paws off the food in the kitchen.
These rules need to be learned by your kitten, because as majestic and regal as our furry friends may appear, even young royals must adhere to certain laws. →At the beginning, you should focus on the following basics in kitten training:
Two Kittens Are Always Better Than One
Before we start with kitten school, here’s a →important tip for buying a kitten: Did you know that cats are very social animals, even if they always seem so independent? Especially young kittens are very affectionate and benefit enormously from having a peer. With a second kitten in the house, there is a playmate around the clock, which reduces boredom. Additionally, cats often enjoy grooming each other and appreciate the warmth of one another while sleeping. When you are out of the house, they are also less alone.
Good breeders always try to place kittens in pairs. They also like to provide some of the familiar food to ease the transition to a kitten food of your choice. You should also inform yourself well about this: Young kittens need →special kitten food!
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Ein gesundes und leckeres Kittenfutter ist sehr wichtig. Es versorgt dein junges Kätzchen mit allem, was es zum Wachsen und für einen aufregenden Alltag braucht.
Litter Training and Getting Acquainted with the Litter Box
When your kitten arrives at your door with its packed suitcase, the first thing to do is to head to the litter box! In most cases, young kittens learn from their mother how to [→use a litter box](/magazin/katzen/katze-erziehung/toilettentraining-fuer-die-katze-so-klappts-mit-der-stubenreinheit). However, your new roommate first needs to find out where the litter box is located in its new home. Therefore, show it directly multiple times on the first day where its litter box is. To start, you can also simply place the kitten inside. If it uses the litter box, praise it extensively!
Does your kitten not accept the litter box? Possible reasons could be:
- the edge of the litter box is too high
- the kitten is not used to a covered litter box
- the location is unsuitable (ideally a quiet spot)
- your kitten doesn’t like the litter
If your kitten doesn’t like the litter, it won’t use it for its business. In addition to the well-known clumping litter, there are also dust-free, biodegradable alternatives made from plant fibers like our →natural litter for cats. Despite its natural base, it reliably clumps and is extra absorbent, ensuring maximum comfort for both you and your cat. The litter is 100% compostable and provides a neutral, fresh scent.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Das richtige Katzenstreu ist sehr wichtig, wenn es um die Stubenreinheit bei Kitten geht.
Establishing "No" to Stop Misbehavior in Time
Of course, such a young kitten has plenty of mischief on its mind. Especially the forbidden things, like scratching the sofa or climbing the plants, are particularly fun! The good news is: Your →kitten can learn what it can and cannot do. Cats are smart enough to learn that they can also respond to a "No" or "Bad" (the so-called prohibition command). Just like with dog training, you should not yell at the young kitten or throw something at it or spray it.
Instead, follow this guide to properly establish a "No":
1. You see your cat about to start scratching the sofa.
2. Just before it does, clearly say: "No" (or a word of your choice).
3. Now take your cat and place it at its scratching post, where it is allowed to scratch.
4. If it starts scratching there, praise it immediately. Using a →clicker can also be helpful here.
But what if the "No" slips your kitten's mind? You should never become rough or yell at the kitten. Instead, you can →work with loud noises during cat training. Clap your hands or shake a small jar with nails in it. Your cat will associate the inappropriate behavior with this and will refrain from it. But don’t forget to show it what it should do instead! And reward it for good behavior with plenty of petting or tasty, healthy treats.
Leckere Katzen-Snacks fürs Training oder zwischendurch
Teaching Kittens Not to Scratch and Bite
If your kitten is happily sharpening its claws on the sofa, curtains, and carpets, this initially has nothing to do with unruly behavior. Cats mark their territory this way using scent glands in their paws and also perform a pedicure to keep their claws in order. This doesn’t mean that your kitten has free rein to scratch in your home. A suitable scratching post or other items for [→claw care](/magazin/katzen/katze-gesundheit/so-schneidest-du-die-krallen-deiner-katze-in-3-schritten) are very important. Show your young cat right from the start where it can scratch and that the furniture is off-limits.
If your kitten likes to extend its claws and bite your hands while playing, this is certainly very unpleasant for you. This behavior is not meant to be malicious, but is simply natural play behavior of young cats. That’s why it’s so important to have a peer for your kitten, so they can play at eye level, romp around, and test their boundaries.
When you play with your kitten, you should intervene to stop scratching and biting. Your kitten can indeed distinguish between playing with humans or other cats. Gentle biting or clawing is okay and can also be a [sign of affection](/magazin/katzen/katze-erziehung/warum-beisst-meine-katze-liebe-oder-aggression) and fondness. If it gets too rough, you should stop the play to show that you do not tolerate such behavior.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Zusammen ist man weniger allein: Holst du dir zwei Kitten, können diese zusammen spielen und kuscheln.
Preventing Scratching and Meowing at the Bedroom Door
After you've had another round of cuddling with your kitten on the sofa, you go to bed and close the bedroom door behind you. As soon as you lie in bed, your kitten meows and scratches at the door wanting to join you in the bedroom? Now you have two options: Either you let your kitten into the bedroom to have your peace. However, you must be prepared to share your bed with your indoor tiger from now on.
If you don’t want your cat to sleep with you in the bedroom, that’s totally fine, but it should be consistently maintained from the start. If your kitten struggles with sleeping apart from you at night, you can place a basket next to your bedroom door for starters. This way, it is at least close to you - even if it will protest loudly →against this in the first nights. Again, it is very helpful for your kitten if you get a second kitten, so they are less lonely at night and can cuddle with each other.
Is Your Kitten Shy? Here’s How to Win Its Trust
Is your kitten quite shy and hiding from you? Don’t worry, the first few days can be quite exciting and stressful for such a young kitten. Don’t pressure your kitten, but give it time to settle in peacefully.
→Love (and trust) is known to go through the stomach. This also applies to your young kitten, which is why you can give a tasty treat for every desired behavior, like cautiously sniffing your hand. The kitten will quickly understand that there are great things with you and will seek your company more often. Once it has become a bit more trusting, you can take your time with rewarding and also pet it during this. Our →cream snacks are particularly suitable for this. While your kitten licks from the tube, you can calmly pet it.
In addition to tasty snacks, exciting games are also very popular. Anything that crackles and rattles is especially suitable, and you can even upcycle old materials into a cool →toy with catnip out of love for the environment. Once the ice is broken between you and the kitten, you can later teach your indoor tiger some great tricks as well. This provides fun engagement and further strengthens your bond.
