It is not just humans that can feel uncomfortable around others and if your cat seems aggressive or frightened around other animals or humans, there is a chance it may be lacking in social skills. Despite devotedly carrying out training from a young age, many pet owners overlook the importance of socialising their cats.
The key is starting young. In their first year, kittens are at their most responsive to behavioural training and this is the time to shape a loving and confident personality. Research suggests that very young cats should be cuddled for a minimum of forty minutes a day in their first twelve weeks, to help them relax and learn to trust others. This is also the time to introduce your kitten to a range of different people and places as cats are at their most fearless at this age, before they have had time to develop any form of anxiety. If you think you might one day want to add dogs to your home, it is important to introduce one to your cat early on. Maybe invite a friend with dogs round to your house on a couple of occasions, just to get your moggy used to the idea of sharing its home with another, larger animal.
Older cats are harder to socialise, but it can be done. Methods such as coaxing them out of hiding places with attention and rewarding good behaviour can certainly help. All cats can be encouraged to be more friendly and confident but the fact remains that cats that grow up exposed to all sorts of situations find it much easier to adapt to changes later in life.
