Cat-Human Relationships Flashcards
What is the earliest age that most kittens are independent - i.e. they can eat solid foods and eliminate on their own?
4 weeks, but shouldn’t be separated from their mother or littermates yet for critical behavioral and social development.
Urination or litterbox problems account for the abandonment of many cats. Problem urination is relatively common but can often be solved with ease if we know what the underlying issue is. What can cause elimination problems?
- Medical problems.
- Environmental changes (i.e. litterbox location etc)
- Behavioral issues (i.e. stress).
True or false: Social contact is generally not important during the Juvenile Phase of a kitten’s development as the sensitive period has already ended.
False. Social contact is still important for a developing animal.
True or false: While psychologists have long suspected that interaction with cats and other animals is beneficial, there is no scientific data available to verify these claims.
False.
What is the neonatal period i n cats?
Birth to 2 weeks.
When is the transitional period in cats?
2 to 5 weeks.
When is is the socialization/sensitive period in cats?
2 to 7+ weeks.
When is the juvenile period in cats?
2 months to puberty (4-10 months).
When is the adolescent period?
Puberty to social maturity (3-4 years).
What is the number one cause of death in companion animals?
Behavior problems leading to euthanasia (15-20 million animals per year).
Which period of a kitten’s development is play behavior most important?
Socialization period.
What affects the formation of a cat-human attachment.
- Amount of handling.
- Number of handlers.
- Presence of mother.
- Feeding.
- Experiences after the sensitive period.
True or False:
A cat that isn’t socialized to humans during the sensitive period will never become a tame house pet.
False, cat’s social behavior can be shaped throughout life, but it will be more difficult.
