A very important rule is "Never take good behaviors for granted." You should have a mental list of all the behaviors you want from your kitten. Actively watch for them and reward your kitten whenever you catch her doing something right. Food rewards, like a few kibbles of Science Diet® cat food should be given for using the litter box or scratching post, playing with toys and being relaxed when you handle her.

If you want your kitten to be relaxed and social around people when she grows up, you need to provide lots of positive social experiences when your kitten is young, especially during the first few months. Have people of various ages and appearances frequently visit your home. Toys, play and treats can be used to teach your kitten to look forward to visits by unfamiliar people.

And lastly, be sure to set your kitten up to succeed. Don't tease or play games that encourage play-biting. Put things out of reach that a curious kitten is likely to get into or damage. Food, plants and shiny objects left on countertops are just too tempting for most kittens.

Hills Author Hills Author
Staff Author

One of our staff authors prepared this article for you

Related articles

Deciphering Your Kitten's Behavior & Body Language

Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.

All About Cancer in Cats

Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.

When Does a Cat's Play Aggression Cross the Line?

Learn tips for identifying and minimizing overly aggressive play cats, such as adopting positive play techniques with your feline friend.

Cat Jumping? How to Keep Her Paws on the Ground

Learn why cats like to jump and be up high, as well as how to provide her with alternative options for jumping off your countertops and furniture.

Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach

Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.

How to Get Your Cat to Take a Pill

Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!

Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?

Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.

Finding Your New Kitten: Where to Look

If you're interested in getting a kitten, read this article to find out about the different places you can get one from adoption to pedigree breeders.

Is Your Cat Scooting on the Carpet? Anal Glands May Be the Culprit

Find out why a cat scooting on carpet could be a sign of inflamed anal glands and what you can do to help relieve your cat's agitation.

Choosing the Best Kitten Food: What to Look For & Avoid

Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.

How Cats Show Affection to Their Humans

Discover some common ways that cats show love for their owners. Learn to recognize these signs of affection, even though they might seem a little bizarre.

Six Ways to Socialize Your New Cat

Socializing a cat into a new home takes patience and love. Discover these cat socialization tips to help an adopted cat adjust to her family.

Why Are Adopted Cats Returned to Shelters?

Learning common reasons why adopted cats are returned to shelters can help you better prepare for your adoption journey and enjoy your new pet.

Setting the Facts Straight: Common Myths About Your Cat

Discover the truths behind some common cat myths you may have heard. With all the misinformation available online about cat, it's time you got the facts.

My Cat Ate Marijuana: Is It Toxic for Them?

If your cat ate marijuana, learn what steps you should take. Learn how weed & THC can affect cats, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.

Cat & Kitten Swollen Belly: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Learn the many causes that can give your cat or kitten a swollen belly, from organ-related issues to simple gas, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.

Does My Cat Have Dry Skin?

Learn how to spot signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your kitty's skin irritation, and how you can help treat it.

Understanding Why My Cat's Stomach Gurgles

If you're a cat parent, you may find yourself saying, "I wonder why my cat's stomach gurgles after they eat." Read on to learn what this gurgling may mean.

Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin

Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.

6 Signs of Aging in Cats

Your cat may not be a wound-up kitten anymore, but what does being a "senior" cat really mean? Learn how to spot the signs of aging in your feline.