Supporting Healthy Cat-human Bonds Through Early Socialization
Bridgewater, NJ, April 9, 2025 – The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA), the trusted leader in feline health and wellbeing for the veterinary community and cat caregivers, highlights the importance of proper socialization for kittens in the FelineVMA Position Statement on the Socialization of Feral Kittens.
The FelineVMA supports the integration of newly homed companion kittens through appropriate socialization and habituation. The sensitive socialization period for kittens occurs roughly between 2-9 weeks of age. A lack of positive interactions with humans during this timeframe can lead cats to view humans as a non-friendly (threatening) species, resulting in a lifelong fear of humans.
Socialization refers to the process of helping kittens, defined as any feline from birth to one-year-old, develop appropriate social behaviors, such as recognizing humans as friendly beings. This process provides the best opportunity for creating healthy bonds between cats and humans.
“Proper socialization during the early weeks of a kitten’s life is crucial for developing healthy and trusting relationships between cats and humans,” said Heather O’Steen, CAE, FelineVMA CEO. “By ensuring kittens have positive interactions with humans during this sensitive period, we can help them grow into well-adjusted and affectionate companions,”
Download the full FelineVMA Position Statement on the Socialization of Feral Kittens.
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About the Feline Veterinary Medical Association
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) supports its members in improving the health and wellbeing of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. Comprised of all veterinary professionals who work with cats, the FelineVMA has a rich history and a proven track record of increasing the standard of care for cats. This is achieved through the development of practice guidelines, feline-specific education and resources, and caregiver support. Home to the Cat Friendly Practice® and Cat Friendly Certificate Programs, the FelineVMA encourages veterinary professionals to re-evaluate practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine.