How does socialisation relate to emotional wellbeing? 

Socialisation is the process of exposing a cat to unfamiliar situations, environments, new experiences and ongoing routine activities in a positive way. This is necessary for them to develop the social behaviour and skills needed to grow into a confident, happy and well-rounded family cat.

Intro

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In this section

The content has been broken down into the following sections:

  1. Socialisation vs socialising: What's the difference?
  2. Important socialisation experiences
  3. The importance of the sensitive period
  4. Key messages
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How does socialisation relate to emotional wellbeing?

Kitten socialisation is extremely important, especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ which is when they will lay the foundations for how they see the world. However, socialisation is not a process that stops after kittenhood. The domestic cat has adapted to benefit from social interaction and should have regular opportunities for positive socialisation experiences to optimise their enjoyment of life and avoid behavioural problems developing. Cats which lack proper socialisation are more likely to display behaviour associated with emotions such as fear, anxiety and aggression.1   

By socialising a cat sufficiently it will feel more relaxed, confident, happy and be able to enjoy a wider variety of experiences. A cat’s socialisation experience could even be the difference between them being settled in a particular home environment or needing to be rehomed. 

Positive early and ongoing socialisation to the situations, people and objects your cat is likely to encounter in their lives is vital to ensure their...

Kitten socialisation is extremely important, especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ which is when they will lay the foundations for how they see the world. However, socialisation is not a process that stops after kittenhood. The domestic cat has adapted to benefit from social interaction and should have regular opportunities for positive socialisation experiences to optimise their enjoyment of life and avoid behavioural problems developing. Cats which lack proper socialisation are more likely to display behaviour associated with emotions such as fear, anxiety and aggression.1   

By socialising a cat sufficiently it will feel more relaxed, confident, happy and be able to enjoy a wider variety of experiences. A cat’s socialisation experience could even be the difference between them being settled in a particular home environment or needing to be rehomed. 

Positive early and ongoing socialisation to the situations, people and objects your cat is likely to encounter in their lives is vital to ensure their continued mental and emotional wellbeing. In order to live happy in a human world, it is important that cats are socialised appropriately within it. 

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Key terminology

The learning process associated with desensitisation to a range of new experiences, interactions, and environments through positive experiences.1 

Interactions with other animals and people, as part of the socialisation process.1   

The critical developmental phase when kittens are best suited to being exposed to new experiences and interactions (typically from 2-7 weeks old).2 

A basic, intense emotion aroused by the detection of imminent threat, involving an immediate alarm reaction that mobilises the animal by triggering a set of physiological changes.3

A generalised response to an unknown threat or internal conflict, often in response to specific objects or situations and in the absence of true danger. This is in contrast to fear, which is focused on known external danger.3 

Any type of change that is perceived as a physical, emotional, or psychological threat or challenge. Small amounts of short-term stress may be desired, beneficial, and even healthy.4 

Encompasses psychological, social and emotional wellbeing.5 Part of mental health is how an animal’s mind processes information and experiences. In contrast, emotional health or wellbeing is based on how an animal feels and expresses the emotions that arise from that information and those experiences.6  

Facilitating positive social interactions between other cats and other species7 such as humans or other pets. This provides mental stimulation and allows cats to express their natural social behaviour. See Introduction, Health, Nutrition, and Environment for more information about the other types of enrichment.  

Socialisation vs socialising: what’s the difference? 

Socialisation encompasses the whole desensitisation and learning process associated with positive exposure to a range of new experiences and environments. Socialising your cat with people and other animals is only one part of the ‘socialisation’ process. Socialising is also sometimes referred to as ‘social enrichment’ (see Introduction for more information about the different types of enrichment).  

Intro

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Social enrichment

Social enrichment for cats refers to facilitating positive social interactions with humans, other cats or animals to ensure cats are confident and comfortable in these situations, whilst also nurturing natural social behaviour. This could be through introducing your cat to guests or learning to enjoy the company of the family dog.1  

Social enrichment is one of many types of enrichment alongside Food (see Nutrition), Sensory (see Individuality), Environmental (see Environment) Physical and Occupational enrichment (see Health).7 Enrichment, including social enrichment, should be considered just as essential for your cat’s welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care ...

Social enrichment for cats refers to facilitating positive social interactions with humans, other cats or animals to ensure cats are confident and comfortable in these situations, whilst also nurturing natural social behaviour. This could be through introducing your cat to guests or learning to enjoy the company of the family dog.1  

Social enrichment is one of many types of enrichment alongside Food (see Nutrition), Sensory (see Individuality), Environmental (see Environment) Physical and Occupational enrichment (see Health).7 Enrichment, including social enrichment, should be considered just as essential for your cat’s welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care and is a key ingredient for their emotional wellbeing.  

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Positive Experiences

Exposing your cat in a positive way to a wide array of sights, sounds, scents, situations, people will help them develop into a behaviourally healthy cat. Without positive early and ongoing socialisation to situations, people and objects they are likely to encounter in their lives, cats may become fearful of unfamiliar experiences.  

This may even lead to behaviour problems that negatively impacts their welfare and emotional wellbeing and puts a strain on the bond with your cat. More information about how best to socialise your cat can be found here (Kitten Socialisation and Play) and here (Socialisatio...

Exposing your cat in a positive way to a wide array of sights, sounds, scents, situations, people will help them develop into a behaviourally healthy cat. Without positive early and ongoing socialisation to situations, people and objects they are likely to encounter in their lives, cats may become fearful of unfamiliar experiences.  

This may even lead to behaviour problems that negatively impacts their welfare and emotional wellbeing and puts a strain on the bond with your cat. More information about how best to socialise your cat can be found here (Kitten Socialisation and Play) and here (Socialisation and Fear Prevention).

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Important socialisation experiences 

A comprehensive chart that allows you to keep track of your cat’s socialisation experiences can be found here.  

Intro

01

A comprehensive chart that allows you to keep track of your cat’s socialisation experiences can be found here.  

02

Meeting a variety of people, including children.

03

Normalising veterinary clinics, routine handling (including sensitive areas like mouth and ears) and healthcare procedures (e.g toothbrushing and nail trims)

04

Using litter trays and different types of cat litter 

05

Meeting other animals including cats, dogs and other pets 

06

Experiencing a variety of different settings and environments your cat is likely to encounter, such as your backyard and other places outdoors. 

07

Hearing a range of noises and objects commonly encountered in and outside your home such as cars, buses and the washing machine.

08

Getting used to the cat carrier and other equipment and behavioural aids (a step-by-step guide to harness training can be found here).

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The importance of the sensitive period 

The first few months of life are particularly important for socialisation. There is a distinct phase that represents a ‘sensitive period’ during which time kittens are best suited to learn to enjoy the company of people, other animals and learn about new experiences. You might also have heard of this referred to as the ‘socialisation window’.8 To give you the information you need about this key stage in your cat’s life we have produced several guides.

Your Guides to the sensitive period and socialisation window

What’s included? 
 
•   Find out  ‘How long is the sensitive period or socialisation window for cats?’
•   TOP TIPS for ‘Setting up for socialisation success’  
•   How to read your cat’s body language in social situations 
•   "How can I improving socialisation with people?” 
•   Looking at interactions with children  
•   Socialisation with other household pets  
•   Socialisation with other cats 
•   Understanding cat-cat interactions and social spacing 

Intro

Guide: Cat Socialisation: The importance of the sensitive period

Intro

Guide: Socialising your cat with humans

Intro

Guide: Socialising your cat with other cats

Key Points

Intro

01

Domestic cats have evolved to be social creatures and live happily in a human world.

02

Socialisation is important for kittens, especially during their ‘sensitive period’ or ‘socialisation window’ between two to seven weeks. 

03

Well-socialised cats tend to be less anxious and aggressive and less likely to experience related behaviour problems, like fighting or urine spraying.

04

Socialisation is not just socialising with other cats and people. Socialisation should involve positive exposure to a wide variety of social situations. 

05

Positive social interactions can be highly rewarding and provide a source of mental and emotional stimulation for your cat.

06

Safe, carefully controlled social interactions can help reduce your cat’s fear, stress and anxiety.  

07

Preparation is essential for a successful socialisation experience.  

08

Being able to interpret your cat’s body language and understand how they communicate is key to a successful socialisation experience. 

 

 References

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  2. Todd, Z, 2017, The Sensitive Period for Socialization in Puppies and Kittens, Available at: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/07/the-sensitive-period-for-socialization.html, Accessed 31 December 2021
  3. Steimer, T, 2002, The biology of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors, Dialogues Clin Neurosci., Vol 4 (3), pp. 231-249
  4. Scott, E, 2020, What Is Stress?, Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-health-3145086 Accessed 31 December 2021
  5. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2020, What Is Mental Health?, Available at:, https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health, Accessed 31 December 2021
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  8. McCune, S, Kruger, KA, et al., 1995, Avoiding problems: the importance of socialisation. In: The WALTHAM™ Book of Human-Animal Interaction: Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership., 1st Edition, Robinson; Leicester, pp: 71-86
  9. McCune, S, Kruger, KA, et al., 1995, Avoiding problems: the importance of socialisation. In: The WALTHAM™ Book of Human-Animal Interaction: Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership., 1st Edition, Robinson; Leicester, pp: 71-86 
  10. Cromwell-Davis, SL, 2007, Cat Behaviour: Social Organization, Communication And Development, The Welfare Of Cats, Vol 3, pp. 1-22  
  11. McCune, S, 1995, The impact of paternity and early socialization on the development of cats’ behaviour to people and novel objects, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Vol 45, pp. 109-124
  12. Karsh, EB, Anderson RK, Hart, BL, et al., 1984, The pet connection: its influence on our health and quality of life, 1st edition, University of Minnesota Press, pp. 207-215  
  13. Casey, RA, & Bradshaw, JWS, 2008, The effects of additional socialization for kittens in a rescue centre on their behaviour and suitability as a pet, Applied Animal Behaviour, Vol 114(1-2), pp. 196-205
  14. Ellis, S, Kitten Socialization, Available at: https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2020/02/kitten-socialization.pdf, Accessed: 10 January 2022
  15. Vitale et al., 2019, Current Biology, 29, R859-R865
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  17. Sandøe, P., Nørspang, A., Forkman, B., Bjørnvad, C., Kondrup, S., & Lund, T. (2017). The burden of domestication: A representative study of welfare in privately owned cats in Denmark. Animal Welfare, 26(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.26.1.001
  18. De Souza Machado, D, Oliveira, PMB, Machado, JC, et al., 2020, Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionarraire survey, Plos ONE, Vol 15(4) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230999, Accessed 07 February 2022
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