Here’s all about teaching your cat social skills

Cats are remarkably intelligent, playful, bold and affectionate companions. At the same time, unlike dogs, they are lone wolves and don’t rely on packs for their survival in the wild. Moreover, they are naturally aggressive, as they are hunters by nature.
According to Dr Chandrakanta Chakraborty, a veterinarian, these genetic traits are visible even in domesticated cats. “That’s the reason why cats need to be taught social skills from a very young age,” Chandrakanta added.
According to animal behaviourists, cats can be trained and that too at any age. But if a feline is not taught to be social it may turn either timid or aggressive. Being extremely curious and active, cats can avoid boredom and become more confident if made to socialise.

So, how do you train a cat?
According to animal behaviourist Ayesha Bhattacharya, one of the best ways to teach a cat how to socialise is by touching and petting it. “Cats take time to adapt to a new environment, but once they know their surroundings, you can introduce them to new faces,” she said.
But it’s difficult to take cats out for walks like dogs, so social skills have to be taught at home. Talking in a calm voice is another way to do it. “When you are introducing the cat to a stranger, he should first go down to the level of the animal and before touching it, should speak to it in a calm voice,” Ayesha said.
Socialising with other animals, however, is a different ball game. It takes a lot of time and patience. “Cats feel safe when surrounded by their own scent. So, if you bring home a new animal, take it to a separate room right away. Slowly introduce it to the resident cat after a few days,” Ayesha, said adding that kittens are best for this kind of socialisation. “Once a cat turns adult, there are chances that it will never get accustomed to another animal in the house,” she added.









Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages, and quotes.