One of the most challenging aspects of cat breeding is the socialization of kittens in preparation for their transition from the feline world to the human world. The earlier the transition begins, the better the results. As soon as possible, after birth, we begin to touch, rub, and handle the kittens, “Mother” permitting, of course. As they grow, we continue to handle and cuddle them. A perfect opportunity to rub and stroke them is when they begin to eat from a dish. They learn to associate food with human touch. Occasionally there is a “shy guy” or two that hangs back and is less trusting. Don’t push yourself at first. As opportunities present themselves, we rub, stroke, or hold these reluctant ones, trying to build their trust in humans. Opportune times could be during feeding, sleeping, or playtime as they interact with toys or teasers.

Finally, the day comes… when mom is tired and it’s time to leave the nest. We move the kittens from the queen’s cage to our bedroom. We just moved a litter of seven very active babies. We loaded them into a pet carrier (complete with a small litter pan). We sat the carrier onto our bed and slowly opened the door. At first, they were very intimidated by this new space. Two or three of them ventured forth a step or two, hesitating cautiously. Then, they dashed back to the safety of their carrier and siblings. This first night resulted in four of the kittens venturing out for petting and even jumping off the bed to further explore their surroundings. Three of the kittens remained close to the carrier, still occupying the center of our king size bed. They all piled in the carrier together to dream the night away in the comfort of each other’s arms (still in the middle of the bed with us). I have a feeling they slept better that night than we did.

Day two with the humans began with us feeding and petting them and then dashing off to work, leaving them to explore this strange new world on their own. That evening, they hid in the sanctity of their carrier as we came to join them. All of them came out of the carrier for feeding and the usual petting routine. One guy remained extremely shy. He resisted petting and dove for the safety of the carrier (which we had now moved onto the floor). This baby had been extremely standoffish even when he was with his Mom. The play session included play with all kinds of teasers and lots of petting. Finally, the magic moment arrived: “Snackleburger Time”! This session includes opening a jar of turkey baby food and feeding spoonfuls to the kittens as they sniff out the wonderful scent . They don’t waste much time checking it out . Often two kittens lick from different sides of the spoon trying to get more than their share. Even “Shy Guy” came out from under the bed (his new bomb shelter) to carefully lean onto the edge of the bed and get his licks of this delightful cat ambrosia. That night, they all slept under the bed with “Shy Guy”.

Day Three: Morning and evening included the same basic feeding, playing, and petting routine. The kittens all became more interactive with us. Even “Shy Guy” came out from under the bed to take some swipes at the teaser. He would still dash away for safety more times than not. When “Snackleburger Time” came, however, he developed the courage to creep onto the bed and join the group as they pushed their way to be next in line for their spoonful of baby food. That night, a couple of the kittens slept next to us in bed.

Day Four: By this time, the kittens were well acquainted with their surroundings and had turned the bedroom into their own personal amusement park. Their activities included running, jumping from chair to bed to dresser, and chasing one another with reckless abandon. The teaser game had become quite fun and the bed had become a trampoline to see who could jump the highest. “Shy Guy” had become the most aggressive player of all. The slight pop of the baby food can opening brought them from all directions climbing on top of each other and us to get their snack. That night, they began to sleep on the bed with us nestling in the crooks of our arms, becoming part of our human family. Several times during the night they woke us up, to make sure we still loved them giving our heads and hands head butts. Those were the best petting sessions of all, as they all came at once, to get their strokes. Even “Shy Guy” was there.

It has been two weeks now since the beasts came to stay. Each one has developed confidence in us as their provider. Each individual personality has begun to shine through. Last night all seven kittens slept tucked between my husband and I, cuddled against our arms, necks, and bodies. They usually only wake up once a night and then quickly settle back down as before. This morning was the best love session of all. They all wanted their petting at the same time. Heads, chins, necks, backs, and bellies were presented to be stroked and scratched. A few of them even came over and gave me kitten kisses. And, yes, “Shy Guy” was there, loving every minute of it, staying a little longer than the others, making sure we loved him best.

Postscript: Most of the kittens have gone to new homes. Two have made residence with an elderly couple, just outside Providence, Rhode Island. I hear from them weekly and the kittens almost have them trained now. One kitten went to New Mexico and the owner informs me after a couple days adjustment, he can’t get rid of him. He follows him everywhere and helps with everything. One is now living with my college roommate from the 1970’s. (We had lost touch with each other and were reunited at the Simbabies Cat Show. She was looking for a cat and I was showing one that was for sale. What a wonderful coincidence.) We are showing one boy and he is quite the entertainer in the show ring. The only girl is still available (hint, hint). And “Shy Guy “ made his home in Nacogdoches, Texas with a Very Special special-needs child, who is home schooled. “Shy Guy” is his all-day, all-night companion.

Sharron Henderson (Goller) and her husband, Tom Goller breed and show Bengal cats. Their cattery, Lagallerie Bengals is located in the piney woods of East Texas. One of her primary goals in breeding is developing well-socialized kittens and cats. She has been very successful as her buyers can attest to. Lagallerie show cats have done quite well in the show ring garnishing many titles and awards. Sharron is also a professional artist and art teacher, often incorporating her love of animals into her artwork. Tom is a licensed head ring clerk working toward his master clerk license. You can visit their website or send Email to Lagallerie.