Kitten Kindergarten

We've all heard about obedience school and training classes for puppies and dogs, but have you ever heard of school for kittens?  Kitten kindergarten is education, training, and socialization program for kittens and their humans.  Dr. Kersti Seksel, an Australian veterinary behaviorist, created the concept less than a decade ago.  Many veterinary clinics, SPCAs, Humane Societies, and animal behaviorists across North America now offer the program.

Most kitten kindergartens work with kittens aged eight to 13 weeks and their humans because a kitten's development is so much faster than a puppy's.  According to Westgate Pet Clinic, it is easier to train a kitten younger than 14 weeks of age because kittens become more fearful when they turn 14 weeks old, making them more likely to experience new situations negatively.  Kitten kindergarten is designed to take advantage of the time kittens are most impressionable and open to bonding, training, and teaching.

Before attending class, you need to have your kitten examined by a veterinarian and get his first round of vaccines.  You cat will also need a health certificate in order to pariticpate in class.

During class, kittens will have a chance to play and interact with other kittens and people in a controlled setting.  There may even be games to help young kitties learn to play appropriately with one another.  Toys and scratching posts may also be present in the classroom.  The social aspect of the class is very important, especially for cats who may have been separated from their littermates too early and never had the opportunity to learn bite inhibition.

Owners learn how to train their kitties to enjoy the carrier and practice grooming skills, like nail clipping.  Cat owners also learn about typical kitten and cat behavior and positive training strategies, such as clicker training.  Experts typically lead the classes, which gives owners the opportunity to ask questions about behavior, diet, and training.

As you can see, kitten kindergarten classes are beneficial for kittens and their humans.  If you are interested in participating in this program, please check out your local SPCA, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics to see if there are any kitten kindergarten classes near you.

Have you ever attended kitten kindergarten?  If so, please tell us about your experience in the comments section!