QUARTERLY BEAT / OCTOBER 2025
procedures, helping kittens build confidence and reducing stress in future vet visits. By incorporating these programs into your hospital, you not only support feline well-being but also foster lasting relationships with caregivers.
kitten’s first veterinary visit can significantly reduce unwanted behaviors over time. Caregivers who received behavior guidance during these visits reported fewer behavioral issues with their cats. By educating caregivers, we empower them to make informed decisions, which leads to better cat welfare and a decrease in undesirable behaviors. Prioritizing education is essential for improving behavior and overall well-being in cats.
IMPLEMENTING KITTEN KINDERGARTEN IN VETERINARY PRACTICE
For veterinary clinics considering offering Kitten Kindergarten, it's essential to structure the program thoughtfully to support positive experiences for kittens. The goal is gradual exposure rather than overwhelming them with too much too soon, allowing them to build confidence and resilience. Key considerations for a successful program include the age range of participants—kittens aged 8 to 14 weeks are ideal. Class size should be small, typically 3 to 7 kittens, to ensure individualized attention and a calm environment. Classes are usually held for four weekly sessions, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes but can differ.
REFERENCES
1. Croney C, Udell M, Delgado M, et al. CATastrophic myths part 1: Common misconceptions about the social behavior of domestic cats and implications for their health, welfare, and management. Vet J , 2023;Oct- Dec:300-302. 2. Becker M, Martin D, Martin K. Fear Free Foundation for Kittens & Puppies Module 2017, fearfreepets.com 3. Ley J. Feline social behavior and personality. In: Little SB, ed. August’s Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2016:941–950. 4. Gazzano A, Bianchi L, Campa S, et al. The prevention of undesirable behaviors in cats: Effectiveness of veterinary behaviorists' advice given to kitten owners. J Vet Beh . 2015;10(6):535-542.
Some key topics include :
• Body language and normal feline behavior. • Socialization and positive exposure, socializing to different people, other kittens, etc. (new sounds, textures, and environments). • Cooperative care and handling ensure kittens are comfortable with grooming, nail trims, and medication. • Carrier and travel training helps kittens become comfortable with wearing and walking on a harness, carriers, car rides, and veterinary visits. • Enrichment including creating a feline friendly environment. • How animals learn: Positive reinforcement training and problem behavior prevention and management. • Giving animals choices as part of building a trusting relationship. For veterinary professionals leading Kitten Kindergarten, a strong foundation in cat behavior and development is essential. Teachers should master positive reinforcement techniques and understand how animals learn, while prioritizing health and safety protocols. Effective communication and classroom management skills are crucial for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, a commitment to continuing education helps educators stay current with best practices.
FELINE BEHAVIOR RESOURCES
• Shaw J, Martin D. Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell: 2023. • Feyrecilde M. Cooperative Veterinary Care. 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell 2024. • Todd Z. The Science of Making Your Cat Happy. Greystone Books. 2022. • Feline Veterinary Medical Association • American Association of Feline Practitioners. (2024). Feline behavior guidelines. • Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting • International Cat Care
Image by JackieLou DL from Pixabay
WHAT IF YOU CANNOT DO CLASSES? If offering Kitten Kindergarten classes isn’t possible at your clinic, discuss behavior and the importance of socialization in appointments, host kitten socialization in-person lectures where caregivers come without their kittens, refer clients to Kitten Kindergarten online or in-person classes and share evidence-based animal welfare positive behavior resources. A study found that even brief educational sessions can have a lasting impact on cat behavior. 4 The study revealed that a conversation lasting less than an hour during a
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