In this day of science wonders and the miracle of electronics, we think we have heard it all.
But, now, out comes this idea of a Kitten Kindergarten, a training class for owners of kittens and the kittens themselves!What will they think of next? Everyone knows you cannot teach a cat much of anything, cats teach you.
But, somewhere in the world down under (Australia) they have had Kitten Kindergarten for the last ten years and it works.
How?You ask? Well, according to an article I have read in a recent issue of CatWatch a journal put out by Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine it is helping kittens and their owners to overcome certain behavior problems.
The kittens learn some tricks, they socialize with other kittens, and the pet owner learns how to handle some basic situations, which makes being a cat pet parent much easier.
If you in your wildest dreams can imagine your cat getting into its carrier on its own, taking a pill without you being scratched to death or letting you trim its nails while sitting calmly, read on.
Yes, it is possible! The purpose of Kitty Kindergarten, which is somewhat similar to "puppy preschool" in the idea that by educating cat owners in some basic cat caring techniques many cats lives will be saved.
The number of kittens that are carted off to animal shelters once they have grown up into cats is over whelming.
Cats are known to be fairly easy to care for, but they do have habits that if a cat owner does not understand, will lead to a very difficult life for both owner and cat! The idea of Kitty Kindergarten is just beginning to grow in this country; slowly veterinarian clinics, animal shelters and training facilities are seeing the importance in training cat owners and the kittens.
Classes start when the kittens are between seven and thirteen weeks old, all kittens need to be healthy and current on their vaccinations.
Owners usually attend two - one-hour sessions with the kittens.
Classes include a socialization time for the kittens with other kittens and a chance to play with a variety of toys.
The owners get advice from experts on how to handle certain cat behaviors and how to teach the kittens to accept common life occurrences such as a trip to the vet, traveling in cars and grooming problems.
Since learning is serious business and not always fun, the classes take time to have fun and to teach owners how to clicker train their kitten into doing some tricks.
The main purpose of these classes is simply to teach owners how to handle such problems as furniture scratching, litter box problems, along with biting and scratching before they get to be a serious problem at home.
The more you, the cat owner, know about normal cat behavior and how to handle it, the better your relationship with your cat will be.
Though these classes are mainly created for new kitten owners, they are also ideal for all cat owners.
Learning basic cat behavior and how to handle it can benefit any cat owner.
However, older cats are not accepted into the classes are most cats, as they get older, do not enjoy socialization and will suffer from stress.
If you are thinking of getting a cat or already have one, and are you having a problem understanding its behavior, check in your area to see if such a class has been established.
Granted they are slow in getting started as most people think cats are beyond training, but once you have the opportunity to attend such a class, you will change your mind and become a believer.
Cats are unique animals, extremely smart and are willing to learn under the right conditions.
Look how well they have trained us!