FelineVMA position statement on the socialization of feral kittens

The FelineVMA supports the proper socialization of kittens. A kitten is defined as any cat between birth and 1 year of age. ¹ Socializing kittens before a certain age helps them develop appropriate social behaviors, including recognizing humans as a friendly species. This offers the best scenario for the formation of healthy cat-human bonds.

The FelineVMA supports the integration of newly homed companion kittens through appropriate socialization and habituation. ² Companion kittens are those kittens who have been socialized with humans prior to being brought into their new home. ³ The sensitive socialization period for kittens occurs roughly between 2 and 9 weeks of age. A lack of positive interactions with humans during this sensitive socialization period leads cats to view humans as a non-friendly (threatening) species and can lead to a lifelong fear of humans.

A feral cat or kitten is often born outside, has been unsocialized to humans and would likely experience distress by living inside with humans. ³ Generally, the FelineVMA does not support the socialization of feral kittens over 4 months of age as it may be detrimental to their emotional health. ⁴ Because feral kittens are often born outside, kittens over the age of 4 months should undergo trap-neuter-return (TNR) or trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) ⁵ rather than attempts at socialization. ⁴ Exceptions to using TNR may include cats and kittens born inside, but who are unsocialized, often due to situations such as cat hoarding, and where TNR would not be appropriate. The FelineVMA strongly encourages further research on various aspects of feline socialization.