The Cutest Holiday Ever: Cuddly Kitten Day

One of the most charming pet holidays on the calendar is approaching. March 23 is Cuddly Kitten Day! If you adore cats as much as we do, the mere prospect of snuggling kittens is likely to make you happy. This article features a local Fayetteville, NY vet talking about loving little Fluffy.

Is Cuddling Kittens Good For Us?

Absolutely! Spending time with animals benefits our emotional and mental wellness. Our animal friends have a way of bringing us back to the present. Fluffy isn’t concerned about finances or office turmoil; she just wants to hang out with you. 

As many of you are no doubt aware, cuddling a cat can be really calming. In fact, we’re going to go out on a limb here and say that kitty purrs are great for the body and soul. 

Snuggling up with Fluffy can be very relaxing! Our feline pals are now commonly utilized in therapy. Many felines appear to know instinctively when someone needs a hug. That is why many hospitals and hospices now have therapeutic cats.

There are also physical advantages. Cats purr at certain frequencies, often between I25 and 150 Hertz. Interestingly, these vibrations have been found to have therapeutic properties. They are also employed in numerous physical treatment sessions.

Is It Normal For Kittens To Be So Cuddly?

It is definitely pretty common! All babies, human and animal, instinctively want to feel comfortable, loved, and safe. Cats frequently see their owners as second parents. However, that connection needs to be developed. Taking time to snuggle with your kitten can go a long way here.

When Do Kittens Start To Become Less Cuddly?

A lot of cats remain cuddly throughout their lives. Fluffy may never outgrow her fondness of snuggling. However, she may be a bit rowdy during her adolescent and teen years, which last from age six to about 18 months. At this point, your furry friend might act similarly to a human teenager: she may want to push your boundaries and may be determined to demonstrate her independence. However, this does not mean she will not like snuggling; she will simply schedule cuddle time around acts of mischief. Don’t worry; this stage normally ends when Fluffy reaches adulthood.

Keep in mind that a cuddly cat who suddenly starts acting aloof could be sick. Contact your vet if your pet’s behavior changes su.

How Can I Make My Kitten Super Cuddly?

This one is all about trust-building. You’ll need to teach your feline companion that she is always safe with you and that you will never harm her.

Socialization is quite important in this. You want your four-legged friend to become accustomed to and comfortable being carried and handled. Pick her up, pet her, talk to her, and give her toys and snacks. Many cats also enjoy sleeping on their humans. Allowing your baby furball to sleep on your lap or in your arms can also help her feel loved and cared for.

You never want to force attention on a kitten. Even if little Fluffy is adorable—as many kittens are—it’s crucial to remember that young cats are very little and easily startled.

Taking excellent care of your pet is also crucial. Offering nutritious food, a clean litterbox, kitty toys, playing, and possibly some cat furniture will all help get that motor running.

Do All Kittens Cuddle?

 Actually, no. There are several factors at play here.

 Purrsonality matters—some cats are more aloof than others. We’ve definitely had some pretty ‘spicy’ kittens for patients.

Fluffy’s age and history are also important. Kitties that were raised underfoot are frequently more friendly and trusting than rescues. If a cat was born stray or feral, she may take longer to warm up to people. 

However, that is not to say rescue kittens aren’t cuddly. Many are initially apprehensive but transform into little purring cuddle bugs once they understand humans are safe. Our animal friends tend to be very grateful to those who are kind to them. 

Why Is My Kitten Biting And Scratching Me?

This is just a case of cats being, well, cats. Fluffy is simply following her natural instincts and learning how to utilize her claws and teeth. Our feline friends are predators in the wild, so they rely on those abilities to survive. They are usually not hesitant about exploiting their humans to hone their hunting skills, either.  This is cute, but it’s also bad manners. Eventually, it can lead to dangerous conduct. Those small claws and teeth are really sharp!

How Can I Get My Kitten to Stop Attacking Me?

If your little friend bites or scratches you, address the issue right away. Don’t ignore it; it will only make it more difficult to teach your furry friend appropriate manners in the future. You want to teach your rambunctious kitten to redirect her murderous instincts to something appropriate, such as a catnip toy.

If your kitty bites or scratches you, admonish her verbally. You might say “No,” “Put your claws away,” “Be nice,” or “Don’t bite.” It doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re consistent. 

Also, don’t yell at little Fluffy; that could scare her. Just use a disapproving tone of voice.

Next, move away and ignore your tiny friend. This should get the point across. If not, blow in your pet’s face or spray her with water. Clapping your hands might also work. This will startle and irritate your feline companion, therefore encouraging her to reevaluate things. When it comes to rectifying poor conduct, those tactics usually work very well. They are undoubtedly far more effective than punishing or scaring your pet, which may only make her cautious of you.

You’ll also need to reward your feline pal when she’s being nice. When your furball is being good, pet her, praise her, and maybe even give her treats.

Why Is Kitten Socialization Important?

Socialization is essential to your tiny furball’s purrsonality. You want your cat to grow up to be a friendly adult, so you’ll need to expose her to a variety of people and situations. Otherwise, she may grow up to be wary or even aggressive.

You can invite friends and family to come over and pet and play with your little pal. (it probably won’t be very difficult to persuade them).

Just talking to little Fluffy and handling her softly and frequently will also be beneficial. For further information about socializing your kitten, consult your Fayetteville, NY  veterinarian.

What Should I Not Do While Cuddling My Kitten?

The most important thing is not to focus too much attention on your cat. If Fluffy wants to get down while you are holding her, simply let go.

Also, avoid holding her by the stomach. This can actually cause internal injuries! Always utilize proper measures when picking up and holding your kitty companion. When it’s time to let go, gently place your pet down. Don’t let go until those tiny paws are on the ground! 

Book an Appointment at Your Fayetteville, NY Animal Clinic

Have you got any questions about your kitten’s health or care? As your local Fayetteville, NY animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering excellent care and great customer service.