Cats are creatures of habit and feel most secure when kept on a regular and predictable schedule. Behavior problems are
less likely to occur in cats who are conditioned to regular schedules of attention, grooming, play, and feeding. Begin to
introduce your new kitten to your daily routine as soon as you bring him home. Feed him in the same place and at the same
time each day. Provide him with regularly scheduled attention and play periods. Since many cats are most active in the
early morning and at dusk, it is often helpful to time your play periods so that they coincide with your kitten’s active
time of day. Once your kitten starts to expect his food, daily attention and play time at particular times of day, he
will be less likely to develop problem attention-seeking behaviors at other times of the day when you are not able to spend
time with him.
Spending "Quality Time" With Your Kitten
Many people have very busy schedules that include being away from home during the work day and being "on the run" a great
deal of the time. When a new kitten comes into the household, adjustments must be made to accommodate the kitten’s needs
for daily love and attention. One of the best ways to do this is to set aside a portion of time every day that is spent
exclusively with your kitten. This time can be spent a number of different ways: playing, training, petting and cuddling,
or sitting quietly and brushing her. The important factor is that a daily, regular time period is provided, during which
your cat can count on your undivided attention. Time should be allotted preferably twice, but at least once per day.
Scheduling your cat's "quality time" to occur around the same time every day will also aid in conditioning her to a
regular schedule. If she has come to expect attention at certain times of the day, problems associated with attention-seeking
or boredom are less likely to occur.
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