Of course our friendly felines need water, food, and shelter like us and their canine cohorts. However, cats have some unique requirements to keep them mentally healthy and happy. Cats truly need a “happy place”. They are territorial control freaks and for the most part prefer not sharing their territory or their resources. Resources include food, water, toys, beds, high perches, litter boxes, scratching posts, sunny windows spots, and hiding places. Cats need to be secure in knowing that they have a safe place to eat, rest, hunt and play without being ambushed. On the contrary, kittens that are raised together can show signs of bonding and friendship. They will sleep together and participate in mutual grooming activities. Cats can also bond with humans and demonstrate their affection towards the human by rubbing their face, sitting close to them or in their lap, and by grooming their human. In general kittens need to be socialized by 8 weeks of age. Play (hunting behavior), introduction to novelty and gentle handling is paramount in raising a confident cat.
