Tuesday May 20 2008

Giving your kitten the best start in life

Kittens can be trained as easily as a dog and learn acceptable behaviours in the

family home is the key message from Professor Patrick Pageat who advises on how

to build the best possible relationship with your kitten at the annual national

conference of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

“Three major groups of problems can make the relationship between owner and cat

difficult: inappropriate socialisation, lack of sensory and motor self-control, and

territorial management. Trying to provide consistent, appropriate advice is a real

challenge and your local veterinarian is strategically placed to try and help clients

understand how to train their cat,” advised Professor Pageat.

Professor Pageat gives four tips to give your kitten the best start in life:

1. Early socialisation is important. Kittens need to be introduced early to humans, cats and other dogs if they are to become active, social members of your household.
2. Kittens must be taught what is acceptable behaviour ie no scratching or biting.
3. Kittens must be allowed to sleep as it is important for development of the brain.
4. Kittens are very territorial and should be provided with different areas for different needs.

“Your local veterinarian can give you the best advice on how to care for your kitten.

Preventing behavioural problems is much easier than treating them and are as

important as vaccination and an appropriate diet. Your veterinarian can propose

some effective methods to prevent most problems,” Professor Pageat advised.

Professor Pageat presents his research at the AVA national conference on Thursday

29 May at 11.30am at the Perth Convention Centre. The session focuses on animal

behaviour and Professor Pageat is also presenting a paper on feline facial

pheromones.

Professor Pageat is a professor of behavioural medicine at the Faculty of Turin (Italy)

and head researcher at the Pherosynthese Research Institute in France.

For further information and requests for interviews contact:

Gillian Nalletamby, Media Officer (02) 9431 5023/0439 628 898

Marcia Balzer, National Communications Officer (02) 9431 5060

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the national professional association of veterinary surgeons in Australia. Founded in

1921, the AVA today represents around 5000 members. AVA's mission is to advance veterinary science by acting and speaking with

a single voice on matters relating to the health and welfare of animals.

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