Kitten Kindergarten is a socialization class for kittens and their owners. The Dumb Friends League is pleased to be offering it to our community.

Socialization programs for puppies are well established, but it is important for pet owners to understand that kittens also benefit from classes that focus on positive experiences with early handling and training.

What kittens experience with people, other animals and new environments has a lifelong effect on their behavior, especially if these opportunities occur when they are still young.

Teaching a kitten to enjoy handling and restraint makes grooming, nail trimming, teeth brushing, and trips to the veterinarian much less stressful for both the cat and the owner.

Teaching kittens not to play rough and where it is not acceptable to scratch helps to save furniture. On the other hand if kittens are allowed to play rough because they are so cute or are not given an acceptable place to scratch, they may grow up with behaviors that are unacceptable in most homes.

Kitten Kindergarten is a three-week class for owners and kittens age 8 to 13 weeks. The class is offered every month from April to November. The first week of the class (without kittens) is an orientation that covers litter-box problem prevention, destructive scratching prevention, and coping with normal kitten rough play.Weeks two and three (with kittens) provide the opportunity for socialization to other kittens, new people and new environments in a controlled and positive manner.

Kitten Kindergarten participants learn to train their kittens. They practice their nail-trimming skills and teach their kittens to accept handling and restraint. Participants also learn to desensitize their kittens to the carrier so they learn that the carrier is a good thing. We also include teaching the kitten to come when called, sit, and give a 'high five'. Classes include playtime and information about typical cat behavior.

We are looking for kitten owners to join us. After all, why should puppies have all the fun? Kitten Kindergarten costs only $30. Classes are held at the shelter, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver. Visit http://www.ddfl.org/catclass.htm to enroll. If you have questions, please call (303) 751-5772, Ext. 7306.

Feedback from Kitten Kindergarten participants:

Stephanie Laube:

My favorite part of kitten kindergarten was learning more about the natural behaviors of cats, what to expect and how to adapt your training to be more effective. I loved seeing my kitten interact with the others. I also enjoyed learning how to help him socialize and make friends with other pets.

Kitten Kindergarten was a great place to get my training and behavior questions answered!

Susan Anderson: