Our socialization techniques are designed to make sure kittens are as gentle, patient, and social as possible.  Kittens have tremendous natural variation in personality — some are bold, some aggressive, and some are naturally timid or shy. Bold kittens are unafraid of new noises and sudden movements, while others kittens might struggle or withdraw in the same home.

By working with kittens from a young age, letting them nap inside our overshirts, giving them helicopter rides, picking them up awkwardly, carrying them upside down, using them as bowling balls – but always carefully and gently – they learn to trust people.

We recognize some families have special needs. These include homes with existing aggressive pets, very young children, rowdy teenagers, a child with outbursts, and loud music. 

Excessive stress deteriorates a kitten’s personality, can cause urinary crystals, inappropriate urination, and other health or behavioral issues. Please understand, not many kittens thrive in what a kitten views as a “very high stress” environment.  Most will withdraw to a quiet room and only come out when it is “safe.”

Perhaps 5% of kittens naturally have a personality that fits stressful situations.  We try to improve those odds with extensive socialization techniques.  In some of these cases, we will recommend specific kittens from the litter, or we will decline to place a kitten that we do not feel will do well in the home.

In a few situations where a kitten will be a companion for ASD or a child with severe outbursts, kittens need more socialization and extra buffering against sudden movements and noisy outbursts. This allows a better chance that the child and the kitten will have a good relationship. Only kittens that we feel are suitable will be offered to these families. 

Please understand that the same kittens that are ideal for ASD are also the best for rowdy households.  

As with exceptionally low allergen kittens, color or gender preferences will not apply.  Families will be provided two selections, and then move to the bottom of the waitlist.