Things we can teach the kittens that momma can't....

I know that momma takes care of most things, but there are some things that Sneakers was never exposed to being raised in a posh breeder's home. So, she is ignorant of how to survive outside, mainly, she's not afraid of cars.

I will try my best to sell my kittens to people who promise to keep them indoors all the time, but this is the midwest, and it's considered a little weird if you don't let your cats outside once in a while (we don't do it though) and not everyone is educated about cat care, although we will try our best in doing that without coming across as crazy.

I am trying to think of things that will teach them to run away from cars and avoid the road. I am thinking that I need to start thinking about this kind of socialization... and this is the only idea I could come up with (actually, I read it in a book I bought): Put the kittens in a very secure box, and put it under your car in the middle of the road in front of your house. Get in the car, and rev the engine for a minute or two.

What do you all think? Too weird, too cruel, any suggestions?

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm not sure what it would really teach them. it would scare the crap out of them that is for sure, but not sure it would teach them. I think part of that is just instinct on being afraid of cars etc. you figure alot of cats that go outside weren't born outside but still know to be afraid of cars.......

not quite the same but my dog was petrified of cars when I got her and even just going for walks she would STOP anytime a car came by. And we bought her from a breeder that lived in a remote area yet she "knew" to be afraid of them when they were moving...... so don't think I would do anything to "teach" them.

Yea, you'd just terrify them, if not actually hurt them. Most cats are actually scared of cars when they're outside, even if they don't seem to be inside. It is a huge, loud, moving object, after all.

I don't know about what you said about people in the Midwest letting their cats out. I'm from Dayton and I don't, nor does anyone think it's odd. Actually I know fewer people that let them out than that keep them in, and two of my neighbors have leash-trained their cats. And I don't think it's much different in Indiana, my roommate is from Ft Wayne and he doesn't want Zissou outside. Perhaps the contract is your best bet, and most people will listen to the breeder tell them why it's bad moreso than just some random like me, since you are an expert, right?

Maybe put together a little educational series on it. My next landlord quit requiring declaws after watching a documentary on how it's done. Like, put together a care package and include some info on the dangers of having an outdoor cat.

I don't know that I really think that's a good idea, personally.

Another thing that occurred to me is...if you did what you're proposing, not only would they be scared of cars inthe road, possibly, but they might panic when loaded into the car in a secure carrier for a vet visit or something of the like. That might cause them unneeded stress when being taken for routine vet care.

It's good that you're trying to think of these things proactively,maybe you can come up with another idea that will work better.

I wouldn't do it. Just to give you an idea of how terrifying this could be to a kitten, my husband was holding our kitten and standing outside on our front step. A car came by and my kitten lept from my husband's arms and bashed into the glass of our screen door trying to get himself into the house. Poor kitty--Thankfully he wasn't hurt but I can just imagine what it would have been like for him had he been stuck in a box he couldn't get out of.

Interestingly our kitten can handle loud/close indoor noises like the vacuum and my KitchenAid mixer. He's even curious about them. But he's inside the safe secure house he's always known.

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

Yea, you'd just terrify them, if not actually hurt them. Most cats are actually scared of cars when they're outside, even if they don't seem to be inside. It is a huge, loud, moving object, after all.

I don't know about what you said about people in the Midwest letting their cats out. I'm from Dayton and I don't, nor does anyone think it's odd. Actually I know fewer people that let them out than that keep them in, and two of my neighbors have leash-trained their cats. And I don't think it's much different in Indiana, my roommate is from Ft Wayne and he doesn't want Zissou outside. Perhaps the contract is your best bet, and most people will listen to the breeder tell them why it's bad moreso than just some random like me, since you are an expert, right?

Maybe put together a little educational series on it. My next landlord quit requiring declaws after watching a documentary on how it's done. Like, put together a care package and include some info on the dangers of having an outdoor cat.

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Well, it depends on who your friends are, I guess. We have a lot of small town friends and somewhat redneck family members, so it's a little different. If I could sell them all the the rich folk in Carmel, it would be different... but since mostly south siders will be getting these kittens, I have to take a different approach. I have a contract, but I am not stupid enough to think people will stick to it.

I don't think I'll do this idea.... I didn't think it was so hot an idea either! LOL But there IS a difference in behaviour between outdoor cats who know the rules of the road and indoor cats that use instinct alone... so I am trying to think of something.