Secure Your Space

Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Kittens love to swipe and play with small items like jewellery, coins, or hair ties. While they don’t swallow things on purpose, chewing can lead to accidental swallowing, which can be dangerous. Plus, they’ll often bat these items into tiny gaps where neither you nor they can retrieve them. Save yourself the trouble—store these items safely out of reach.

Protect Wires and Cables: Kittens, especially during teething, might chew on various cables, including phone chargers, computer cables, and fibre optic wires. Use cable protectors, management sleeves, or cable organisers to safeguard these items and prevent electrical hazards. To redirect their chewing behaviour, consider buying small soft toys or chew sticks designed for kittens. These can provide a safe and enjoyable alternative to chewing on cables.

Tidy Up Potentially Irresistible Items: Kittens are naturally curious and drawn to items that provide fascinating sensory feedback. Tissue boxes, plastic bags, and decorative fake plants are especially tempting because they crinkle, sway, or feel springy when pawed. While these can be fun for your kitten, they might also result in playful messes or, in rare cases, accidental ingestion of small fragments. By tidying up and removing these items, you can help avoid potential frustration—whether for yourself or family members who might not have expected the little messes a kitten can create. These thoughtful steps set your kitten up for success and create a harmonious, happy home where everyone can fully enjoy your new furry family member.

Store Hazardous and Fragile Items Securely: Cleaning supplies, medications, and fragile objects like glass or ceramics should be locked away or placed on high, sturdy shelves. Toxic products like bleach, floor cleaners, and human medications can harm your kitten if licked or ingested.

Avoid Toxic Plants: Some plants are toxic to cats and can cause severe health issues if chewed. Ensure your plants are pet-safe. Essential oils should also be kept out of reach, as many can irritate your kitten or cause poisoning.

Window, Balcony, and Door Safety

Secure Your Windows: Windows are a favourite perch for kittens, offering a view of the world outside. While they won’t deliberately jump out, they may not recognize their own clumsiness. A kitten walking along the edge of an open window can easily lose balance and fall. To prevent this, install window mesh on any windows you plan to keep open for ventilation. If you rely mostly on air conditioning, window meshing may not be necessary but can add an extra layer of safety.

Avoid Using Invisible Grills: Invisible grills might seem like a safe solution, but unless the gaps are reduced to 1.5 inches or smaller, they are not suitable for kittens. Standard 3-inch gaps are wide enough for kittens or small cats to squeeze through. Tragically, we heard from one of our customers whose kitten squeezed through an invisible grill and fell from the 14th floor. In two other incidents, owners found their kitten or cat on the other side of the grill, narrowly avoiding disaster by pulling their pets back to safety. These stories highlight the risks and why proper window meshing is a much safer option.

Check Balcony and Door Safety: Balconies with open railings or doors with wide-gapped gates can pose risks. Kittens might slip through or climb up, leading to potential hazards. Securing these areas is crucial to ensure your kitten can explore your home safely without encountering dangerous situations.

Trusted Cat-Proofing Solutions: For effective and tailored cat-proofing, we recommend Little People Woodworks, a trusted partner in creating safe and kitten-friendly spaces. Their solutions are reliable and designed to suit your home’s unique layout.

Designate a Kitten Area

Setting up a quiet, secure area for your kitten to settle in is an essential step to help them feel comfortable and safe in their new home. This could be a study room, guest bedroom, bathroom, or even the living room if no other options are available—just ensure the area meets the necessary conditions.

The purpose of designating a specific area is to ease your kitten’s transition into their new environment. If they’re given free rein of the entire house immediately, the vast space and sudden change can overwhelm them. Kittens thrive on feeling safe, and a smaller, cozy area allows them to explore and process their surroundings gradually. This reduces the likelihood of disorientation and the urge to hide in hard-to-reach corners. By starting with a secure, familiar space, your kitten will feel more confident and adjust to their new home more smoothly.

Keep the Area Comfortable: The designated area should be well-ventilated and kept cool. Air conditioning is highly recommended, as our kittens come from Europe, where the climate is cooler and drier. Since their arrival in Singapore, they’ve been acclimating in a 24/7 air-conditioned environment to adjust to the tropical humidity gradually. Exposing them too quickly to a hot or poorly ventilated area can lead to stress, overheating, or flu-like symptoms.

Ensure Clean, Dry Floors: The flooring should always be dry and clean. Wet surfaces can dampen your kitten’s underbelly, increasing the risk of fungal infections or skin irritations.

Set Up Essentials: To make your preparation easier, we’ve included essential items in your kitten starter pack, such as bowls, a litter box and mat, tofu cat litter, kitten food, and a scratching board. Setting these up in the designated area creates a welcoming and functional space where your kitten can feel at ease.

Add Extra Comfort: You can include additional items like a cat condo or a soft blanket or cushion to make the space even cosier. However, avoid cat condos or furniture with hiding spots or gaps where your kitten could squeeze in and hide. For example, if your kitten hides under a sofa, it could delay their exploration and adaptation to their new home. Every moment spent hiding is a missed opportunity for them to build confidence and familiarise themselves with their surroundings.

Preparing Your Dog Before Bringing a Kitten Home

If you have a dog, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and safe introduction when your kitten arrives.

1. Assess Your Dog’s Personality:

• If your dog is high-energy, obedience training is crucial. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and recall are key to managing their excitement and ensuring they don’t overwhelm the kitten.

• If your dog is laid-back, low-energy, and has a low prey drive, strict obedience training may not be as critical. A calm and chill dog will naturally be less stressful for a kitten.

2. Reinforce Basic Commands:

• Start practising essential commands with your dog well before bringing the kitten home. Focus on recall, as it helps redirect your dog if they get too curious or overly excited.

• Gradually introduce “leave it” using toys or treats to teach your dog to disengage when told. This command will be helpful if your dog becomes too fixated on the kitten.

3. Manage Energy Levels:

• For high-energy dogs, ensure they get plenty of exercise before the kitten arrives. A tired dog is calmer and more receptive during introductions.

• Plan structured playtimes and walks to keep their energy levels in check leading up to the introduction day.

The First Steps After Bringing Your Kitten Home

Bringing your kitten home is an exciting moment, and it’s important to create a calm, supportive environment to help him settle in smoothly. Here’s how to ensure a positive start for your new furry family member:

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature: During the first few days, it’s essential to keep the air conditioning running in your kitten’s designated area. Set the temperature to a comfortable range of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius with a low fan speed.

A helpful rule of thumb: if you lie on the floor doing nothing and feel slightly chilly, your kitten will likely feel the same. Remember, cold air sinks, and while we often sleep elevated off the ground with blankets, kittens are closer to the floor and can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively.

On the other hand, if air conditioning isn’t used during this initial period, your kitten may find it difficult to adapt to the sudden increase in heat and humidity. This can add unnecessary stress to their transition.

Let Him Come Out at His Own Pace: Place the soft carrier bag in a quiet corner of the designated room. Unzip the carrier and allow your kitten to step out when he feels ready. Avoid rushing him—giving him the freedom to explore at his own pace builds his confidence in the new surroundings.

Keep the Environment Calm: Minimize loud noises and sudden movements during this time. Our kittens are well-socialized by their breeders and at our cattery, so they are unlikely to hide unless they feel threatened. A peaceful environment reassures your kitten and helps him feel secure.

Offer Food and Water: Pour a thin layer of kibble into the ceramic bowl we’ve provided. This makes it easy to check if your kitten has eaten, as the bare surface will show afterwards. Place the water bowl separately from the food bowl, as cats naturally prefer this arrangement. It’s normal if your kitten doesn’t eat immediately—he may take until later in the day or even the next day to start eating.

Stick to the Same Diet: For the first 3 to 5 days, it’s important to feed your kitten the same food we provided to help him settle in without additional stress. If you plan to switch to a different brand of kibble, transition gradually. Start by mixing 80% of the old kibble with 20% of the new kibble, then slowly adjust the ratio over time to 50-50, and eventually to 100% of the new kibble. Each time you increase the amount of the new kibble, observe your kitten’s stools to ensure his digestion remains stable. When introducing a new protein source (e.g., lamb, rabbit, or beef), start with just 10% of the new protein mixed into your kitten’s existing food and gradually increase the ratio over time. A clear sign that your kitten’s tummy is rejecting the new protein source is vomiting shortly after eating. While your kitten may seem to enjoy the new food and eat it enthusiastically, this doesn’t mean his digestive system is ready to handle it yet. Vomiting is a sign that the transition was too abrupt, and you should slow down the introduction process. We’ve included a high-quality probiotic powder supplement in your kitten starter pack, which will last for about a month. Start feeding it daily by mixing half a sachet into your kitten’s wet food. Probiotics are more important than you might think—kittens greatly benefit from this supplement as it helps prepare their stomach for changes in diet. Over time, the good bacteria introduced by the powder improve your kitten’s digestive health and boost overall immunity. Everything starts from the gut, and long-term feeding of probiotics can significantly enhance your kitten’s well-being. Avoid abrupt changes to your kitten’s diet, such as feeding one brand of kibble today, a different brand tomorrow, or frequently switching protein sources. These sudden changes can disrupt your kitten’s delicate digestive system, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and long-term intestinal issues.

Let Him Explore Naturally: Your kitten will likely walk slowly and cautiously around the room, sticking close to the walls as he explores his new surroundings. This behaviour helps him map out the space, understand how big the room is, and find familiar points of reference. As he moves, he will sniff various objects to take in the new scents and gather information about his environment. Allow your kitten to do this without interruption, as it’s his way of adjusting to the unfamiliar setting. Once he seems more comfortable, you may gently pat him a few times, starting from his back. Avoid reaching for his head or picking him up during this time, as these actions may make him uneasy while he’s still adapting. Giving your kitten the time and space to explore on his own terms is key to ensuring he settles in comfortably and confidently.

Handle Hiding Situations Gently: If you find your kitten hiding under furniture like a sofa, gently move the sofa to retrieve him. Avoid startling him, and calmly place him back in his designated area. Try your best to block the gap with items like shoe boxes to prevent him from hiding there again. This helps redirect his attention to exploring the room rather than seeking hidden spaces, which supports his confidence-building process.

Give Him Space: During the first few days, resist the urge to crowd around him, stare directly into his eyes, or have everyone in the household take turns carrying him. Less is more during this critical period—your kitten needs time to adjust without feeling overwhelmed. Acting as though he’s not there gives him the space he needs to adapt and build confidence.

Avoid Overhandling: It’s tempting to carry, pat, or follow your kitten, but it’s best to give him time to settle at his own pace. Providing this space allows him to feel in control and comfortable in his new environment.

Monitor His Health: Keep an eye on his stools to ensure they are firm, and check that he is urinating normally into the litter box. If you notice soft stools, diarrhoea, sneezing, lethargy, or any unusual behaviour, please reach out to us. A quick video of your kitten can help us assess the situation and provide guidance or assistance if needed.

Bonding with your new kitten is a rewarding journey that requires patience, understanding, and mindful interactions. Here’s a clear guide on what to avoid and what to do to foster a strong, trusting relationship.

Unpredictable Movements:

Kittens thrive on calm and predictable behaviour. Sudden or erratic actions, like jumping, waving hands, or abruptly shifting from gentle to exaggerated gestures, can confuse and startle them. These actions, especially from excited children, may make your kitten feel unsafe.

To build trust, keep movements slow and consistent. One of the most effective ways to bond with your kitten is by simply doing nothing with him. Sit in the kitten’s room and focus on your phone, laptop, or a book. This allows your kitten to relax around you, knowing he doesn’t always need to be on high alert or cautious, fearing sudden interactions like being picked up. Remaining calm and relaxed helps your kitten feel secure and encourages them to approach you naturally when they’re ready.

Negative Reinforcement:

Cats do not respond well to punishment. Raising your voice, scolding, or using physical corrections will only make your kitten associate you with stress or fear. A tense environment can lead to unwanted behaviours, as your kitten may act out due to the anxiety you’ve unintentionally created. Instead, focus on rewarding positive behaviour with treats, praise, or gentle affection.

The Myth of Sniffing Your Hand:

A common misconception is that you should offer your hand for a kitten to sniff as a way to introduce yourself. In reality, putting your hand directly in front of their face can feel intrusive and confusing. Instead, approach from the side and gently pat their back to initiate contact. Avoid aiming for their head immediately, as this can feel threatening.

Building Trust Through Play:

Avoid picking your kitten up abruptly or holding on if they begin to struggle, as this can create distrust and discomfort with being handled. During the first week or two, minimize carrying unless absolutely necessary, allowing your kitten time to adjust and build confidence in their new environment.

Instead, use the cat teaser toy we provided to help your kitten feel comfortable being around you. Engage them in play and gradually direct the teaser toward your lap. This encourages your kitten to place their front paws on your lap while chasing the toy. When using the toy to lure your kitten closer, avoid moving your hand forward to pet him as he approaches. This action can discourage him from advancing toward you. Allow him time to feel safe and comfortable near you. Once he is close and relaxed, gently pet him, starting slowly to build trust.

With patience, your kitten will become so comfortable that they’ll jump onto your lap completely to continue playing. This approach naturally builds trust and helps your kitten associate you with fun and positive interactions.

Feeding Time:

Feeding time is the perfect opportunity for your kitten to associate you with something positive—food! When bringing in their food, call your kitten’s name repeatedly to help them associate their name with mealtime. Over time, they’ll begin to respond to you when you call.

As your kitten eats, gently pat their back to get them accustomed to your touch during feeding. This reinforces trust and helps them feel comfortable with your presence while they enjoy their meal.

Throughout the day, use treats like freeze-dried chicken cubes to bond with your kitten. Lure them with treats and offer them directly from your hand. This helps your kitten realize that their new home is full of wonderful things—delicious food, fun toys, and loving people who play with and care for them.

 After spending a few days bonding with your kitten, you may start noticing signs that he’s ready to venture beyond his designated area. By now, your kitten trusts you, finds comfort in your presence, and feels secure in the space you’ve created. You’ve observed that he consistently uses the litter box, his stools are firm, and he’s eating well—all signs that he’s settled into his new routine. A curious kitten will often show interest in what lies beyond the door. He may sit near it, meowing or calling out to you, eager to explore the unknown. This behaviour, coupled with his growing confidence, is a clear indication that he’s ready to take the next step and discover more of his new home.

(If you already have a cat or dog at home, scroll to the bottom of this page for a step-by-step guide to help make their introduction smooth and positive.)

Letting Him Explore

Once your kitten is out of his designated space, give him time to map out the rest of the house, just as he did with his initial area. He’ll carefully sniff, walk along walls, and explore at his own pace. Avoid rushing him and let him process the new environment.

After he settles down, engage with him by playing with a cat teaser toy to build his confidence in the new space. Offer him treats and feed him his meal in a common area like the living room. Your kitten will naturally return to the designated room to use his litter box, so there’s no need to worry about accidents

For at least the next week, only allow him out when someone is available to supervise. This gives you the chance to observe his behaviour—what he enjoys, any areas he prefers to explore, or items he likes to chew or disturb. Use this time to kitten-proof the house further by removing anything potentially hazardous or too tempting.

Free Roaming

Once you’re confident you know your kitten’s routine, preferences, and the areas he interacts with, you can begin to allow him free access to the house, even overnight. However, this decision depends on your comfort level and whether there are spaces you prefer to keep off-limits, like your bedroom.

Should Your Kitten Sleep in Your Bedroom?

Allowing your kitten into your bedroom is entirely your choice, but it’s important to understand the long-term commitment. If your kitten gets used to sleeping with you every night, it will be difficult to change this habit later. Closing the bedroom door on him after he’s accustomed to sharing the space can lead to meowing, scratching, or crying at the door, as he won’t understand the sudden restriction.

In our home, the bedroom door remains permanently closed, so our cats have never developed the habit of entering or wanting access to this space. This helps maintain a dander-free sleeping area and minimizes the risk of developing cat-related allergies, which can sometimes occur from prolonged exposure to fur and dander. For these reasons, we highly recommend keeping your bedroom cat-free.

If you do choose to allow your kitten into your bedroom at night, we strongly recommend installing a cat door flap. This will give your kitten easy access in and out of the room, especially if the door needs to remain closed for reasons like air conditioning. A cat door ensures your kitten can leave the room to use the litter box without disturbing your sleep by calling for you to open the door.

If a door flap isn’t possible, consider placing a secondary litter box in your master bedroom. This setup ensures your kitten has access to a litter box overnight and avoids unnecessary interruptions to your rest.

Taking care of your kitten’s long-term health and happiness involves consistent grooming, dental hygiene, a balanced diet, and preventive care. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Dental Care

Start brushing your kitten’s teeth weekly using the enzymatic toothpaste and brush provided, gradually increasing the frequency to daily brushing. Good dental hygiene prevents plaque buildup and tartar, reducing the risk of other health problems such as heart issues.

If you’re feeding minced raw, be extra vigilant about dental hygiene. Minced raw food often causes tartar and plaque due to the lack of chewing, as cats tend to lick and swallow, leaving food particles stuck to their teeth.

If your kitten struggles with brushing, apply the enzymatic toothpaste directly onto their teeth and gums. The enzymes will help break down tartar. Remember not to feed your kitten 30 minutes before or after application for the enzymes to work effectively.

Deworming

Internal Deworming:

If feeding raw, deworm your kitten every 3 months.

Otherwise, deworm once a year.

External Deworming:

Every 2 to 3 months is sufficient for strictly indoor cats.

If you have a dog at home, deworm both pets monthly, as dogs can unintentionally bring parasites back from walks.

Vaccinations

Bring your kitten to the vet for a booster shot 1 year after the third kitten vaccine date. For example, if the third vaccine was given on January 1, 2024, the booster will be due on January 1, 2025.

After the booster, vaccinate every 3 years for strictly indoor cats in low-risk environments.

Annual vaccines are only necessary if your cat is in high-risk environments, such as attending commercial boarding facilities, to prevent viral infections.

Grooming and Hygiene

Nail Cutting: Trim your kitten’s nails every 7 to 10 days.

Ear Cleaning: Clean their ears every 3 to 4 weeks, or sooner if they start scratching their ears or shaking their head more often.

Coat Care: Brush your kitten’s coat every few days to prevent tangles that could lead to matting. Regular brushing helps you stay on top of your cat’s coat condition, allowing you to identify any skin issues early. Frequent grooming also reduces the risk of hairball buildup by removing loose fur, so your cat ingests less while grooming themselves. If you notice your cat gagging or trying to throw up, it may be due to hairballs. In such cases, purchase a hairball remedy gel from pet stores like Pet Lovers Centre and administer it for three consecutive days to help resolve the issue.

Paw Pad and Sanitary Shaving: For long-haired breeds, shave paw pads and sanitary areas as needed to maintain cleanliness.

Litter Box Care and Showering

Maintaining a clean litter box and overall hygiene is the key to keeping your cat healthy and odour-free without needing frequent baths:

Litter Box: Scoop the litter box twice daily to keep it fresh and inviting. Regularly top up the litter to ensure it’s deep enough to clump pee effectively, preventing waste from sticking to the box and keeping your kitten’s paws and fur clean.

Why Avoid Frequent Showers: Cats are naturally clean animals that groom themselves thoroughly. As long as the litter box is clean and the environment is well-maintained, your kitten will stay clean without needing baths. Over-showering can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to skin issues.

Avoid Grooming Shops: Sending your kitten to a grooming shop can be risky, as one bad experience with an inexperienced groomer may instil fear and make future grooming sessions difficult.

Diet Recommendations

Aim for your kitten’s diet to include 40–50% kibble for balanced nutrition, with the rest consisting of wet food.

Avoid feeding your kitten just chicken breast or other muscle meat alone, as these are not nutritionally complete. Cats require a diet that includes essential nutrients such as taurine, vitamins, and minerals, which are lacking in single-protein or muscle-meat-only diets.

Kibble is highly nutritious and includes all the micronutrients your cat needs. However, complement it with wet food, preferably with added water, to ensure hydration.

 Now that your kitten has settled into their designated area, if you have an existing cat or dog at home, you can follow this guide to ensure a smooth and positive introduction.

Step 1: Scent and Space Familiarization

The first step in introducing your kitten to resident pets is allowing them to get used to each other’s scent and space without physical contact.

1. Swap Living Areas:

• Let your kitten and resident pet explore each other’s spaces. For example, allow your dog or resident cat to briefly enter the kitten’s designated room while your kitten explores another safe area.

• This helps both animals become familiar with each other’s scent in a non-threatening way.

2. Controlled Scent Introduction:

• Swap bedding, toys, or soft blankets between your kitten and the resident pet. Place these items in their respective areas so they can investigate and get used to the new scent.

• Observe their reactions. Calm sniffing and neutral curiosity are good signs of progress.

3. Controlled Visual Introductions:

• Once they are comfortable with each other’s scent, allow them to see each other without direct physical contact.

• Use a baby gate or a slightly open door as a barrier. This setup allows them not only to observe each other but also to sniff and even play briefly through the barrier using their paws.

• Keep these sessions short at first, gradually increasing the duration as both pets grow more at ease with each other’s presence. Brief, positive interactions build trust and familiarity.

Step 2: Eating Together Through a Barrier

Once scent and space familiarity is established, create a bonding opportunity by having your kitten and resident pet eat near each other with a barrier in place.

1. Place Food Bowls Near the Barrier:

• Set up your kitten’s food bowl on one side of the barrier (such as a baby gate) and your resident pet’s bowl on the other. Start with a comfortable distance between the bowls.

2. Gradually Reduce the Distance:

• Over several meals, slowly move the bowls closer to the barrier.

• Monitor their behaviour—if they eat calmly and show little concern for each other’s presence, it’s a positive sign.

3. Keep the Environment Calm:

• Avoid interruptions or loud noises during mealtime. If either pet shows stress, such as growling, hissing, or avoiding their food, increase the distance and try again later.

Eating in close proximity helps your pets associate each other with positive experiences, which is essential for building trust.

Step 3: Face-to-Face Meetings

When your pets are comfortable with each other’s scent and visual presence, it’s time for supervised face-to-face interactions.

1. Let the Meeting Happen Naturally:

• Simply open the door or gate to allow the pets to interact at their own pace. This approach lets them explore and engage with each other on their terms while you monitor closely.

2. Supervise and Keep Sessions Short:

• Stay nearby to ensure the interaction remains safe and positive.

• Keep the first meetings brief, gradually increasing the duration as both pets grow more relaxed and comfortable with each other.

3. Use Toys to Distract and Bond:

• Engage both pets with their favourite toys to redirect their focus from each other. Play with them in the same room, encouraging shared positive experiences.

• This helps them associate each other’s presence with fun and reduces tension.

4. Avoid Treats During Initial Meetings:

• Refrain from offering treats during early interactions, as this can create competition and lead to tension between your pets.

5. Monitor Body Language:

• Look for signs of comfort, such as relaxed postures, sniffing, or curiosity.

• If you notice signs of stress—like hissing, growling, barking, or retreating—pause the session and try again later.

By allowing your pets to meet naturally and focusing on positive interactions, you can help them build trust and confidence in each other, setting the foundation for a harmonious relationship.

Special Considerations for Cats and Dogs

Introducing your kitten to resident pets requires patience and observation to ensure a smooth adjustment. Here are some tailored considerations for both cats and dogs, along with a common dynamic to be aware of during introductions.

If You Have a Resident Cat

Cats are naturally territorial and may take longer to adjust to a new kitten. Be patient and allow them plenty of time to accept the new presence.

Ensure that each cat has their own resources, such as litter boxes, food bowls, and resting areas, to avoid competition and minimize stress. Providing separate resources helps both cats feel secure in their shared environment.

If You Have a Resident Dog

Keep your dog on a leash during the first face-to-face meetings to maintain control and ensure safety.

For high-energy dogs, ensure they’ve had plenty of exercise before interactions to help them remain calm. Use basic commands like “sit” or “stay” to manage their behaviour if needed.

Resident Pet’s Over-Curiosity

One common observation we’ve received from updates from our customers is that resident pets, whether cats or dogs, can sometimes display overly curious behaviour, such as:

Constantly sniffing the kitten’s butt.

Following the kitten closely or staying near them no matter where they go.

While this behaviour is often rooted in excitement, it can unintentionally frustrate or annoy the kitten.

Why This Happens

Many resident pets, particularly those who have been the sole pet for a long time, may lack the social skills needed for smooth interactions. The novelty of a smaller, younger kitten may overwhelm them, leading to persistent stalking or excessive sniffing.

This lack of social skills often stems from limited exposure to other animals.

The Kitten’s Role in Adjusting Dynamics

Our kittens are already well-socialised, having been raised around other cats or dogs. They naturally possess the skills needed to interact appropriately and can even influence the resident pet’s behaviour by teaching them how to engage in a more balanced and respectful way.