During which age range does the critical socialization period for felines occur?

The critical socialization period for felines occurs between the ages of 2 to 8 weeks. During this time, kittens are highly receptive to social experiences and interactions with other cats as well as humans. This period is crucial for learning appropriate behaviors, developing social skills, and forming bonds with both their littermates and potential human caregivers.

Within this age range, kittens benefit significantly from positive exposure to various stimuli, including different environments, people, and sounds. Proper socialization during this phase can lead to well-adjusted adult cats that are more comfortable in varied social situations and less prone to fear or aggression.

A lack of adequate socialization during this window can result in long-term behavioral issues, making it essential for breeders and adopters to engage in socialization efforts with kittens in this timeframe. The other age ranges listed either begin too late or extend beyond the period when socialization is particularly critical for optimal development.