|
Early neurological stimulation is a unique technique that was developed to raise high performance dogs some 30 years ago. We do it here with our kittens in order to give our cats a healthier and happier life. Five exercises are used that are designed to stimulate the neurological system at a time when typically it is not stimulated (at least in housed cats). On day 3, we start exercising the kittens, and we continue these exercises at least through day 21 in the presence and with the agreement of their mother. At no time would we separate the kittens from their mother or cause fear or pain. We use the following exercises:
1. Tactile stimulations - Holding the kitten in one hand, we gently stimulate (tickle) the kitten between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the kitten is feeling the tickle (Some choose to sleep through this exercise.). Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
2. Head held erect - Using both hands, the kitten is held perpendicular to the ground (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
3. Head pointed down - Holding the kitten firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that its head is pointing toward the ground. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
4. Supine position - Hold the kitten so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The kitten while on is back is allowed to sleep or wiggle about. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds. (Now, you know why our logo is a kitten upside down in a coffee cup and is happy as can be!)
5. Thermal stimulation - use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes (not iced). Place the kitten on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. (We find that typically the kitten will sniff the towel, pick up and sniff its feet; we have never had a kitten express fear or pain as a result of this exercise. This exercise is also accomplished in its kitten box and in a room where the temperature is controlled. The 3 seconds that it takes for the kitten to complete this exercise is not enough time to cause frostbite or any pain whatsoever.) Time of stimulation is again 3-5 seconds.
These five exercises will produce neurological stimulations, none of which naturally occurs during this early period of life. Experience shows that sometimes kittens will resist these exercises, while most will appear unconcerned while devons like them.
Five benefits typically observed and research has shown (as I have observed over 30 years of raising Shetland Sheepdogs and now are beginning to observe with our kittens) when young ones have been exposed to these stimulation exercises throughout their lives have:
1) Improved cardiovascular performance (heart rate).
2) Stronger heartbeats.
3) Stronger adrenal glands.
4) More tolerance to stress - greater ability to tolerate change (an important factor in show cats!)
5) Greater resistance to disease.
In learning situations or when introduced to strangers, our stimulated kittens have been found to be more active and were more exploratory than kittens that were not stimulated like this and much more willing to greet and play with strangers. They almost tackle people who come to visit!!!!!!
After playing, they will choose to cuddle up on visitors and do what we call "hold the visitors down" by going to sleep on them. Often my son would tell me "can't come right now, mom, I am being held down by the kittens." The shelties we had at the time would also not come when called if the kittens were asleep on them! They would wag their tails and look very guilty but wouldn't move so the kittens would not be disturbed, and they were the kittens very favorite bed. So cute!
| 
