Kitten Kindergarten

The smartest cats finish Kitty Kindergarten.

Would you like a cat that enters his carrier willingly, rides well in the car and lets you trim his nails?

Would you like your cat to be the star of the vet’s office because he loves to be handled?

Would you like to impress your friends with your cat’s leash skills and cute tricks?

Then this class is just for you! 

Our innovative two-week Kitty Kindergarten class will cover play socialization, crate training, handling skills, grooming tips, litter box know-how and basic training (yes, they can be trained!).

Upcoming sessions at our Golden Valley location:

Due to low enrollment this fall, Kitten Kindergarten will resume in the spring.  Please watch for upcoming dates for your spring kittens.

The class is open to kittens from 7-12 weeks of age and costs $30 per kitten.  Pre-registration is required. We can have a maximum of 10 cats per class so be sure to register today!

Contact the Training School at 763-489-2217 for more information or to register your kitten for Kindergarten or click here to email

Important Information before you attend class:

• Age Requirements
• Health Requirements
• Equipment for class
• Tips for getting your Cat in its carrier

Age Requirements: Only kittens between the ages of 7 and 12 weeks may enroll.  Kittens must have completed the class by the age of 14 weeks. 

The reason for our age limit is because at twelve weeks, kittens begin to develop territory and are more likely to fight with other felines.  Kitty Kindergarten is not appropriate for older kittens or adult cats.

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Health Requirements:

• All kittens must be examined by their veterinarian before enrolling in class.  The veterinarian must then sign a health certificate to be brought with the kitten on the first day of class.  Students will not be admitted to class without this certificate.
• All kittens must have had at least one FVRCP vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first class.  They also must have had a first de-worming and negative test results for Feline Leukemia and FIV.  All kittens must also be checked and deemed free of fleas, ticks, upper respiratory infection and ringworm.
• Kittens showing any sign of illness should not be brought to Kitty Kindergarten.
• Please do not feed kittens within four hours of class.
• Children are welcome to attend class, but at least one adult is required per kitten.  Children under 7 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by a second adult.

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Equipment for Class:

• Leash and harness (available at most pet stores):  students will learn to fit them to their kitten in class.  We recommend the Premier Come With Me Kitty harness and bungee leash.
• Cat carrier:  handout on acclimating your cat to the carrier will be available prior to attending class.
• Brush for your kitten:  brushes will not be shared among cats (nail trimmers optional)

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How to get your cat in its carrier:

Most cats have learned to dislike their carriers, if only because they have learned to associate its presence with unpleasant activities (like trips to the vet’s office).  One of the goals of Kitty Kindergarten is to change this association, but we need your help to make that happen.  Do not worry if you have not completed this process by the time you come to class. 

Purchase a cat carrier, ideally ten days before the first class.  Any carrier will do, but we recommend a soft-sided carrier which opens on the sides (as well as the top).  You can also use a cardboard carrier such as the one received at adoption, though a solid carrier is preferred.

Set the carrier next to kitty’s food dish.  Open it up so that your cat can explore it if she wants to, and reward her with praise/kibble for doing so.

Leave the carrier in this location for a few days so as to allow kitty to get used to its presence.  We want her to regard it as no more unusual than a piece of furniture.  Once the carrier has been in place for 3-4 days and the cat doesn’t appear frightened of it, begin to feed kitty’s meals from inside it.  Do not yet attempt to close the cat inside of it.

After 1-2 days of feeding the cat her meals from inside the carrier, teach her to enter it:  toss a treat inside, let her get it, let her run out.  Repeat several times.  We want her to learn that something wonderful happens when she runs inside.  If she stays inside the carrier instead of exiting, praise and treat her while still inside. 

Add a verbal cue:  toss a treat inside, say “go inside” (or “check it out”, or whatever you prefer) and let her enter to eat the treat.  For the last few days before class, keep practicing this routine.  Eventually, you’ll be able to say your cue (“go inside”) without tossing a treat, and kitty will enter.  Quietly shut the door behind her and treat her through a gap.

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