Full Guide
Each step builds on the previous one. Start at the beginning and don’t skip steps!
The Socialization Saves Lives Method
SSL is a step-by-step method that is cat-led and consent-based. Anyone can socialize using this easy method as long as you are patient, calm and follow all of the instructions.
Please follow only the steps in this guide and do not incorporate socialization tips from other sources, because the traditional “forced love” approach is the opposite of SSL and will derail all of your efforts. Every step in this method has a reason and we include the reasons in each section. When you empathize with the cat, all of the SSL steps just make sense.
We understand how adorable the cat is, but remember do not pet the cat until you reach the petting sequence step. We explain why this is so important in the guide contents.
Give the cat enough time at each step in order to create a strong foundation. Most times when a cat is “stuck” at one phase or step, it is because the person rushed to the next step too quickly. So if that happens to you and your cat, go two to three steps back and focus on creating that strong foundation.
If you are still stuck, contact us and we will try our best to help you troubleshoot. Please be patient and understanding. This content is free and we are volunteers who also have family, kids, work and rescue responsibilities.
Before you get started
This is really important information to help you be successful. Watch this first, then make sure to watch the Theory and Background videos before diving into the program. When you rush the steps or jump ahead, the cat will plateau at an advanced step and will need to go back to the earlier steps.
Theory & Background
You will be more effective at socializing when you understand the theory, why we approach socialization the way we do, and are prepared for what to expect. Taking the time to review this will save you a lot of frustration later on, so start here.
Setting up the cat and the environment
These steps are for when the cat has just arrived. We’ll give you a list of supplies, and explain how to set up your space. There are customizations available depending on what stage your cat is starting from.
Phase 1: Gaining the cat’s trust
Starting with ignoring the cat, deep breaths and slow blinks, this stage works up to eventually having the cat comfortable touching you and coming into your lap.
Phase 2: Petting and lap work
You’ll start to get the cat comfortable with, then enjoy, petting. We continue lap work in order to encourage the cat to become a lap cat—or at least a beside you cat who enjoys hanging out right beside you.
Phase 3: Getting the cat ready for adoption
It’s time for finishing school! This phase focuses on things that adopters look for such as approaching the cat without the cat running away, and petting the cat without any treats. As a bonus, we’ll also start getting the cat used to nail clipping.
Electives
While the cat is waiting to get adopted, continue to prepare her for her new home with these electives such as carrying, clicker training, head kisses and other fun and adorable skills. We’ll keep adding electives over time, so periodically check this section for new content!
Let’s get your cat adopted!
Once the cat graduates the full SSL program, she is ready for her forever home! This section covers how to create compelling adoption listings and videos, how to make the perfect socialized cat and adopter match, and post adoption support. We’ll also cover how to guide the adopter and cat to go through a “light” and accelerated version of the SSL program so that the cat acclimates to her new home and family within 2 - 4 weeks.
Variations
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When socializing kittens 4 months old or younger, you need to start with play early on. Start to use play right after doing the Slow Blinks step. You will also start all sessions with that step’s play activity then finish off with the treat work. (For older kittens and adult cats, we start a session with the treat work then use play at the end of the session to complement that step.) Refer to the Kitten section for details.
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The only variation needed for blind cats is to use the Low Slow DJ voice in place of the Slow Blinks step. The rest of the steps using treats remains the same because the cat can smell and follow the treat. You should still get the cat wand toy recommended in the Setup section, but get an attachment that makes noise such as the crinkle ball or attach a tiny bell to the mouse / fish / bee attachment (you don’t want a loud sounding bell). See the Blind Cats section for more details.
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Coming soon
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Coming soon
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Coming soon
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Coming soon