My mum has a 1yo Cat who she has had since a kitten, and it has never warmed to the idea of being held or jumping up for cuddles. As far as we know it was never neglected by humans, it was from a pet shop. Will it be this way for life?
2006-08-11 21:52:38 · 9 answers · asked by queenchrystee 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
The younger the cat the easier it is to modify it's personality (which is what you are trying to do instead of train it) For very small kittens you should hold it & purr or pet it, or cuddle while giving it a bottle of kitten formula. For a 1 year old cat, what it likes has a firm grasp on what it likes or not. Find something it likes (being petted, moist kitten treats, etc) get it in the position you want for cuddling (in your lap or lying along side you) and pet it or feed it treats. DO NOT HOLD IT at this point or it will realize it is being trapped. Do this one to five times a day until the cat will readily assume the position. Then try lightly holding it giving the treat or petting & then releasing 60 seconds later. Keep it up & increase the time. If you are patient, it will eventually accept your cuddling (and grow quite fat if you were using treats, but then, fat cats can't run away from mad cuddlers as well as thin cats).
Or spend the $600 to buy a ragdoll cat. Cuddling is built into their genetics. They are large long-furred cats.
2006-08-12 01:03:57 · answer #1 · answered by dinubabear 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats get the hang of cuddling at a very young age. If they don't give into it after a few months they most likely never will. It also has to do with the breed of cat and of course the personality of each individual cat. In general though Red cats and tabbies are the most cuddle starved cats that I know of.
2006-08-11 21:58:39 · answer #2 · answered by groovusy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This cat will probably be like that for the rest of its life. Cats are like this by nature; I have owned many cats, all of which have hated being picked up. Cats that like cuddles are often future show cats that have been rigorously trained since birth. After all, they have to have a judge do all sorts of things to them. What I do to replace the need to cuddle is I just play with my cat. You get the same feeling of them loving you, without them..well..hating you.
2006-08-12 00:19:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat is 13 and she doesn't cuddle. She has had a few traumatic experiences but she's never been neglected. She is a sweetheart tho and she shows her affection many other ways.
2006-08-11 21:56:28 · answer #4 · answered by Kuji 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat loves to cuddle, will rub all over me and lick me etc, BUT it is on her terms wen she wants it, i cannot instigate it at all. I think most cats are the same, maybe ur cat is like some humans, not everyone is comfortable with physical affection.
2006-08-11 22:55:49 · answer #5 · answered by livachic2005 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not impossible to train cats, but it takes a long time. There are certain ways of coaxing it into feeling comfortable aroudn humans. Give it room and time, don't over pamper it.
2006-08-11 21:54:55 · answer #6 · answered by GameTheory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats are independent by nature.. they will cuddle when they want it.. don't force it on them. The will warm eventually but it takes time.
2006-08-11 21:54:25 · answer #7 · answered by kitkool 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possiably, spend time with it and feed it treats while you play with it. pet it and give it treats and gradually work your way up to holding it. give it time and space too. Some cats just don't want to be picked up or held or anything.
2006-08-12 00:04:56 · answer #8 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the cat is tired, try calling it up on your lap. If it does not come to you, then gently pick it up and place it on your lap, tickling it under and around the ears. Keep perservering, and try and relax as they sense our moods.
2006-08-12 04:28:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋