I recently got a cat who was once a stray, so he's afraid of everything. He'll let me pet him but as far as picking him up or letting me hold him or come in my lap, he won't do it. He'll just run and hide. He's pretty new, so I know he needs more time, but are there ways to get a cat to sit in your lap and let you hold them if they aren't naturally going to do that?
2007-02-26 04:38:36 · 7 answers · asked by bd 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I read some of the answers and I wouldn't quite advise you to sprinkle catnip on your lap. It all depends on how your cat responds to catnip. It could end up being a not so pleasant experience for you.
I would suggest that you try to find a treat that your cat loves (really loves!!) and the only time he gets this treat is when he approaches you. Once he's started to come to your lap, then the only time he gets this treat is when he is on your lap. This will have to be done gradually and it will take time. So be patient and you will be rewarded with a cat that trusts you!!
2007-02-26 04:48:09 · answer #1 · answered by kismetsguardian 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can scruff a cat to pick it up - by gently holding the skin at the back of its neck, and supporting its body - but its not very nice for the cat or the owner. The best thing for you to do in my opinion is to spend as much time as you can with your cat. Play games with him on the floor so you are at his level, keep your voice low around him, and reasure him. Once he has learnt to trust you completly he may want to sit on your lap, but he may just not be that sort of cat. In which case you should respect him by letting him sit where he chooses, whether its on your lap or not.
2007-02-26 12:49:20 · answer #2 · answered by skip a heartbeat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not all cats are lap cats. Actually, most are not lap cats. Just let the cat find it's way around your house and around you. The cat will decide what it really wants from you and what you want from the cat.
2007-02-26 16:26:45 · answer #3 · answered by lochmessy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat has trust issues. I know it sounds strange. If your cat has been a stray for a while, he has to trust you. Feed him and approach him slowly. In time he'll be a the lover of the house.
2007-02-26 12:43:06 · answer #4 · answered by mediahoney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him a while and he will warm up to you - Just try petting him all the time so he will learn to trust you! Good Luck!!!!
2007-02-26 12:41:05 · answer #5 · answered by ~J*me~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sprnkle cat nip on your lap!!
2007-02-26 12:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats decide for themselves, the more you push, the more they'll back away.
2007-03-02 09:24:00 · answer #7 · answered by Icewomanblockstheshot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋