I have a 6 month old kitten that absolutely hates to be held or sit on my lap. In fact, he will bite me if I try to hold him for more than a few seconds. This is weird because he is a very outgoing a sweet cat as long as you don't pick him up. I didn't have him until he was 3 1/2 months old, so I don't know what kind of human contact he had at the breeder's house. He follows me everywhere around the house and whines when I ignore him so he definitely is not afraid of me. Is there any way I can teach him to enjoy being held?
2007-08-31 05:00:35 · 12 answers · asked by rachaelo23 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, but it will take time.
First off, he's a kitten. He's not going to sit still anywhere for longer than a few minutes for the next year.
To train him to like being handled, you have to prove to him that you're not going to hurt him. Starting with once a day, sit down on the floor and hold him in your lap while petting him for about thirty seconds.
Gradually increase the amount of time you hold him, depending on his reactions. At the same time, start to decrease the amount of time you pet him when he's not being held. He will start to assocaite being in your lap with being petted, and learn that to get your attention, he should get in your lap.
He may never be okay with you holding him while standing. If you want to train him to tolerate that, use the same method as above, but do it at different times. Make sure that you always support his hind legs and paws.
2007-08-31 05:23:10 · answer #1 · answered by majackmail 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No just respect his wishes not to be held. I had a cat that was born in front of me and picked up just seconds after birth, that would never let me pick him up or hold him his whole life. His brother was completely different and loved to be held. Their mother is also a skitty kitty and will only tolerate me holding her for a short while. That's just his personality. Sit on the floor and pet him at his will. He will be happier. He is trying to tell you he doesn't like you to hold him. He may settle down a little when he gets older. Their personalities change as they age. I wouldn't count on him ever being lovey dovey though.
Persians make real good lap cats. I think they have been bred for the behavior.
2007-08-31 05:10:21 · answer #2 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
my cat has the same problem, except now he's like 4 years old. I had my baby since he was 6wks old, so I know it wasn't something I did. He loves me dearly and will sit in my lap ONLY when he wants to, and if I make any sudden movement he'll freak and jump down. I've had him so long, and I have recently found out from the vet that he has hip displacia, and he's had some kidney problems throughout his life, so I think my cat (12lbs) prolly doesn't like to be pickedup because it hurts him in some way or another, so I just try not to pick him up, and when he comes to give me lovin' on the couch, I'll take it while he's willing. LoL.
2007-08-31 05:07:25 · answer #3 · answered by StonerChick 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Quick answer - no. Cats have likes and dislikes just like you. Your kitten likes you and wants your love and affection, just not to be held. I have had 2 and now have 3, all very affectionate, wanting and giving of affection. Of the 5, 2 are lap cats. One can be held like a baby, the other likes to sit on my lap and have her tummy rubbed. The other 3 just don't (and didn't) want to be picked up or held, and if I did so they would wiggle of even bite to get "free". It is just the way it will be. I know that sometimes you want to show your affection you way, but the cat can not understand your perspective.
2007-08-31 05:17:55 · answer #4 · answered by cat lady 200 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Cats are strange creatures. I have two of them myself and all they want is to be loved and held and pet, etc. My friend's cat on the other hand is one that hates to be held as well. Some cats are fussy when it comes to things like that. However, you're bigger than they are and they can get over it. Daisy (my friend's cat) never used to let me hold her at all. So, I did it anyway. I held her up by the scruff of the neck, stared into her eyes until she looked away and flipped her on her back for just a few minutes until finally, I can walk around the apartment with her for as long as I want to. She still doesn't like it but she knows better to try to get down or away. Just speak softly to him as you to pick him up. If he tries to get down, hold on tight!! Keep his claws clipped so you don't get torn up by him and if he tries to bite, tap him on his nose and say NO very firmly. Put him in a vulnerable position where it's harder for him to get away and KEEP HIM THERE. He may never like to be held, but eventually, he will tolerate it. It takes time and patience though, so don't rush things. Give HIM time as well but just make sure that he knows who's boss. Good luck!!!
2007-08-31 05:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by devon 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Cats have their own personalities. I have a very lovely kitten since she was a baby. She purrs and loves me, but she won't be held. Just respect that.
2007-08-31 05:13:27 · answer #6 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some cats don't like to be picked up ever. Mine that is like that loves to be held and petted BUT only when he comes to you NEVER if you pick him up. Try calling to him and having him jump up to you then you can pet and love him. I think its not that he didn't have human contact I think its just being stubborn as cats are well known to be.
2007-08-31 05:06:54 · answer #7 · answered by sharonsmineonly 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are a couple of places you can pet him with you fingertips that will make him want to cuddle with you. One is the back of the head and next to the ears. The other is the upper hips and the back of the tail where it connects to the rest of him. Be gentle but firm, Like you are massaging and scratching at the same time. It takes a little time and empathy to get it right.
2007-08-31 05:08:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
first make sure he does not have a sore that you are touching maybe a check up at the vet makesure his legs and no problems. If all is well then just continue to hold him. I have trained all my cats to let me pick them up, sometimes they are not in the mood and may get grumpy fine then leave them for a bit. Just continue and they will get used to it...good luck
2007-08-31 05:08:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Feed him treats while you hold him. And say like 'good (whatever his name is).' Also stroke his back as hes eating the treats. Thats how I taught my cat to come when I call him and now he does every time. Good luck!
2007-08-31 05:04:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋