Thread: Cuddling, petting and what not

When I got Ffion a couple of weeks back she wouldn't let me touch her for the first few days. If I put my hand to her she would smell and lick my hand but if I tried to stroke her she pulled away and ran off! I found that the best time to pet her was when she was in her igloo bed, I think she felt safe and protected there so would accept a bit of loving. It took 3 days to get a purr out of her too!

She has slowly but surely become more affectionate, to the point that after 2 weeks she sits on my lap every now and again. She still initially looks a bit uncomfortable when being stroked, but she often settles into enjoying it.

I think it will just take a bit of time. My advice would be to wait until he's curled up and cosy and then give him a stroke. Do it a little and often, he'll soon associate your hands with lovely strokes!

My three, all being litter mates, are very different in this regard. And changeable too. Don;t give up hope, but give Erwin the space to feel secure and loving all by himself first.

Teddy is pretty cuddly - he likes to be stroked and will come and sit beside you (he's not a huge fan of sitting on your lap) to be stroked. He likes to have his tummy rubbed but mostly because then he can clamp his claws around your arm and have a good old wrestle (I do not encourage this!). I'm not sure if I remember what he was like initially...he has always liked being picked up and lying in your arms like a baby or over your shoulder in what I call 'the winding position'. Perhaps he was a little more shy during the first couple of days.

His brother Alfie on the other hand was a crazy kitten! He was constantly on the go looking for things to jump on and wouldn't settle to be petted. Our breeder always remarked on the differences between the two.

I'm sure he'll settle down eventually - I wouldn't worry about it! I don't think he loves you any less because he doesn't want to be touched as much...he's just too busy with his own little adventures!

Well, thank you all for your replies =)

Generally he feels comfortable around me - I think. It's just the stroking and rubbing thing he avoids. Today I tried approaching him when he was about to sleep and he did fine. One thing I've noticed is that when I do that he enjoys it for a little while (purring and all), then he falls asleep and wakes up after a while to move a little further away. I think he is startled even though he falls asleep while I'm petting him.

Other than that he is a cheeky little guy! =)

Your getting to know each other and to Erwin you must seem like a giant. Buddy has two modes, if he's in loving mode you cant move without him being on you somewhere; hes not fussed which part of you but he will be on you. He likes to lay on his back on my arm and go to sleep like a baby. In his "other mode" he won't let you near him - I have the teeth and claw marks from trying.

I've got a little foster kitten atm who is 5 weeks old and when he's sleeping you can do anything to him, but in play mode you can't get near him. Mind you Storm has a foot fetish - he likes going to sleep on peoples feet!

Erwin just likes biting my feet while I'm sleeping

I was just thinking that out of all the cats I've had around in the past I don't recall anyone of them acting like this when they were kittens, but you're all probably right besides each cat has their own character and behavior so I shouldn't compare. It's just that sometimes I'm a little worried that I'm acting scary around him without me realizing it. I have been very careful though not to touch him before he sees me or while he is sleeping, so I'm probably worrying too much!

RELAX!!! Erwin will soon let you know if he doesn't approve of what your doing. At the end of the day you need to be able to touch your cat everywhere to ensure health checks, grooming etc and this is a matter of trust. You have to build and earn your cats trust and respect. To me there is nothing better than my cat being a baby in my arms, at his most vulnerable and that I know is the coonie version of love.

I would say don't creep up on him while he asleep, wait til he is starting to wake then offer a little affection etc and build from that. Keep some treats handy to reward for being allowed to get close.

Giving him treats sounds like a good idea.

Btw, I never touch him when he is asleep I really take care not to startle him (he's deaf)!