Kitten Hates Us?

ModernCatLady

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Hello!

My 13 week old kitten is doing well in terms of health. Weve had him since he was 8 weeks old. Has been to the vet- getting 16 week vaccinations soon. The issue we are having is that he hates being touched. He loves to play with the wand toy or doesnt mind sitting next to us. If we try to pick him up, pet him, hold him he meows and cries. Does he just not like us! We dont want to force him so we let him be but hes a long haired cat and we need to comb him daily and we of course need to touch him. Any tips. Thanks!
 

Sarthur2

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Aww, does he snuggle or sleep in your lap or in bed with you on his own?

Some cats are just not lap cats, but he may also just be a busy little guy who doesn’t want to be restrained in any way right now because he’d rather be active and playing. Almost like a toddler child who always wants to get down to play and explore instead of having quiet time.

Your little guy will probably settle into being held over time. He’s young yet, but he most certainly does not hate you!

Does he have a good appetite and eat wet food meals four times a day? Does he have dry kitten chow and water available in between?

M ModernCatLady
 

jen

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Does he have a special treat, like maybe a piece of that real stinky dried tuna they sell at the pet store... that you can save for ONLY when you pick him up. Reward him when you do pick him up and keep him focused on the treat. Cats can be hard to train but it is possible!
 

Jem

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I agree with Sarthur2 Sarthur2 , he's probably just a feisty little guy who does not want to be restrained. It's pretty common that kitten's will be more interested in play at this age, but will settle down, and become a bit more cuddly as they grow up. In some cases a cat may never be a snuggle bug in terms of being held but will usually at least enjoy sitting next to you for some petting.
As for grooming him, perhaps try to get a few strokes of the brush thru his fur when he is napping rather than trying to restrain him while he is up. You will probably have better luck training him to be more accepting of brushing doing this. But only pass the brush a few times, try not to get him too stimulated, then as he gets older, he may learn to love grooming as a special relaxing, bonding time with you.
I would also continue what you are doing in terms of NOT trying to force him into being held or snuggled. If you try to force a cat into submission, they will only fight back harder and will learn to associate getting picked up and held as a bad thing. Let him come to you.
And let me assure you he does NOT hate you. If he's eating, drinking, using the litter and playing well, you are on the right track.
 

abyeb

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I think it sounds like he likes you! Since he’s playing with you and wants to be near you, those are all good signs. He just might not be a super cuddly type, and that’s ok! All cats are individuals. He might still warm up to being handled, once he settles in more.
 

maggie101

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Has he liked to be picked up til recently? If so, talk to the vet about it when he examines her. It could be arthritis
 

jefferd18

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My cat, Scaramouch, was the same way. He loved me (always following me around and sitting next to me), but he absolutely hated to be restrained in any way.

This very well may be a stage that your kitten is going through or you may have to accept the fact tha he may just be a feline who doesn't like to be touched- some people are like that.
 

StefanZ

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I think it is fairly common kittens arent cuddly, dont want to be petted. If so, one or two strokes is enough. If he otherwise shows he likes you, its OK!
Some dont like to be petted standing on floor, but it may become easier if they are comfortably lying on a sofa...
I remember my first resident Muskis, who was such a one... So he used, when he saw I wanted to pet him, he jumped up on a chair or a sofa, layed comfortably down, and let me pet him some... :)

To be fond of more intensive caressing and petting comes with time, when they are adult, 1+ year....

You of of course have the complication your boy is a longhair... I hope he feels its nice to be combed, after all it helps him feel better.
You can reinforce it with treats during and immediately after.
 

golondrina

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My about 4-1/2 - 5 years old Sombra used to dislike being brushed. She would wriggle and try to get away to avoid it. I brushed her anyway holding her down lying on a cushion on my desk. After a few days rewarding her immediately after the brushing with some treats she started to accept it willingly. Now she even climbs by herself on the cushion when I call her and show her the brushes; she even licks my left hand while I'm doing it. When I'm finished with it she runs to the kitchen and sits by the cabinet where the treats are kept and claims them loudly.
 
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