Hi cat lovers,
We have our first pet cat in our family with twin 10 year olds and 3 adults. We got him when he was 8 weeks old and have had him now for 5 months. While he is a great kitten and loves to hang out with us, despite us being a noisy household especially when the kids are at home. He in fact seeks us out and is within 3 feet or less, lying next to us , meowing , playing etc. However when anyone is on the move, he is always super alert, as if danger lurks all around and that he needs to run for his life, just in case. He sometimes runs and almost runs and then stops when he realizes there is no danger and then is back with us. That said, he sometimes runs away from any one who is approaching and is super cautious. He does not hide or have any other issues like peeing outside the litter box etc.
He is also not a lap kitty. Does not prefer to be on anyone's lap. Probably feels no one is still enough? But by all other measures very friendly and curious and loves our company. We do pick him up often and pet him for a few seconds and when he starts squirming we let him go. Naturally it is also hard to cut his nails or give him that occasional once a month quick bath.
He has been kept as a single house cat and at night we keep him in his room and close the access to the rest of house. He does relax in there though getting him to go there after a whole day of hanging out with us is a whole another affair - enticing with food and or treats is our best solution.
My question is how can we get him to be more friendly, i.e. trust when we cut his nails, jump up and rest on our laps, not be so skittish when he hears footsteps on the wooden floors, etc. Thank you in advance for any insights and suggestions.
We have our first pet cat in our family with twin 10 year olds and 3 adults. We got him when he was 8 weeks old and have had him now for 5 months. While he is a great kitten and loves to hang out with us, despite us being a noisy household especially when the kids are at home. He in fact seeks us out and is within 3 feet or less, lying next to us , meowing , playing etc. However when anyone is on the move, he is always super alert, as if danger lurks all around and that he needs to run for his life, just in case. He sometimes runs and almost runs and then stops when he realizes there is no danger and then is back with us. That said, he sometimes runs away from any one who is approaching and is super cautious. He does not hide or have any other issues like peeing outside the litter box etc.
He is also not a lap kitty. Does not prefer to be on anyone's lap. Probably feels no one is still enough? But by all other measures very friendly and curious and loves our company. We do pick him up often and pet him for a few seconds and when he starts squirming we let him go. Naturally it is also hard to cut his nails or give him that occasional once a month quick bath.
He has been kept as a single house cat and at night we keep him in his room and close the access to the rest of house. He does relax in there though getting him to go there after a whole day of hanging out with us is a whole another affair - enticing with food and or treats is our best solution.
My question is how can we get him to be more friendly, i.e. trust when we cut his nails, jump up and rest on our laps, not be so skittish when he hears footsteps on the wooden floors, etc. Thank you in advance for any insights and suggestions.
(named by the kids). The last pic is the forlorn look each night just as I close the door to his room. About the night routine , do they build a better bond and likely more confidence ( less skittish) when they can sleep with their humans in the house ? I am a little apprehensive about messing with our sleep, especially my daughter's who is most fond of him. Any thoughts ? Thank you again ! You are all so nice ...great forums!
