Thanks, everyone. I think this kitten was kept too long with the breeder and he just misses her. He was handled like a pet there and reportedly was very social. The breeder is a true cat lover and that is a different socialization than bred kittens usually get. He's a great little kitten but...
It has been almost one week. He has his own room, and has located himself under the bed. He comes out to eat and play a little but draws back at any movement to pet him. I've spent a lot of time with him.
I have a 22 week old Siamese bought from a breeder who is too shy to be petted or picked up.
He will take food very close to me but if I reach out he jumps back. His play is noncommittal and doesn't result in contact.
how long is normal for this new cat.
PS there are no other animals in...
I think that some cats do not have an ability to parse play from fighting. Probably did not have sibling kittens that allowed him to develop play/fightng skills. One can actually see that in children too. Kids with a lot of brothers (typically) are more refined at escalating play/fighting so no...
My favorite cartoon in all the World shows a woman yelling at her cat: "Get down from that table."
And, the cat yelling back: "You're not my real mom."
Good luck with what you have done so far. But . . . something is bothering him . . . a lot. Remember, cats are territorial and need to control some space free from others.
It also comes in crumbley little blue pills that easily crush into powder and which can be mixed into the gravy of wet food.
My finicky eater doesn't even notice it or likes the taste.