Kitten still afraid

I can't use search to find my old post so I'll have to start a new one-my new kitten is STILL afraid of me. Background-when I brought the kitten home it was fine, I could pick it up NO problem, asked to be picked up and held. I went away for 5 days and had someone look after my house (kitten went scram whenever person came in) I've been back for TWO WEEKS and the kitten has been terrified of being picked up. Has no problem being around me as long as I make no moves towards her-:censor::censor::censor:??? I need to be able to handle this kitten as she grows up...I don't know what to do. If I even look at her funny she runs, but sleeps on the bed at night. Loves my old cat no problem.

How does a kitten have a sudden personality change?? Is this permanent?

I think you need to be patient with her. Sit on the floor, talk to her, and let her make all the moves toward you. Does she seem fine otherwise? How about a vet visit to check there's nothing hurting her?

Could also be an age thing, my two are 6 months old and don't really liked to be picked up as they don't like to stay still that long incase they miss something! Then again, some cats just don't like to be held

Patience is the key and let your kitten watch you interact with your other older cat. In time she will realize you are no threat to her.
But IMO, I'd ask someone else to take care of the house next time you have to go away.

Originally Posted by yayi

But IMO, I'd ask someone else to take care of the house next time you have to go away.

Click to expand...

That's a point actually - are you sure the person looking after her didn't do anything to hurt her? Maybe picked her and accidently dropped her or something.

No, I'm really sure he didn't do anything. He takes care of many people's cats and houses, plus he's a good friend-he said she just hid whenever he came in. I DO let her approach me-it's just that when I hold out a hand or a finger she'll sniff it, or bat playfully at it and that's it. I try to be patient and not scary-it's just difficult to understand why a kitten that had no fear all of a sudden is scared. I pet my older cat in front of her all the time, not helping. I try to spend a bit of time each day talking and being calm-not helping.


I suppose I'll just have to wait it out. We'll see.

"...it's just difficult to understand why a kitten that had no fear all of a sudden is scared."

I wonder if it's just that your kitten had bonded with you, felt she could count on you, maybe even considered you her mama... and then you disappeared for five long days, and she was alone all that time except for visits by a stranger! It must have been terrifiying to her, and just like a person who feels betrayed, she may need more time to rebuild the bond she felt with you.

They're such delicate little souls! Good luck...