Cat Questions

Hi all!

I am new to this site and have already fell in love with this forum. Everyone is extremely helpful and knowledgable! So, since I have never had cats before, I would love to begin chatting and learning from all of you!

I rescued two female cats, Stevie and Layla, that are about 1 1/2 years old (according to the shelter) on 1/2/06. They were at the shelter for about a week and were left in the shelter because their original companions' baby is allergic to them. They adjusted wonderfully; they ate, used the litter box, and explored right away. However, they are not overly affectionate and do not like to be held. More specifically, Stevie sometimes runs from me when I try pet her and every three days or so will jump on my lap to be petted. Layla sleeps with me every night. The only time Layla shows affection is at night, but she tends to want to be around me more than Stevie. In general, they let me pet them, but I have to go to them. I love them regardless of this.....they are the best things that ever happened to me, but do you think they will become more affectionate as time goes on?

Thanks in advance!!

PS - How do you include pictures within a post??

I have 5 cats. Out of the 5 two will sit on my lap. Briefly. And one of them will sit with me longer IF I have my Cockatoo, Tyler out with me. She likes the idea of being close to the bird (which is bigger then her).

They go through phases of sleeping on the bed. Sometimes It's difficult to find a free spot. Other times one or none.

As far as holding them, no cat will let you hold them if they don't want to be held. Do you think they are here for you? You are there to service them, and if you do a good job and the planets are aligned correctly then maybe, just maybe they will allow you to pick them up and pet them. But don't count on it.

Most of mine come when they feel like coming. It's very rare that I can force a cat to sit with me.

I love servicing them so that is not a problem at all!! They are so great even if they don't require a lot of attention!!
Thanks for the feedback!

Each cat is different. I have had some that would not leave you alone, and others that wanted petting occasionally. Sounds like you just have had them a short time - be patient. Everything is "new" to them. You'll know there personalities better after a few months.

IMO I found over the years that males (neutered) are more loving and affectionate then females are. Our neutered rex loves cuddling with you but our little 8 month old females only wants to cuddle on HER terms and doesn't stay in your lap for very long

Hi and welcome to TCS!
I have 7 cats, and 2 of them (boys) don't really like to sit on my lap. One is semi-feral and I don't really know why the other doesn't. The others WILL seek me out to sit there. Only ONE of my cats likes to be picked up and held. I think time will get them to like you. Treats like feline Greenies would help too, and set feeding times, so they know YOU are the one who feeds them. Cats like low soft voices, and the little t-t-t noise you make to call them. They love it when you sing softly to them and talk in a singsong voice. All these thing, my cats love, and will come to me in an instant when I do them. They also love it when you take naps in the middle of the day on the couch. They're like "hey, you do that too? I thought I was the only one!"
Good luck with your new kitties, please feel free to ask any questions if you need advice and can't find it in a search of the site.

Thank you so much for the quick and thoughtful responses!! I really appreciate it!!

I adopted my girl, about the same age, in November...she was always sweet, would let me pet her when I went to her, and let me hold her when she wanted to be held (which was about half the time I went to pick her up)....and while I loved her instantly I thought the day would never come when she would seek me out, or jump up in my lap....it took almost 2 full months, but then one day very slowly she hopped up beside me and slowly crawled into my lap to settle down for a nap. Since then she has become a love bug! I agree that cats are who they are, have individual personalities, and often have their own agendas....but they might just need a longer time to adjust....you might be surprised!

I can definitely understanding loving your girl instantly....I felt the same way. I think about my girls frequently during the day and love coming home to them....
Thanks for the feedback!

I think more cats than not like affection on their terms, and that is typically not on your schedule. Cats love routine, and you'll find over time that they will have their times and places where they want affection from you. My TCS time usually has Oscar in my lap (rubbing his cheek against my chin). Evening TV has Eightball in my lap, bathroom time in the morning has Koko, and bedtime is a free for all - usually they vie over who can get closest to my hands (they get lots of scritches in bed).

You haven't had your girls very long, and they probably haven't adjusted yet. Routine in general is very good for them - feed them at a regular time each day, refill their water bowl at the same time, scoop litter at the same time. It's the little things they like, expect from you, and they will follow you around as you do them.

And great job for picking 2 older girls from a shelter!! Adult cats are always the hardest to place.

Originally Posted by Momofmany

I think more cats than not like affection on their terms, and that is typically not on your schedule. Cats love routine, and you'll find over time that they will have their times and places where they want affection from you. My TCS time usually has Oscar in my lap (rubbing his cheek against my chin). Evening TV has Eightball in my lap, bathroom time in the morning has Koko, and bedtime is a free for all - usually they vie over who can get closest to my hands (they get lots of scritches in bed).

You haven't had your girls very long, and they probably haven't adjusted yet. Routine in general is very good for them - feed them at a regular time each day, refill their water bowl at the same time, scoop litter at the same time. It's the little things they like, expect from you, and they will follow you around as you do them.

And great job for picking 2 older girls from a shelter!! Adult cats are always the hardest to place.

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I agree - Harley has a definate schedule too, a certain way things are done everyday, and if something gets turned around, he'll act differently. Usually on my TCS time, he sits on his bar stool next to me while I'm petting him or having a little conversation with him about how his day was

Having the routine is great for me too - and he'll let me know when something isn't done

Originally Posted by Momofmany

I think more cats than not like affection on their terms, and that is typically not on your schedule. Cats love routine, and you'll find over time that they will have their times and places where they want affection from you. My TCS time usually has Oscar in my lap (rubbing his cheek against my chin). Evening TV has Eightball in my lap, bathroom time in the morning has Koko, and bedtime is a free for all - usually they vie over who can get closest to my hands (they get lots of scritches in bed).

You haven't had your girls very long, and they probably haven't adjusted yet. Routine in general is very good for them - feed them at a regular time each day, refill their water bowl at the same time, scoop litter at the same time. It's the little things they like, expect from you, and they will follow you around as you do them.

And great job for picking 2 older girls from a shelter!! Adult cats are always the hardest to place.

Click to expand...

Many of my cats think that bathroom time is a great time for affection! Whether it's just sitting on the stool contemplating the meaning of life while they crawl inside my pants and hoping everything goes well or simply the shear exhilaration they demonstrate out of having dad come out of the shower soaking wet, and ready, willing and able to lick those toes.

Hey...isn't everybodys cats like this?

I agree that all cats are different and they also change over time. Yours sound as if they are basically very affectionate, well-adjusted cats, and they are probably still working out all the complexities of their new home. It takes some longer than others. I rescued my two boys back in August, and it took Wellington much longer than Napoleon to really be a lovebug. You would never guess it now - he spent all of yesterday evening upside down on the lap of a friend of mine, begging to have his tummy rubbed!

I am such a rountine person so my girls have been on a schedule from day one! I was really just questioning whether I was giving them what they needed to feel secure and happy and your comments confirmed that I am!! It's been wonderful getting to know my girls and to have a place like this forum to use as a resource. I can't say this enough.....Layla and Stevie have changed my life for the better!
I know these pics are not too clear, but I wanted to share them with you!
Thanks for all your feedback!!!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/ncarpi75/b6bdc61a.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/ncarpi75/P1210010.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/ncarpi75/f6393613.jpg