We have 2 toy poodles and an older cat. We adopted 2 kittens thru a local rescue group. The kittens were with their mom the entire time. They have always have a warming, loving enviorment, although were not handeled much as kittens by the foster mom. We adopted them at 6-8 weeks.
We brought kittens home. The dogs adore them. One dog is always giving them kitty kisses and watching over them. Dogs and cats eat together, sleep together, play together, share toys.
They were shy but started warming up to us. I never had a kitten before and was told to use a squirt bottle to teach them to stay off the tables. I only did it a few times and this was 6 months ago. I realized it was not kind or loving so I quit.
The cats seemed to be warming up to us. Slept at the foot of the bed, came to the door when I got home and wanted acknowledged,e tc.
Recently one cat (they are now 9 months old so we don't call them kittens anymore) had become more recluse/shy. She wants to lay on the foot of the bed when we go to bed at night but does not want to be touched.
I walk into the room and she runs away. I try to pick her up and she runs. She will peek out from behind the couch but will not let me pick her up. I have always been gentle and spoke softly, no yelling.
When I can pick her up I hold her gently, talk softly and tell her how much I love her and would love to have her cuddle with me. She strongs arms me and jumps away and runs from me.
The other cat lets us hold her. but not for long. she will come into the bathroom when I take a bath and pester me to pet her. When I am dry and clothed it is a different story.
I am getting to the point that I feel like they are one big expense, one big liability. Am I going to be stuck for the next 10-15 years with a cold, indifferent cat? I pay for food, toys, vet bills and litter but get nothing back.
I really wanted to give these little girls a warm loving home but.......
Can anyone help me?
We brought kittens home. The dogs adore them. One dog is always giving them kitty kisses and watching over them. Dogs and cats eat together, sleep together, play together, share toys.
They were shy but started warming up to us. I never had a kitten before and was told to use a squirt bottle to teach them to stay off the tables. I only did it a few times and this was 6 months ago. I realized it was not kind or loving so I quit.
The cats seemed to be warming up to us. Slept at the foot of the bed, came to the door when I got home and wanted acknowledged,e tc.
Recently one cat (they are now 9 months old so we don't call them kittens anymore) had become more recluse/shy. She wants to lay on the foot of the bed when we go to bed at night but does not want to be touched.
I walk into the room and she runs away. I try to pick her up and she runs. She will peek out from behind the couch but will not let me pick her up. I have always been gentle and spoke softly, no yelling.
When I can pick her up I hold her gently, talk softly and tell her how much I love her and would love to have her cuddle with me. She strongs arms me and jumps away and runs from me.
The other cat lets us hold her. but not for long. she will come into the bathroom when I take a bath and pester me to pet her. When I am dry and clothed it is a different story.
I am getting to the point that I feel like they are one big expense, one big liability. Am I going to be stuck for the next 10-15 years with a cold, indifferent cat? I pay for food, toys, vet bills and litter but get nothing back.
I really wanted to give these little girls a warm loving home but.......
Can anyone help me?