Picking Up Cats?

[originalspa]

I have 2 gorgeous rescue cats, about 7 or 8 months old now and only had them for 6 weeks and they love to play and are very affectionate and love being stroked and sometimes I just want to pick them up as they're so cute but alas, they don't like it and rather be stroked on ground level or on the sofa!!

Any tips? How long before you can pick them up as I love to have them in my arms?

Thanks in advance!

[garner]

Hi originalspa...you will know when its time...cats only do what they want to do...welcome to the kitty world,some cats love to be picked up, others do not.I have three cats,two are very loving and one will only let my hubby fuss him and will very occasionally let me stroke him but will not let me pick him up.They are wonderful creatures but weird into the bargain,but loved all the same, bless em .g

[tiggerblue10]

Hi Original,

I got my cats from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home when they were 2 years old. I have no idea what kind of life they lead before but Tigger was so scared and wouldn't let me anywhere near her for several months. This was 6 years ago and now they are both very friendly. Neither of them like being picked up though. If I attempt to pick Tigger up she will struggle and scratch. Blue doesn't like it either but she is a bit more calm and stays very still.

I wouldn't force the issue. Try and do it gradually as they are still young enough to adapt.

Good luck xx

[gallapunk]

I agree with the last two postings. Also, coming from a rescue centre, your cats could have had terrible experiences and it will take time for them to adjust, but they will realise that you love them and that you're a permanent feature once they know you properly.

My cats are brother and sister. The brother absolutely loves being picked up and cuddled - but only by me, no one else. His sister doesn't like being picked up at all really, but she will 'allow' anybody to have her on their lap - although only when she chooses to be there. People say cats have no feelings, etc, but it's not true and they are all just as individual as we are, so some take longer than others to adjust.

I hope your cats settle in soon, good luck with everything.

[CheekyChops]

They just might not like being picked up!

I have had Barney for 4 years, since he was 8 weeks old. He hates being picked up at any time but loves being fussed and will sit on my knee anytime! Just don't try to pick him up...

[tiggerblue10]

I watched the London Tonight earlier and there was a report about the RSPCA and unwanted Christmas pets. Why do people do this? It makes me so angry!

[persianlady]

Be patient. They will need time to get used to you. Keep on with the stroking and petting. They may never let you pick them up, but I am sure they will be sitting on your lap before long. You will not be able to force the issue.

[originalspa]

Thanks for all your suggestions and experience!!

I guess I'll persevere. They love being fussed over and stroked and have started to sit with me on the sofa to be petted so that's good!

I guess I'm just too eager to cuddle them so we'll see!!

[pastafreak]

You can pick them up so that they get used to you and contact with you.....the secret is to always put them down <b< before they want to get down! That way, they know that they are not being held against their will and can "escape" any time. Hope that makes sense.

[sue11]

Hi I have had my two cats for 14 years both rescue cats. Bandit will let me pick her up, but is not that keen and Ozzie hates being picked up, always has and always will.
Bandit will sit happily on my lap and tread me to death, but Ozzie has never been a lap cat, preferring to come up for her cuddles when I am in bed first thing in the morning or last thing at night, it is her routine and she loves it!
As the others have said, don't try to force anything on them, you will only stress them out and set a pattern of behaviour in that you will never break.
I am sure that they will come to you in good time and the routine ie. you becoming their willing slave and doing their bidding (sounds familar everyone?) will be set!
Best of luck, I am sure it will all be fine!
Cheers Sue

[persianlady]

Good advice there pastafreak.

[originalspa]

Thanks again! Cheers pastafreak! I've only tried a couple of times with the male but he jumps out of my arms in seconds!!

I'll give it more time but as people have said with experience that they may never want to be picked up so we'll see!!