New Kitten Hard to Catch!

[booboo13]

My new kitten is curious and playful but does not want to be picked up and runs away from everyone.  What can I do to socialise her.  Will she ever let me hold her?

[camille79]

A lot of cats (and kittens) don't like to be picked up and messed about with.  I've always found them to be animals rather intent on retaining their dignity!  I socialised my kitten by getting down on the ground and playing lots of games with him as well as petting and stroking.  Probably not the best if you're a bird lover, but I picked up stray feathers from the garden and used these in his play too.  I found that once the interaction was on his terms he was much more likely to come and sit on my lap and generally is a very sociable, confident and friendly cat. 

[ladypink]

Cats and kittens are very independent and the majority don't like too much attention, when they do it's on their terms.

The best way I've found is just sitting near to them, particularly easy when kittens are new and contained to one room.  Let them get used to you being around, your smell etc.  Play games just like camille said too.
Also treats are a good way of gaining their trust, feeding time does the same, they learn to rely on and trust in you.

Kittens are inquisitive so I'm sure it's only a matter of time, at the moment playing, running around and exploring their home is what he/she is preferring to do.
Sit near where the kitten likes to sleep so when he/she is tired you are able to stroke them and maybe even encourage them to sleep on your lap.

Give the kitten time, it won't take long.  Sometimes they just need to settle in and get used to the place, so if you've not had it long it could explain a few things.  The history behind the new kitten could also give some answers, not used to human contact for instance.

[janemarie]

Some cats are like that. We have a 10 year old who still won't be picked up and a 12 year old who can hardly be put down. Our baby, now 2 years, is only just getting round to sitting on laps and although my husband has always been able to pick him up and pet him, he is just now allowing me to do so.

[Ouisch]

Just speaking from experience...you should make every attempt to socialize her while she's young.  Perhaps if you can catch her when she's tired and ready to nap....approach her slowly and stroke her.  Behind the ears and between the shoulders are particularly good places to stroke.  Talk soothingly to her.  Get her used to your voice and touch.  Hopefully soon she'll let you hold her for limited periods of time.