Cat doesn't like being picked up

tracey29

One of my cats is really easy to pick up and hold but the other one is very jumpy, timid and doesn't like being picked up.

She's just over a year old and we've had her since she was 8 weeks old and she's always been like it.

She will come and sit on my lap but never my husband's or daughter's and the slightest thing spooks her.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to settle her down?

Thank you.

Mankysteve

Give up, some cats are juat that way. The more you try and force her to be handled the worse itll get.

arbroath_lass

My cat was like that when we got her at 18 months. Her original slave said she'd always been like that.

We persevered, however, as a cat that can be picked up/held is much easier to worm/de-flea take to the vets etc.

All we did was pick her up for a moment (you might want to wear thick jumpers!) made a fuss of her then put her down again. Gradually we extended the time we held her for.

I think it is important that you put her down again rather than letting her jump away so she knows she will not be held "forever".

Be gentle.

antw23uk

Little and often and always with a treat afterwards. Start by stroking her back and then lift her slightly off the ground and back down again and treat. Keep going until you can hold her against your chest and again straight down and treat.

If she struggles she doesnt get the treat.

dont worry about the lap thing, she just prefers you, that you cant change so feel happy that you are priveledged

Small animals dont feel safe being lifted off the floor so you have to appreciate how this feels for them. Do you really need to pick her up for a cuddle?
We have one of each as well although our big boy is easy to pick up he isnt really interested in that kind of cuddle ... The other one will just be carried everywhere given the chance

tracey29

antw23uk wrote: »

Little and often and always with a treat afterwards. Start by stroking her back and then lift her slightly off the ground and back down again and treat. Keep going until you can hold her against your chest and again straight down and treat.

If she struggles she doesnt get the treat.

dont worry about the lap thing, she just prefers you, that you cant change so feel happy that you are priveledged

Small animals dont feel safe being lifted off the floor so you have to appreciate how this feels for them. Do you really need to pick her up for a cuddle?
We have one of each as well although our big boy is easy to pick up he isnt really interested in that kind of cuddle ... The other one will just be carried everywhere given the chance

I love it that it's me she always comes to I tend to get clawed to pieces and most of my clothes are ruined because of both of them kneading me! I love my cats :j

Scrapaholic

16 years ago we saw a little kitten cowering in a pet shop window . Next day DS brought that kitten home . She's still timid but will sit on my lap sometimes . We've always had more than one cat but I think she would have been better as an only cat . We've never ever mistreated her or any of our pets but a sudden movement will make her run away . Any one looking would think she is afraid of us . She'll come for strokes but we can't pick her up . We just let her come to us as she wants . It's just her nature and can't change her .

sassyblue

tracey29 wrote: »

Does anyone have any ideas on how to settle her down?

Thank you.

If you do wish to try and train her l would start by bending down to her when she's sitting, placing a hand on her chest and stroke her head. It 'limits' her a little bit but she's able to move away if she's really spooked. Once she's comfortable with that pick her up for a few seconds, fuss and put down again.

tracey29

Thanks for all of the tips. I'll make sure I enjoy the cuddles I get and try to train her gently to not be afraid of us. It's funny because she makes it well and truly known when she wants attention and sometimes it's like she just can't contain herself as she's so excited. She's a very funny little thing and absolutely gorgeous!

blueybug

Yeah my posh paws cat you can pick up she goes meoooooooooooooooooooooooow you put her down she looks back at you like you "just do that again and i'll claw your eyes out"

Her brother "big paws" that cat is like a sack of spuds, where ever you go he is there going pick me up!! you pick him up you cook using one hand you iron using one hand you eat your tea using one hand, that cat loves to be picked up.

so each cat is different :rotfl:

BAGGY

Bribe her. Pick her up and give her a treat then put her down so she sees being picked up as a positive and pleasurable thing. Her last reminder of being picked up will be a yummy.

podperson

Some cats just don't like being picked up. Mine is 12 now, had her since she was a kitten and she's never liked it. She'll let me do it, and OH at a push (though she'll do the whole whining/meowing thing when he does it as she knows he's a soft touch and will put her down again straight away when she does lol!) but anyone else gets clawed to high heaven.
She's quite happy to come sit on my knee though or have a cuddle when she's sat down. As long as you 'can' lift her up if needed - eg to take her to the vets/cattery or in an emergency then I wouldn't worry too much.