Ask the Veterinarian/My cat Miley

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Expert: - 5/29/2010


Question
Do cats ever become more affectionate with age? Mine is almost two and is still very aloof, but older cats always seem friendlier.

Answer
James,
you wrote me and asked me this question about a week ago.
Here is your question from 5/23/10:
  
"My cat is almost two years of age. Her names Miley. Like Miley Cyrus. She isn't very affectionate.  Is it possbible for her to become more affectionate with age?
Answer:   Some cats are James and some aren't. Most cats do become more affectionate with age as long as they are spayed and loved.

Could it be her name? Ha just kidding. Be sweet to her always and let her come to you.
She will eventually get closer to you."

In my experience it does seem that some cats get more affectionate with age. Some are born that way. My cat Zinny became closer to me now that myhe  other cat is gone. That cat,Crouton, wasn't very affectionate until she became older.
So there is hope for Miley still.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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