Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/kitties

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/4/2008


Question
Hi,

I recently adopted 2 persian kittens (8 weeks old), one female and one male, and both are siblings. The female is very outgoing and playful and likes to play with us since the first day we got her, but the male is very the opposite. He does not like to be picked up, or even touched or cuddled. He always tries to get away from us even if we are not touching him. he seems that he does not like us that much. He hides under furniture and chairs where he is not reachable. The moment he sees any of us coming towards him he runs away. He only enjoys playing with his sister or alone.
What can I do to make my male kitten more outgoing like his sister?

Thanks


Answer
Blaze,

If you adopted them then, even though they are siblings, they may have had different fathers so they will have different behaviors. A cat can have a kitten from each father that bred them during their cycle.

If the one kitten has a feral parent then that behavior is typical. Ferals do NOT like to be held or petted for very long. They have an inbred distrust of humans, and it takes quite a while for them to come to trust you.

8 weeks is still very young, and everything is new to him. Give him time to acclimate himself to his new home and owners. Don't force him. Be patient.

Food is a great bribe. Give the kitties kitty treats, like tinned sardines (in oil), tuna, etc. so they associate you with pleasant things.

Also getting a pet laser light is good for interactive play. It helps build confidence, and also helps with the bonding process.

Give the kitten time, he will come around.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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