Will kittens become more affectionate?

[Shandyleer]

We have a lovely 14 month old tortoiseshell cat, she's a bit dopey, loves company, always comes to say hello if we've been out, hangs around us all the time etc - but she doesn't like being stroked or cuddled or petted in any way. Three months ago she had two kittens, both of which we are keeping, and she has been a brilliant mum to them. They are really nervous around us though, and seem to be following in Mum's footsteps in that they don't like being picked up or cuddled. One in particular is really nervous and shies away at the slightest noise, and if we do pick him up, struggles to get down straight away. The other one is a bit braver, but he also only tolerates the bare minimum of fuss. They're so cute and I just long to cuddle them - do you think they will "acclimatise", or do you think that's just how they are?

[bramblebooks]

Torties have a reputation for being 'terrible torties'. Love em, have had 7 or 8 of the terrible little boogers in my life and currently have tortie and white sisters. One is very stand offish, only likes my son (who is allergic to her) but calm. The other one is very loving and approachable. Neither have ever sat on anyone's lap and they're now 8!

[Shandyleer]

Thanks for the answer bramble. The kittens aren't torties, just the mum - one kitten is black and one is ginger. I suppose they have tortie in them though so may behave like their mum?

[pickyvic]

my vet told me torties are bad tempered! but ive had 3. only one of em tells me when shes had enough but i quite like that she is such a grumpy old moo! shes quite a character!

[MoominMymbleandMy]

I've had two torties and they were lovely, soppy, cuddly, lap cats.

My current cats came from an animal sanctuary after being dumped in a cardborad box at about 10-weeks-old.

They weren't used to being handled and did shy away from contact initially. But they are now very friendly and affectionate.

It did take some weeks and a lot of perseverance. I would stroke and talk to your two as much as you can.

[PaulaAtMummyKnowsBest]

my kittens are now 15 weeks old and are becoming a lot more affectionate now that their mum is spitting at them

I think she has finally had enough of feeding them!

We too have a girl and a boy and the boy was friendlier first.

[Shandyleer]

Thanks for your replies, off to chat to the cats!

[underpaidandoverworked]

Paula, pleased someone elses mummy cat is spitting at her babies - thought it was just mine .

Mummy is a tortie, very nervous and has never ever sat on your knee or liked being picked up. Put this down to her being born in cat and dog shelter and not being handled enough. She will, however, snuggle up on bed with you and stay there all night - much to dp's disgust

Kittens [6mths now] totally opposite. Snuggle up any chance they get, lick you for attention, compete for affection - total opposite to their mum who I'm sure has post natal depression . We handled them as soon as she would let us. We used to lie on the floor at their level and let them clamber around us - how sad is that. But I suppose when you're that small we must look huge to them.

One kitten is tortie the other looks like her bloody ugly dad - who still hasn't coughed up any maintenance . He still has the cheek to sit at bottom of garden and yowl for mummy cat - she must have been bloody good.

[PaulaAtMummyKnowsBest]

the mum of my kittens (Tilly)is a short haired tabby and is usually a really friendly puss and when we got her at 8 weeks old, she followed me everywhere!

I think she just got fed up with the babies trying to feed from her at every opportunity as their little teeth (and claws) are like razors.

The kittens are both semi long haired black babies (Jet and Ebony) and are so cute and friendly. Jet got stuck when he was being born so I put my doula training to good use and helped him out. As a result, Tilly was fine for me to be around her and the babies from day 1.

The

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

I have a tortie kitten sleeping down my top as we speak! With one litter we ended up keeping a boy who was really quite odd as a kitten - scared of everything and really didn't like being picked up at all. He turned mega cute and loving at around 4 months and still is rather lovely.