Raising a confident DCat

[TheCatOfAthenry]

My 12 week old kitten, who has been with us since 5 weeks (Mum sick) is suddenly anxious whenever I'm not there, even if he's being utterly spoiled by DP and Cookie the cat.

It's not that he even wants cuddles, or games, just my presence.

If I leave the room he cries for a good 2 minutes. He also cries if I'm asleep and he's not. He stops the second I'm back/awake.

I love him so much and I'm mildly pleased he seems to need me, but if anyone has any tips on raising a confident DCat, I'm all ears!

[EachandEveryone]

I don't know but he's so bloody gorgeous. Is he with the big sister yet? Is she beating on him? I'm just wondering if it will make a difference when they start being friends.

[TheCatOfAthenry]

Thanks for the reply. They love each other - he just enjoys a good whinge on my departure.

[Weedsnseeds1]

I think in the end it just comes down to personality. Some are naturally confident and some aren't. Must say he doesn't appear to be a bag of nerves!
Maybe he's just decided it's time to start on your training regime?!

[RubbishMantra]

Did he need bottle feeding when he was tiny, and was it you who did that? He probably has an extra close bond with you, and has some separation anxiety after being removed from birth mum, (through necessity) so young.

Have you got any long fishing rod type toys, to shift his attention onto? You can then pass toy flicking duties onto DP when you exit. (However, this could end up as a never ending game for him, and repetitive strain injury for you and DP!)

[TheCatOfAthenry]

@RubbishMantra very good point re bottle feeding! Wasn't for long, but was needed at first.

Yes, perhaps he is training me now. I hope to please the fuzzy little overlord.