Kitten only wants to be stroked in the morning

[jinglejungle]

We took two kittens from cats protection league. We got them at about 10/11 weeks.

The girl is fine and always has been, but the boy has always been very shy and timid. Ever since we got him, he runs a mile when you go near him and he's impossible to stroke/get near.

However, first thing in the morning (or in the middle of the night if we forget to close the door) he'll jump on our bed, sniff around our heads and let us stroke him etc. You can even pick him up if you're quick and once you've got him, he will cuddle up quite happily.

He's practically needy! However, as soon as get out of bed it's all over - won't let you near him.

I've tried lying on the floor etc but nothing works.

Will he always be like this? Is there anything I can do to make him more sociable during the day? Shall I just count my lucky stars that at least he's affectionate in the mornings?

Sounds as if you're doing pretty well already - it can take kittens a while to adjust.

How old are they and do you know their history? (eg if they were feral or something.)

One if our cats is exactly the same. If you approach her she runs off, doesn't want to sit on anyone. Hates being picked up. But the minute we're in bed she's all over us. Nudging to be stroked, purring, sitting on us no matter which way we're laying. She's 2.5 yrs now and we've had her since 16wks.

The cat came in pregnant but don't think she was feral. There were 4 in the litter and the other three were all fine, just this one was really shy and nervous.

I felt sorry for him :-(

I just think he wasn't handled very often as she had so many cats to look after and was difficult to catch!

Cats are strange beasts, everything will always be on their terms whether you like it or not!

He sounds OK. Encourage the cuddling in bed and otherwise, treat him like an amiable lodger. I've always let my boys make the first move to wanting love and it's seemed to work well with them - they've been a happy bunch.

Well done for taking a couple of rescue kits.

I have a little cat that I never see during the day. She approaches me for strokes and chin rubs when I'm on the sofa, on the bed or on the loo. And only morning and evening. I've learned not to approach her and our relationship works on these terms. She won't acknowledge dh's existence. Neither of my other cats are like this.