Is it possible to encourage a cat to be more affectionate/cuddley?

[Terfing]

Of course, I would never force my cat into anything he didn't want to do! Just curious!

I have a male Maine Coon that was a stray for a while. Unlike most Mcs, he isn't very friendly or affectionate. He will let me pick him up to bring him in/ take him out, but not for cuddles etc.

He lets me brush his hair too, but only with a brush, not with my fingers.

Other than that, nothing! I'm not complaining, but it is different from my past cats.

Any ideas on how to encourage his affectionate side? (No cruel suggestions please!)

It's taken a looong time for my ex-ferals to be affectionate, and it's still on their terms.

For example I spent quite a while recently tempting Boycat onto my bed while I was on it using Dreamies - this morning we had a 10 minute session of lying side by side with me tickling his tummy. But there's no way he will sit on me, and he still gets really distressed if I pick him up. I can do the same on the sofa, but only when he lies in HIS spot, and I move from mine to sit next to him.

Time and patience - I reckon with mine they will be cuddly in about another 10 years!

I've had DCat for 5 years now and she was a rescue with kittens when we got her at 18 months old. For the first couple of years we just tempted her up with Dreamies, then had her sit for a minute at most and jump off. Then the December after we got her she suddenly jumped up on my lap and sat there for twenty minutes and since then she's never looked back! She also used to run away and/or scratch at visitors but now she doesn't even mind walking across them to get a treat! So I think it just takes time and treats.

Give him time and space. Be around but don't try to stroke him or pick him up. Say a few very gentle words.