Hand reared kitten - differences?

[rosebud5678]

At the weekend we adopted a beautiful little black and white female kitten. The background is that she and her siblings were abandoned by their mum at approx 5 days old, and hand reared by a wonderful Cats Protection fosterer.
This kitten is unbelievably affectionate, purrs almost constantly and LOVES to snuggle on a lap. We have fallen in love and can't wait to watch her develop into a loving adult cat.
I just wondered if this is typical for a hand reared kitten? Before we agreed to rehome her I read quite mixed reviews, some saying that they are disadvantaged, having never been taught social skills (and other things) by their mother. Is there anything we should look out for?

I’ve got a hand reared cat, but she was socialised with other cats in her foster home. She sounds very different from your cat, she’s not a lap cat at all and she rarely purrs. She’s nearly 3 and still acts like a kitten in many ways. She hates being picked up (cries like she’s being murdered ) and launches herself at our other cat (who gives her death stares ). Enjoy your cuddles, I only get them when she wants food

I have two hand reared kittens from the same litter and they are amazing! They're four years old now and they are the most affectionate and easy going cats I've ever had. They are pretty weird but in a wonderful way! I think being raises as a litter makes a huge difference, because their siblings teach them not to be too rough when playing. I have met singleton hand rears raised by the same (very experienced) person who have been little terrors. If yours is cuddly and affectionate now then I think that's a good sign! I would definitely avoid rough play though, and stop a game if any contact of claws or teeth with skin even if it doesn't hurt.

Yes, I think by all accounts we have been pretty lucky with this one. Will bear in mind the advice re rough games though!

From what I understand, hand reared kittens are generally more affectionate. She sounds adorable.

I have a hand reared kitten, I got him at six weeks following his mother rejecting the litter and dad trying to kill them. He was so loving and affectionate until around 4 months when his behaviour deteriorated. He's hurt me so many times, he's bitten my neighbour and friends. I have scars on my face, I had a infected bite on my chin. My house is ruined. He steals things and hides them (jewellery, makeup brushes, computer mouse). His biting is relentless despite all the toys he has and the time I spend playing with him. He just wants to attack me constantly. He's ruined lots of my clothes by launching himself at me. Ruined a very expensive suit jacket within two minutes of me wearing it. Vet says it's due to being hand reared. It's a nightmare but I won't give up on him. When he sleeps he is angelic, but that's not for long!

My boy was hand reared, but also lived with other kittens in the foster home. He is bonkers! A massive and funny character, cuddles on his own terms, never sleeps, always on the go. The only real issue is feeding, because he was without mum for a couple of days 😢, he is obsessed with food. Seems to equate food with love. 🤷‍♀️ He’s adorable!

I hand reared a kitten , had a connection at the rspca, asked me to hand rear it, abandoned by its mum.
I used to simulate licking her to encourage her keep herself groomed as she was rejected so young she didn't experience this with her mum (yep, I'm a crazy cat lady)
Best cat in the world ❤️ I think she thought I was her mum, we were practically inseparable, she lived 20 yrs, followed me everywhere even to the bathroom, sat in the sink whilst I showered or on the side of the bath when I was in there.
Never had a wee alone.
She hated everyone else.
Gutted when she passed away, still miss her 😢

Dizzy1234 She was one lucky girl.. you both were.