Is our kitten always going to be anti-social?

[HomelyK]

Hey everyone

So background- we have 5 cats already- 2 9 year old cats and 3 kittens ranging from 7-3 months.

The three kittens came at different times but all were pretty social and confident early on. After a day or two they were seeking us out and having cuddles.

I got our final kitten from a tica registered breeder at 13 weeks. A longhair bsh, my dream colour too. He was timid when we got him but breeder assured us he was a cuddly kitten.

He has now been home for a week. He has integrated beautifully with our cats- plays with them, sleeps with one of them and seems content. HOWEVER he runs away from all of us, only tolerating some strokes when he's half asleep. He won't go on our laps.

What do I do? Is there anyway he could become more sociable and confident with humans or will he always be this timid? Have I just been very lucky with the others?

Thanks so much!

The kitten isn't anti-social. I was expecting some feral monster not a shy youngster who's newly re-homed. Give him time.

Don’t bsh have this reputation though? Are your friendly cats bsh too?

Our newest kitten was very nervy and constantly peeing on the floor. We got a plug in that was meant to help calm them and she’s like a different cat! I’ve not had to clean up pee all week and she’s coming for cuddles.

So we have one other British long hair and she's super confident and an absolute lap cat and is two weeks older than him. British long hairs as crossed with Persians originally are known to be more friendly than their shorter fur buddies.

I guess the main thing is he's happy and playing with our other cats. Just wanted another confident kitten but he's far from it ATM. We do have feliway on too.

My old cat took about 18 months to become affectionate but after that he was like velcro.

One of the current tribe, Frankenstein, has been with me for about 2.5yrs and is finally now confident in coming for a cuddle but only when I'm in bed. As soon as I get in and lie down, he comes over to go under the duvet with just his head poking out, front paws on my arm.

Your new one will get there, just give them space and time.

My Lola took about 8 years to warm up to us, but now, in her very old age, is a devoted lap cat! (Probably not helpful...) Seriously, a week doesn't seem very long for the little one to find his paws in your family.

You haven't paid the cat tax! It must be paid at once!!

A week! Give him some time to settle in, maybe a year.

Maybe the other cats will tell him you’re alright really.

Thanks everyone. Cat tax-

I found an abandoned kitten in December 22 , she was semi feral and it's only now nearly 18 months later that she's any bit affectionate. She will come to us for pets but it has to be on her terms or we will get a nip. You ve only had your kitty a very short length of time. Google the rule of 3 and it should help you understand how animals adjust to a new environment

No advice I'm afraid - but he's very cute.
You seem to have a baby Sybil 😁

I think you're expecting way too much in a week. He's had so many changes in a very short period of time - just be patient!

I think you meant unsociable or unsocialized @HomelyK . Antisocial means 'contrary to the laws and customs of society, in a way that causes annoyance and disapproval in others'.
He's a fine-looking feline. Love the cat tax photo.

Ahh he's bloody gorgeous!

He’s gorgeous but please stop collecting cats. They actually need your individual attention..

Lol he looks quite startled to be photographed! A beaut though

Just needs time

Most cats will become cuddlier as they grow into proper adulthood and beyond.

Curious...why have you got 3 kittens in such a short space of time?

We got our first kitten for our son (and us), then his half sibling got let down 4 times so we were asked to have him. The other two were brought from same breeder too. Tbh I've always had lots of cats as a child and it's my norm. Trust me between my husband, me and our two sons they get a lot of love and attention but he is our final one. Two cats was never going to be my final number but we had our children so put it on hold until they were old enough to appreciate them ❤️

Nothing wrong with multiple cats OP 🥰

We got 13 week old kittens 3 weeks ago. The first week they were mostly cuddled up together, willing to play, but not that interested in us other than that. Now they are sleeping on our bed, coming to us to sit with us etc.

We have an older cat who was a very affectionate kitten who now prefers her own space though so there are no guarantees!

I don't particularly enjoy the judgement on here but I guess that's Mumsnet!

We have three (all adults now) and they are amazing together. They're now 9, 4 and 1 and they get on so well - it's lovely to see their different relationships and friendships.

And they definitely miss each other when one is gone (at the vets for example). We also lost one last year and our oldest boy grieved her for weeks 🥺

Your kitten is the twin of mine. Afraid to say she’s still rather anti social. She’s not a lapcat at all. She will tolerate a couple of strokes and then runs off. Total opposite of my Birman.

They have formed a lovely bond already. He actually came up for an hour cuddle with my husband last night and sat on my sons bed whilst he was doing his reading. ❤️

No judgement here, I have seven of the furry demons (well, 6 3/4 as one is a tripod). They all get plenty of attention from me when they want it, and from each other.