Maybe hate is too strong a word, but this last week my previously very affectionate, loving cat wants almost nothing to do with me and it's starting to break my heart.
I was his favourite, always loved cuddles and fuss, always purred, now sits stiffly and silently when I stroke him, frequently not deigning to even accept a chin rub. Won't come to me, keeps to arms length, clearly hating it I pick him up.
Still affectionate as ever with others, eating fine, playing as normal- no indication at all that he's in pain or unwell. It's very definitely me. He does still purr & seek out head rubs & stroke maybe once every 2 days, but only when he can sit under my bed which means "don't cuddle me". Completely different with the rest of the family, seeking them out & being as cuddly as ever with them.
I don't know what I've done.
Only think I can think of is maybe I accidentally hurt him when giving daily pill? No indication at the time but I can't think of anything else at all.
I've had cats my whole life & never experienced anything like this, I've clearly broken his trust somehow and I'm so worried I can't fix things.
I'm giving him space, stopped picking him up when I realised he suddenly hated it, giving treats & trying to meet him on his terms but is there anything else I can do? I'm at sea here...