Posted 15 May 2012 at 16:06 | Last updated 15 May 2012 at 19:28

Cat Temperament

Asked by Kirsten A | 5 Answers

Hi
My Gabriel has never been a particulary cuddly kitten. She is just coming up to one year now and is our only pet. She is only let outside when we are home, evenings and weekends. We barely go out these days! She only likes a small amount of petting, when she wants it, and usually after a few strokes she will then attack your arm or run off.
Is this just a standard cat behaviour? Is she just more a cats cat? She likes to know where we are and doesnt like it if we leave and she cant find us. She is affcetionate in her own way I think but as said just not cuddly and I think like any teenager we are more of a food source than much else lol.

Category: 
Behaviour

Expert answer

Karen W
Gold badge

Hi Kirsten

As long as she is healthy and not in pain then it sounds like she just does not enjoy stroking contact. This is normal behaviour for some cats who just seem to like a bit of touch and then retreat. Other cats adore cuddles but it sounds like she just might be saying 'less is more' and is probably happiest that way.

You could play games with her using dangly toys and perhaps interact with her more in this way if this is something she would enjoy?

Best wishes

Karen

Kirsten A
Bronze badge
0

Dear Karen

Thank you for your reasurring comments. We do play with Gabriel as much as we can, when shes in these days lol, or she does like to chase me round the garden on occassion. Its just nice to hear from a professional shes normal and healthy, regardless the attitude!

Kind regards,

Kirsten :) x

Answers

Chris R
Beginner badge
Owns:
  • 1 Cat
0

Some cats do show there natural instincts more than others, hence why shes quite timmid, also (although by what you said i don't think this is the case) some cats mqay of got a ruff time when outside, you know some local kids where not very nice to her and these events can often put cats off of humans for life, hope this helps, just keep giving her the tlc and i'm sure after time she'll learn to trust the ones who've been there for her all her life.

Kirsten A
Bronze badge
Owns:
  • 2 Cats
0

Dear Chris

Thank you for your comments. Hopefully like any teenager she will grow out of her mood swings lol and settle down a bit more with us. Sometimes I wonder whether she would like a companion as she seems to love playing with other cats or chasing them but at the same time she seems so content? Keeps me on my toes :) xx

Jacquie B
Bronze badge
Owns:
  • 4 Cats
0

my female cats have all been the same but the boys like to be fussed and will have their tumys rubbed too

Author:
Kirsten A

Bronze badge
Owns:
  • 2 Cats
I am a country gal, fun loving and friendly.

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