My Cat Doesn't Like to Be Touched!

Does your cat go to swat you or just run away every time you try to pet them? You’re not alone! In this video, I give advice to one of our viewers showing his cat that touch is not something to be afraid of, but something to look forward to.
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[@jeanieschrag5378]

We had a cat from the shelter that was severely abused. She was terrified of hands and it crushed my heart. I vowed to her she would get over it. It took almost 2 years but she did get over it. It got to the piont you could stand up raise your hand like you were going to slap her and she would stand on her hind legs chirp waiting for the petting. She was NEVER afraid for the rest of her life.

[@OrthodoxSparti]

This is such an amazing story. We need more people like you. There are many people who look over these types of cat. Personally, I like adopting the cats who are less likely to be adopted. God bless you!

[@Fac725]

God bless 🙏

[@AWalkingHat]

How did you get her used to it? My cat was not traumatized that I know of, but he was picked up from the streets at 4 months old with his siblings and was not socialized early enough. I have seen a lot of improvement since I adopted him, from him hiding most of the day to feeling comfortable and curious around me standing or sitting a few feet away. Even showing his belly and rolling over for the first time last week. But he will run and hide if I gently try to pet him, even following J. Galaxy's suggestions. He is not aggressive at all. No fight, all flight.

[@kellyngrey4950]

My sister and I adopted a ginger kitten clinging to a tire during a torrential downpour. He finally started coming around after four years. Now, another four years later, he is much more affectionate with my sister - though he sets the terms. He's happy with a few head bumps on an outstretched hand and some skritches under the chin. Then he lets down next to get on the couch. Some cats are like people - they take extra patience but aren't any less deserving of love.

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

Poor baby

[@paulag-a-r8646]

I have a cat, who won't stand cuddling but loves brushing and soft petting on her head. Surprisingly, she' very patient with our 4 year old son. We really love her the way she is.

[@ponykazy3725]

Very good cat, gib brushes and soft pets

[@TurboGlenn]

In my experience they get more and more chill so to speak with age. Perhaps yours is older but mine less than one y getting more into cuddling still. Also since I got two that may play a part too. From beginning not into any petting at all. Perhaps known but anyway : )

[@OrthodoxSparti]

My cat who passed also wasn’t very affectionate for a few years but I loved her either way. Knowing I was able to give her a safe home was what made me so happy.

[@belmum1689]

No child under 6yrs old should be picking up animals, kids under 6 can be a bit rough without even knowing it and they don't know which end is the head or bottom.

[@melcurina]

Aww... I would be so sad if I couldn't cuddle with my cat. I wish him all the best.

[@somedude172]

my mom has one like this, we just kinda love her from afar lol. we got her from a feral litter under our porch when she was a tiny kitten, like shed never been out from under the porch i think. but she was teeny tiny so we took her in and hand fed her.. its been like a year and a half i think, and she went from being a lovey dovey kitten to a full grown cat that acts like humans are the most disgusting, filthy creatures shes ever seen and hates being touched. when we do touch her, she washes herself thoroughly.. she also hates outside. my mom tried letting her out and by the time she got to the end of the porch (less than a foot from the door), she freaked out and ran back in... shes just the weirdest cat in the world and we love her for that lol

[@OrthodoxSparti]

@@somedude172 it’s so nice of you to continue to love your cat even though she doesn’t really show love back. My cat who passes was the same for a few years but then she warmed up. I would have been fine with it if she didn’t show love, knowing im giving her a good home is what made me happy

[@OrthodoxSparti]

My cat who passed away took a few years to let me touch her. I still loved her even when I couldn’t touch her. Knowing I’m giving her a good home where she is safe and not abused made me happy. There are many people who would just dump a cat outside if the cat won’t let anyone touch her or scratches them. :(

[@AlanaArtDream]

I hope him a lot luck too

[@newbirth35]

It took forever to be able to touch my feral baby without her experiencing severe fear.

[@liz8597]

Can you please do a video on how cats grieve? We recently lost our boy in a multi cat household and we noticed they are behaving differently like sitting in places his scent was. Death is still such a taboo topic and I think it would really help out owners

[@tsunamis82]

They also grieve for humans that have passed.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I used to lie facedown on my bed and wait for Ollie to come to me lol. He'd be so curious, he'd just start climbing on me, and that helped get him used to more physical affection.

[@suzithewitch]

Watching his cat's ears gives me hope, because his ears don't go back. It looks like the scales are slightly tipped towards play (at least in this one video). We have a cat that didn't want to be pet. We'd reach out slowly, and if he turned his head away, we wouldn't press it. We said, "I get it, you don't want pets right now". The fact that we respected his wishes really helped him, and now he loves to be pet (most of the time). And when he doesn't, we respect that. (We got that from Warwick Schiller's KZbin, but it works as well on cats as it does on horses.)

[@panatypical]

I rescued a 6 month old feral cat who had taken some hard knocks. I had an older cat who immediately began parenting him, but the little guy always kept his distance from me as much as he could. I never forced any physical contact with him. After about 4 years, I was relaxing on my bed one night when he jumped up, walked over to me and bumped his head against mine. He had decided that I was all right and from that day forward I could pet him as much as I wanted. I have another cat from an especially traumatic background whom I rescued at 5 months of age. About 7 months ago he began allowing me to pet him, just 2 months after he had turned 10. I have cats who have allowed petting immediately. Be loving to your cats and don't allow petting to become too much of an issue.

[@abuqasim1268]

This was helpful

[@user-ce2vv8en6r]

Lovely, thank you ❤

[@a.mustafa9698]

Cats are like people. Some like touching others don’t. My cat doesn’t like being touched too much but my cousin’s cat loves to be touched and cuddled. I just accept it as the cat’s personality

[@barbarawarren9443]

I needed this. I'm making a lot of headway with my previously-traumatized kitten. She loves me and soaks-in the love / petting - always on her terms, of course. She's still a wallflower and any noise makes her hide "under cover" (literally). ❤

[@heavenjohnson6753]

We recently added a deaf kitty to our cat family. She's been having some issues getting used to the other two hearing cats. I'd love to see a video about deaf cats!

[@analogevolution]

Since a kitten, Storm has hated "monkey hands" touching her. It almost seems like she is repulsed by our hands - she may allow a quick pet or neck rub but will quickly lash out at the hand. However, she will always accept headbutts, kissing, face-to-face/head-to-head affection. A true cat I suppose.

[@TJ-kz1ul]

I've tried all of Jackson's excellent ideas with my cat, but unfortunately nothing has worked. He was born ferel, and spent 7 months in a cage at the animal shelter before we adopted him. He's shy, jittery, and not very friendly, but I love him for just being him. Sometimes he talks to me with his sweet "meows", and that has to be enough. I have another big cuddle bug so at least I have one cuddly cat. =)

[@nathanboyles6222]

was he found in time? once feral always feral comes to mind, he may be happier not indoors

[@TJ-kz1ul]

@@nathanboyles6222 he was found feral at 4 months. He's very happy as an indoor cat. In the summer we take him for walks. We have another cat and they are the best of friends. But yes, I agree some cats are not suitable as indoor cats because they need to be outside.

[@NukkuiskoHyvinVaiPois]

@@nathanboyles6222 Feral cats can very much enjoy inside life. It's usually not a question of "Can we?", but a question of "Do we have the time and resources?"

[@tinekejoldersma]

I had four feral cats, born in my shed. I caught them, spay/neutered them, and build a huge outdoor cage for them. They rolled over the floor in front of my feet if I came. Took years before I could cuddle them. My youngest of five could cuddle right away. He meant no threat to them, I suppose. Keep the faith, one day, perhaps.

[@alberto2469]

Have you tried florals?

[@tinahochstetler2189]

When I did multiple daily 'kitten class' sessions with the young kitties in my feral family rescue, I used to get a small plate, a spoon, a can of cat food, and a lid for the can. then I would sit on the floor. And lean back against the wall because we would be there a long time. Put one bite of food on the plate and put it on the floor near you. See how close he will come to eat the food. That's where to start. Just put one bite of food at a time for him so he doesn't eat it all up quick and run off. Move the plate a little closer every day, as close as he will let you. Until you can put the plate on your lap and he will stand right next to you or even put his paws on you to eat his canned food bites. Ad that's when I started putting a few bites of food at a time on the plate, and just touch the kitty gently with the finger tips while they eat. They eventually got so I could pet them like normal as long as I had food for them, and even pick them up as long as I held the plate for them too. And then they let me pet them and hold them without food. Now it's all I can do to pry them off me. They are super loveable. Also, I've always told my cats 'pet, pet' when I'm petting them; 'play, play' when I'm playing with them; and 'food food, when I feed them. They learn the words quickly and know if we are petting or playing when I tell them.

[@ridonculously]

My cat lets ME do things that I doubt she’d allow others to do. I can approach her with both hands outstretched and go straight for chin scratches. I can play with her paws and give belly pets. She’s hissed at my friends for reaching out to her. Just because YOUR cat lets YOU do something doesn’t mean it’s a thing cats enjoy. It just means y’all have built a trusting relationship.

[@cordeliaface]

I have 5 cats and can confirm they are all unique in what touch they like outside of the standard head/chin/ear/cheek scratches. Peanut will really put his body weight behind head butts to ask for pets. Pepper likes to lie/sit/rest on me. Maya tolerates me petting her rear/tail (I am so used to “full body pets” and kept forgetting she does not like having that part of her body touched. She has learned it is a sign of affection and does not seem bothered by it anymore) Smudge is so sweet & laid back. When I carry him, he chills in my arms; no clinging, no claws digging in. He is also going deaf, and according to Jackson’s advice with a deaf cat, I was/am communicating I effectively with him. I suspect it’s okay between us because of the bond we had previously throughout his life. In the event others will interact with him, I will utilize Jackson’s advice to ensure Smudge doesn’t have undue stress (I have also learned, even with our bond, I need to be careful about how I wake Smudge up; he can’t hear me, so he sleeps deeper now, and it seems to take a few seconds for his brain to come back online to go “oh, it’s just you”) Mia loves ear scratches and being held. She is such a shy cat, she won’t let others hold her, and only occasionally graces visitors with letting them pet her.

[@herzen9857]

Reminds of my mom and my cat! When he used to escape to the outside my mom couldn't bring him back in. He would run away from her. But when i approached him he didn't run away at all! So i was always the one to handle him. My mom is a bit rough with the cats. She claims she knows how to take care of cats because she used to have cats when she was young but... let's be honest.. she doesn't.. i have to keep teaching her everything. "The cat isn't meowing because he likes it, hes meowing because he hates it" "DONT HUG THE CAT LIKE THAT HE'LL GOUGE YOUR EYES OUT"

[@teedee8028]

You are very observant

[@sarabesaw4447]

​@@cordeliaface​@I also had a cat named Smudge, but she was a girl. Solid gray Persian. That was like 20 years ago. Now I have 5 cats, and one of them is shy like your Mia, and I'm the only one she lets hold her like you. I did work very specifically to earn that privilege.

[@Lady8D]

I wish each of these videos came with a pinned comment from the person that asked the question with a situation update...hope this little bubbas is loving life & getting all the snuggles he can nowadays! EDIT: Just realized this video is 2days old...let's all pretend I wrote this a month from now =)

[@FreaktifulWhispers]

I have the luck of having a very articulate cat thay lets me know exactly when and how she wants to be petted. She was so chill and open since the moment I met her. I feel blessed.

[@k.a.3877]

How to flirt with a cat 101 😂😂

[@patriciaikeda2608]

I adopted a six month old kitty she had a bad experience with previous adopter who brought her back because (she was too crazy) translation she was full of kitten energy. she didn't like snuggles at first because we think the woman might of abused her. It took a while to build her trust but now she comes to us for her pets and loves when my husband picks her up, and bugs him until he loves on her. It just takes time you guys, and please keep that in mind if you adopt a cat that may have been abused or neglected.

[@vickywambui2477]

How long did it take?

[@patriciaikeda2608]

@@vickywambui2477 Its baby steps. First she was comfortable with loud noise in the house like something falling off the shelves. Its about making them feel safe. Because we were told she was brought back because she knocked something off and broke it, and we think she was beaten fir that. I would put noisy crinkly cat toys on counter table top. At first she would knock something down and hide for hours. Then she would knock he toys down and we would tell her what an amazing cat she was. Its amazing its about confidence building. Its been about a three year transformation, 6 months in she got better, then regressed a little. If you have a kitty be patient loving and build confidence. Good luck to you!

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

Some cats don't like to cuddle or be picked up. Everyone is different and, we should expect them for who they are. Most cats I've been around like their heads and chins scratched since they can't get to those areas easily.

[@justjuli]

PLEASE DO A VIDEO FOR VET TECHS! People at my clinic often have a hard time with cats but often we only have about 5 minutes before we have to start treatment on them so we don't have time to really build bonds.

[@PrincessLelouch]

Introducing yourself to the cat with your hand is a good first start. If they’re kinda sketchy, the slow blink technique is a good way to tell where you stand with them. Speak softly, no sudden movements. Head and cheek scratches are a good way to comfort a nervous but non-confrontational cat. Covering them with a towel is one of the best techniques for tech and cat safety, and if you’re holding make sure you use firm but steady pressure to press them against either the table or your body. Once you start treatments, the faster you go the better. It’s important to know your limits and the cat’s limits, because there are some cats who can’t be touched without sedation for their safety and yours. Take a scratch over a bite; cat bites are nasty business. Try to work in a quiet and dog-free space.

[@AnaPie896]

Yes this would help! I brought my tortie in for an eye infection when she was around a year old and the vet tech picked up her carrier and shook her out when she didn’t want to on her own. She’s been petrified and awful at the vet since 😔

[@tinekejoldersma]

Be full of trust, you've got no time for a bond so be gentle, move self-assured, and think soft. Cats feel your tension and react to it. Be as relaxed as possible. My vet is the most relaxed man ever, he could treat my wild boys without a problem.

[@PoppyFlux]

@@AnaPie896 aww that's awful that they treated your cat like that. I bought a carrier that opens from the top so it's easy to reach in and scoop my cat out without much hassle. I'm lucky that my vet is great with animals. He's not really a people person and comes across as gruff, but he's gentle and kind with the animals. One of my cats recently needed an op and I warned him that he's skittish and might lash out from fear, so he handled him firmly but gently, and as quickly as possible. He even commented that my cat wasn't aggressive at all during his treatment and aftercare, and that the nurses cuddled with him :)

[@bannersxyz]

Try restrain /cuddling a shy cat comfortably in a towel. After she finishes a few seconds of complaining (growling struggling) give treats and praise. It works with my kitten

[@wheathusk2499]

I got my cat from a loving household where he had his mom grandma and other family a small baby and dogs. He was 9 weeks when we got him and he has always avoided being touched. Even the gentlest of touches makes him run n be hypervigilant. He absolutely hates being picked up even after giving his treats and love. He is super cute so that doesn't help. He cuddles with us at night though but during the day he barely tolerates touching. No idea what to do

[@fuzzzysock]

Recently discovered one of our cats doesn't like normal brushes, but loves a glove "brush" and having a treat.

[@zcb477]

I'm also working on a kitty who has handshy issues. I think she was previously taught that hands are toys, but after using the Michelangelo technique and added in regular boops afterward (to increase that touch, but not pet), we've built a good bond. Now she knows when it's a boop, and will lean her nose out for it so cutely even when I can't reach her. She has also learned that I give the best underchin pets now, so progress is being made.

[@BreakdaHouseDwnBootz]

I’ve had my kitty since she was young. She won’t let me love her as much as I’d like. I always tell ppl look at her don’t touch her she will cut you 😂

[@joyxtinemariano9608]

Same here

[@krisk255]

I've been binging on your videos. Huge props to you and anyone helping to produce these!

[@ninademci1500]

Jackson, your videos are so helpful I share them with people, in my cat Facebook groups, who have a problem you've addressed. Thank you.

[@janetbrunwurth3539]

Excellent demonstration. What a nice way to learn. Beautiful video and the stars. I loved everything. Thank you very much Jackson Galaxy for sharing your valuable cat father knowledge.

[@rysentertainingentertainme5847]

Thank you for always being so helpful!

[@hydratheorganism9639]

I have a ginger cat that dislike being touched and held. But at bedtime, she’ll snuggle into my bed and sleeps beside me. Sometimes I wake up with her in the nook of my neck. And sometimes when she’s grooming, I can put my nose on her tummy and sniff her. And she’ll groom my forehead for me, that’s enough cuddling for both of us.

[@maryannechronister2837]

Patience .... hard to do but slow and steady works.

[@everythingisalie5320]

This is the exact same situation I m in with a six month old rescue cat. Jackson I worship you you have help Rosetta and me. 🙏🏾

[@tabishhussain9916]

I needed this ! Your timing is amazing My new kitten is always bitting.

[@MURZBO]

That's so true the importance of proper play...my fur baby requires play equal or more than food

[@HonesTeaBeauTea]

One of my 6 cats seems like his overstimulated almost immediately when pet. Unless hes sleepy or asks for it. That cat is so cute on the video.

[@urfriendsteve]

Thank you jackson , this was very helpful

[@jamisonordway2309]

This video was timed amazingly for me, we just adopted a ~2 year old cat who will follow, head bump, and rub up on us, and she responds well to the 'Michelangelo'.. but she's VERY nervous and easily overstimulated (the shelter described her as 'high arousal'). Sometimes she even hisses or growls after SHE touches US and we're standing still. I'm struggling to bond with her because play overstimulates her and she doesn't seem food motivated at all.

[@sweetsarah8278]

Update?

[@Top6hBlh]

Update??

[@Brera011]

Our Neko loves it when yoy trow away a toy, and after catching it, bringing it back to play again. Dozens of playthings have disappeared under cabinets and couches.

[@aseefaismail]

I got my cat used to being touched by petting her when she is eating. I heard it helps them associate pets with food and it totally worked. She’s still not super affectionate, but when I pet her she knows something fun is coming 😸

[@oliveiraph17]

How long did it take for her to allow petting when she’s not eating?

[@abuqasim1268]

Nice

[@missybandit5962]

Mr Galaxy... you are my cat guru. Thank you

[@Amarianee]

I love the adoption comment. My girl REFUSED to sit on laps for a while. It took a lot of bribery and blankets. After we got her comfortable with lap sitting on blankets she very slowly finally came around to un-hidden lap sitting. She was genuinely afraid to sit on uncovered legs at the beginning. Only thing we could think of was a possible traumatic experience with one of her previous owners (she went through 3 homes before us). It was the most exciting thing when she finally laid down on one of our laps for the first time 😻

[@pastillascelestes4768]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@HouseofFurrs]

thanks! I have a friend that I was trying to explain this too and having the video really helps to explain!

[@jorgeolivares8766]

I adopted a 5 month old cat two weeks ago. At first he was all day hiding under my bed, but now he walks around the house and explore, although he runs away if someone stands and move. He cries at night or when he’s looking at me. I THINK it’s because he wants love or petting. The thing is he doesn’t allow me to touch him, EVER. If I try he just run away and keeps crying. It makes me feel impotent, I’m not able to help him. I’ve seen so many comments of cats that were able to overcome this in a year or more. I know it should give me some kind of hope, but it makes me feel really bad. It’s just so much time. I just want to be liked by him

[@gabyv2708]

Hand feeding is great. I sat with my cats during meals and hand fed them and slowly tried petting them until they were comfortable with it. And now they begg for pets

[@oliveiraph17]

How long did it take for them to allow petting?

[@gabyv2708]

@@oliveiraph17 about a month with 1 cat but about 3 months with the other. After that it probably took another 6 months for them to let me pick them up. Patience is key

[@lewasil]

I LOVE you Jackson and all you do!!!

[@jewel4195]

My boyfriend and I adopted a kitten that is fearfull of humans because she was found outside and probably had no good human contact around the age she needed to be socialized. We have only had her for a bit over a month and she starts asking for playtimes (she will mew at her toy.) We even started using a clicker to redirect her as she reacts to sounds wonderfully and to help us teach her a few things. She wants to trust us and move forward. The shelter and the vet both thought she might never be a cuddler. And we do not pressure her to be a cuddler. She is an awesome youngster and nice to have around. She secretly enjoys being around us .. she is just insecure about herself and her own actions. Playing with her really helps her a lot. She will be less shy, enjoys the hunt and does not think too much about being around us. We adore her, from a small distance. Yes I love cuddling cats... But I also love bonding with them. Boyfriend and I are really Young and both the vet and shelter were surprises that we wanted to do this at our age. But we have patience and love to give.... So why not :)

[@amandawatton6388]

Yes! My two year old cat wouldn’t come near me when she was first rescued. She’s still a little shy. Now she lays next to me when I sleep and when I’m on the couch but she only lets me pet her when I’m in the bathroom. Not a fan of being touched any other time.🤦🏻‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@IstanbulCats]

good luck with you Jackson Galaxy 🙏💖😻 It was very good for my heart Every day I feed stray cats, try to heal them, neuter them I will spread this all over the world 🙏

[@google_must_die]

I can’t even get that close unless he’s sleeping. My cat doesn’t want anything to do with me.

[@keriezy]

Yeah yeah yeah.... it took me unfortunately a few years to break the bad habits I created with my cat; he now seeks lap time and a pet or two. The point being I did a LOT of these things and it is remarkable the change.

[@mariajcarmona]

Love your rings!

[@nancyk3615]

Hi Jackson, my kitty was in the middle of the road dead, ( I thought) , I almost ran over him. So i rescued him and he not only survived, but he has thrived with a cool personality. He loves his tail to be handled and also belly, but has aversion to head over back to base of tail rubs.I also concluded by the way I found him and his injuries, that he had been thrown from a moving vehicle. Because when I pick him up, he starts flailing his arms like he's about to be thrown. He is happy and healthy in every way except for touching his back.

[@Cyrribrae]

The editing on this one is fantastic haha

[@buddharuci2701]

Nice! Got it. Helpful!

[@jebushwplainview9453]

I have 2 kittens and one of them is usually fussy about being petted or held.... But once she tuckers out, I can get about 5 minutes of petting in .. Her sister on the other hand is super affectionate... The sweetest, gentlest kitten I've ever seen...

[@BlackCat_2]

Those tips also work with feral cats. It is what I do and have done for a couple decades now. Stay calm, present my hand, present my hand with food, go in low so they don't feel threatened and just let them decide when I can touch. Every cat has been different (worked with over 50 untouchable cats that became touchable) and each will decide in a different amount of time. My neighbors 9 year old daughter loves cats and wants to be close to them but they all run away from her. I want to help her to learn the correct approach but I don't want to offend/annoy her mother. I saw exactly what she did wrong that first day. Yes she walks slowly-ish but she tries to rush the petting and over their heads. She tries to treat them like her pet cats which does not work. Next time I see her I will talk to her and see if I can educate her without getting on her mom's nerves. - Heidi

[@SurfingPikachu17]

Thank you! One of my Cats is particularly hand shy and does the batting thing when I go to pet her. I'll take things slower and hopefully it will help :) ♡

[@TheDigitalThreat]

My two recent little ones don't like being touched too much and it really sucks. Since I got them around 8-10 weeks old (5 months ago) they will tolerate a few pats and being picked up and walking around being held, but if I'm not walking or just simply try to pet them as they lay next to me they get up and move out of reach. They follow me around the house 24/7 and show all the signs they are happy and like me, except the affection and contact. Makes me wonder what they went through before I got them because they definitely give off the vibe that it stresses them after a few pats. The female will sleep just touching my hand, but if I try to actually pet she gets up and spins in circles and re-situates so its at an angle i cant pet from. Meanwhile the male will sleep at my feet belly up, so clearly they trust me and know they are safe - but just cant/wont relax when it comes to physical contact. They also give the lightest touch head butts of any cats I've ever met. They barely make contact, and will actually startle themselves if they make full on contact (even if you don't move a muscle and just let them do their thing.) Every once in a blue moon they will jump in my lap and turn on the pur machine and enjoy a few rubs, but that's very very rare.

[@maestro4086]

My 11 week old kitten is like this. I also have an 8 week old who loves to cuddle and sleep on my chest and purr. I’m hoping my 11 week old kitten will learn from the younger one and do the same. The most he will do is sleep by my waist or legs.

[@RosheenQuynh]

I got super lucky to have such an affectionate cat!

[@thestraycattrio]

Thanks for the tips! My Sami does not like hands coming near him yet but he is learning to take treats from them.

[@MsSneaky0815]

Jackson, I have feedback for you. I 've been trying to change my cats diet for quite a while now. She's a bit of a food diva and I was an obedient servant 😹😹😹. Until now, your tip, cutting the dry food portion in half and substituting it w/ wet food AND sprinkling the dry food on the wet food actually did the trick. She does not enjoy it as much as her favourite food - Tony Tuna - but she eats it and that's a first. So THANK YOU 😽😽😽

[@aubreymorgan9763]

I got a kitten that was taken away from his mom too early and possibly abused by the person I got him from. He spent most his time the first week crying like loud horrible crying and trying to find a crack to sneak out of. I was heartbroken honestly. He didn't want pets. So I set up areas for him near me. Like a little bed by my office set up, another bed for him on the nightstand by my pillow. etc. to give him some space but still near me, It took a while. But I noticed he started using those spots and when i moved room to room he followed and sat in his little spots. then he became cuddly, then he started purring, then mushing on me.....this all took about 2 years. and now hes just a total love bug.

[@lisacox4984]

I've had my kitty since she was about three weeks old; she and her five littermates had been found a couple of days earlier in a friend's sideyard. My Muggsi Blanche, who is about eight months old, will lick my fingers and nibble but she also still sees my hands as chew toys. She's getting better, but still...she did choose me--she paid more attention to me than the other kitties did. She will sit for a neck/jaw/head scritch sometimes but if she doesn't want to lick my fingers or nibble them she will bat my hand and leap off my lap, like we're playing tag and I'm it :).

[@user-hj9me7td2j]

Speaking of hunt my eldest cat is 1.5 year old female a d the other day she caught a huge rat and ate it whole... I'm so proud of her 🥺

[@paulag-a-r8646]

We 're also fostering a 6 week old kitten until we find her a suitable family.Tons of energy. Tons of scratches...

[@AnnieJackson]

3:22 LMAO 😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹

[@dianabrown5821]

Oh thanks

[@emilyhills8386]

I use the Michelangelo ALL THE TIME. My kitty hates to have her head pet first. But since employing the Michelangelo. She pets first showing where she wants to be touched and then we can pet her head. Its done wonders!!

[@room920renalforlife]

My cat does that. He really doesn’t claw. No nails come out at all. He kind of bats my hand. He LOVES the head bumping.

[@9liveslisa]

I have a Lynx Point Siamese I adopted when she was just a tiny kitten, but I've never been able to just pick her up. When she has to go to the vet, it is always a struggle. She equates hands with being caught. Now she will let me pet her when I'm laying down in bed and she also lets me pet her when I'm in my office chair on the computer. When I'm in bed, she drapes her body on my body and she likes to be petted. When I'm in my office, she'll come into say hi and she'll wrap and walk around my feet and I can drop my hand and give her a pet; sometimes she'll even stand on her hind legs and demand that I pet her. Which I do, of course. But all the other times in our relationship, she likes to wrap around my ankles when I'm walking and if I'm watching TV, she likes me to pet her with my feet. It's always about the feet because feet can't grab her.

[@theshore78]

For the first time: I got 2 kittens... They are so different... yet snuggle together every night, no problems. I think of it this: One of them has a different bassline... and it's been a joy figuring him out. What I learnt is this, he will decide if he likes your hand; if it is a postive experience; will he try to claim it as his behind it his brother's back: also how he prefers your hand to be presented. I have got these guys from scratch (and that's after 2 male rescues), you have to accept that they are all different (add experiences)... no matter what.

[@YoSpiff]

I have a 6 year old cat with some similar issues. (Uploaded a pic of her to your site recently, a calico with her face shoved deep in my stinky slipper) She spent her first few weeks of life outdoors in some terrible rainstorms we had in 2015, and she still seems to have some feral instinct in her. She is afraid of strangers and will go into hiding until about 2 hours after the visitors leave. She doesn't like being held or pet on the back/side. She does like getting belly rubs and scritched behind the ears and under the chin, the vulnerable areas she would protect if she felt threatened. She's starting to be more accepting of the side pets recently. Kinda prefers the attention on her own terms, though.

[@obviHelloKttyLover351]

I have waited for this video

[@geronimopacis]

Thank you hipster cat daddy for the advice 🙏

[@modupefield9392]

Hi Jackson, Can you do a video on clumping vs non-clumping litter please? We're adopting a new cat and not sure of the pros and cons of each. Thanks

[@CollyDoo]

My bebes love their hugs. 🥰

[@Daph112]

yeah I've learned approaching cats by trying to approach this feral cat. She's now really cuddly and affectionate. The key is like with kids: you get down to their level and make yourself small. Gotta squat down if you wanna connect with cats

[@stephenshelton4267]

I have a cat who decided one day that he doesn't like to be petted. I'll by lying on the couch and he'll walk by, and when I try to pet him he plays Limbo on expert mode. He loves to be brushed though.

[@photadyta]

I found a 6 month old cat who just gave birth and she was alone. Skinny. I love her and take care of her. She's healthy now. We play and she trusts me. She purrs when I pick her up but she dodges my hands. She isn't afraid of my hands. It's like she just hates being touched. No petting anywhere is nice to her. It doesn't feel good? I keep trying but I also don't want to force it on her.

[@IndigoWolfTail]

My kitten had a similar problem with me touching her paws. So I said to myself, "If she won't let me touch hers, I'll let her touch mine instead! Then with a little training, everytime our paws touched, she'd get a treat. Pretty soon it became Shake, High Five, Which Hand?, hell she even boops my nose now!

[@HelisL]

I have the same thing. I adopted a cat 3 months ago from the pound. She is around 4 years old and was the shiest of the pound cats, was taken back there twice before me so I thought I could give her another change. I haven't been able to play with her, she is scared of the fishing rod toy and not interested in the lazer. Other methods would be out of the question because I can't get near her, she would hiss if I get few steps too close. I haven't been able to pet her, because if I get too close, she runs away, I am assuming she has had a rough history). I have tried the Michelangelo hand, she sniffs and walks away. With wet food she has eaten out of my hand, treats haven't interested her. Have got slow blinks from her though when I have started it and sometimes i lay on the floor so she would get use to me. I am worried of when we need to go to the vet, how to handle her if she doesn't let me near her. Maybe it is too soon, it's been only 3 months, but any tips are welcome.

[@oliveiraph17]

My female cat is like that too. How are things now?

[@Atheist7]

3:23 That's VERY IMPORTANT to KNOW!!!!!!!!!!! (try anyway)

[@doctorSI]

Ok my cat has the same problem. Thanku for making this

[@Verbsdescribeus]

I adopted my rescued cats at 7 years old but they just like to be near me on the table, on the couch, on the bed, but not to be petted and soon they will be 13 years old :) Happy senior cat day everyday! :)

[@anacontreras4548]

What a beautiful Turkish Van.

[@storytellercreations2254]

You are so dedicated! Such a cute doggie, he's a good boy! The PB&J looks so icky! Lol at the Death Note. We can tell you mean business! Science shouldn't be used to make a drink like that! I would definitely try it too if we got the chance!

[@storytellercreations2254]

Did you dump it out? Or drink it?

[@kee7374]

What is going on

[@seaofglass77]

Would you please do a video about the constantly swishing tail? My girl can be totally relaxed on my lap, purring, belly up. But her tail will still switch.

[@kento4177]

Ive come to believe that belly up is a sign of trust but not an invitation.

[@darcellesmith6940]

@@kento4177 hbuhbhvvvvvbvhvhu BBC

[@raedaily9854]

One thing I would point out is that if the kitten is in India, he probably comes from a long line of feral cats. We have a kitten whose mother we swear was a barn cat. Her ancestors may have been feral too. Even though we got her when she was 6 weeks old, it still has taken us a long time to get her accustomed to the touch of humans. SHE will touch us all up and down, but the other way is a little tricky. Because she is most bonded to me, I spend a lot of time randomly picking her up, doing a little nose sniffing and then putting her down in one of her favorite spots. She still doesn't like it, but most of the time there isn't any scratching or biting (only if I drag her out of her sleeping tree). She still isn't much on petting and will rearrange her hair after moving away from petting ("You messed up my hair, human").

[@elisakoni190]

We got kittens, that lived outside for their first (approximately) 7 weeks. Therefore they have been very hissy at the start. Now our boy prefers to be pet when he is being held, but our girl doesn't like it. We have them since August and in the last 2 weeks she suddenly started to letting me pick her up. It took a looong time, but it's worth it.

[@Brigada91RealBriggy]

Me: doing the Michelangelo My cat: starts going for it and shows me where he wants to be petted Me: you have fallen right in my trap! Muhahaha

[@itskashkashi]

Mine just goes "chomp" lol

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

All Cat's are cute!

[@at-ge5te]

Both my cats are street rescues. Were probably about 6 months when i got them. They refuse to let me pet them when i want to. But when THEY want pets they'll jump on me and even sleep on my chest making biscuits. I've come to an understanding that they control pet time. And thats fine with me. I love my cats. Been 8 years together now

[@Erzaphelia18]

So the thing is my cat I adopted him when he was 1 month old and at the beginning he was super playful and loves to cuddle but not too much tho … I’ve never left him anywhere with anyone for the past 4 years so he was always by my side even when I travel I take him with me so I don’t get why with time he is more dismissive of my hugs he won’t let me touch him even … the vet says he is 100% healthy he gets all his vaccines and vet checkups on time so I don’t understand from where he gets this behavior and he was never ever abused … maybe he just is like this… and it kinda makes me sad 😞 I love him to death like I’m super obsessed with my cat but he just doesn’t want my hugs or even petting only if its on his head and not for more than a minute … when I pick him up he just wiggles and scratches me (and this has been an issue especially when I am in the airport) I tried so many methods none worked .. he allows me to kiss him only when I give him food … I think he just hates me … honestly lately I’ve been less and less affectionate to him because I thought maybe this way he won’t feel like I’m forcing him to love me but it still doesn’t work …

[@beatrizmadureira8127]

I rescued a Mum cat and her 3 kittens last april until now only one of the kittens are "humans" friendly, the others stay on eye site but dont' allow petting touching etc, great video thanks for the tips !

[@lukemontgomery4872]

Could you make a video about grooming tips and care for long haired cats? My wife and I simply can’t afford to take Ms. Puff to the groomer frequently.

[@lisamartini6457]

So my wild kitten who was found in a bag was very untrusting ...day 2 I rubbed down his back and head with the stick off his string toy ..he hissed growled but couldn't resist playing with the toy...I kept doing it....then replaced the stick for my hand....he loved the affecting...day 4/5 I can just kneel down wiggle my fingers he comes for a pet...the stick got him used to being touched 😁

[@RikoLime]

When we adopted my moms kitten she was super shy at first, but got really social. Happy! But we notice shes terrified of hands approaching her head. Shes fine if you pet her body or scratch her head from behind when she cant see it approaching. We think her foster owner abused her.its a shame too because shes extremely food motivated and a social bubbly personality but terrified of approaching hands. It seems so deeply ingrained cus she will get brave and eat treats from hands but if theres no treats, she runs.

[@SK-gi8dj]

My cat is a freak. Ears go back all the time yet I’ve never once been hissed at or bitten. She just purrs

[@kellyngrey4950]

My cat was very hand why or would go bite when I went to pet him. I tried the Michaelangelo finger with my palm down but he will still bite unless I show him my palm, turned upward, fingers gently outstretched. It gives him a moment to understand that I am not moving in on him with agression; instead my hand signals that my intention is affectionate. From there he decided if he wants to be petted - either by pulling away or pressing his head/cheeks toward my hand. TL;DR if the Michelangelo finger doesn't work, try it with your palm up.

[@Eat-Glass]

Is there a way to train a cat to be fire drill ready? Like as soon as they hear an alarm they know to get in a carrier and be ready to evacuate?

[@lenandersson617]

Our cat, Olle, is kind of like the stereotypical cat that'll duck, lower his back and try to avoid our hands when we're trying to pet him. So I gave up on petting him cause it clearly wasn't his thing. He does however really enjoy being brushed around his head, cheeks and chin (which somewhat makes sense cause he loves cleaning himself, so he gladly let us help). And after the first time we introduced him to the new and more comfortable brush, he has recently started to stroke himself against us like as if we were the brush!