When bringing a cat into their home, people often imagine settling down on a comfortable couch and petting a warm, fluffy kitty peacefully resting in their lap. However, our pets often have their own ideas about shared leisure time. They don’t come willingly into our arms, and may even bite or scratch when their owner tries to cuddle them. So, why doesn’t a cat like to sit in your arms?
Here are some common reasons why a cat might not enjoy being held:
- Kittens are young and constantly on the move. If something catches their attention, they definitely won’t sit still.
- Strong scents from the owner. A cat’s nose is very sensitive and doesn’t like the smells of citrus, alcohol, spices, laundry detergent, or perfumes.
- Memories of past hurts. If a previous owner mistreated the cat, or if the cat grew up on the streets and isn’t used to such affection, it may not want to be held.
- Independent nature. Some animals have such an independent character that they don’t like being picked up, even by their owner. They may hiss and bite, expressing their displeasure.
- Distrust of strangers. A cat may only accept and love its owner, but not other members of the family.
- Breed specifics. Certain breeds of cats, such as British Shorthairs or Scottish Folds, don’t like being held, preferring to remain self-sufficient and independent.
- Sensitivity to noise. Cats can’t tolerate loud noises or shouting, which can scare them. In this state, it’s difficult to even pet them.
- Negative experiences with children. Cats often don’t like being held by children because they may squeeze or hurt them. Even if the child has grown up and no longer does this, the cat remembers the offense and won’t willingly be held.
A characteristic feature of all cats is their independence, vulnerability, and long memory. They will never sit in the arms of someone who has offended, hit, or chased them away. A cat won’t do something it doesn’t like, and especially won’t sit in someone’s arms. So how do you make it want to do this?
How to Train a Cat to Enjoy Being Held
It’s best to start training a cat to sit in your arms from an early age. Adult cats have already formed their character, and retraining them is very difficult.
The habituation process should be gradual and not cause any sharp negative reactions in the cat. If it breaks free and runs away, don’t bother it or insist, so as not to cause even greater rejection. If you hold the cat by force, it will start to hide, bite, and scratch as soon as you reach out to it.
Start from a distance: when passing by, simply stroke the cat. Feeding the cat from your hand, and offering treats after petting, will help it get used to your hands. It’s important that your hands are associated with something pleasant.
When the cat allows itself to be petted without fear, you can try to pick it up, place it on your lap, and stroke it. It may run away at first. Don’t try to hold it. Patience and affection from you will help the cat feel safe and relax. After a while, it will happily jump into your arms, cuddle, and purr.
Why doesn’t a cat like to sit in your arms? In any case, don’t be upset. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t love you. It can only be achieved gradually, by treating it with care and affection, avoiding coercion. Then, sooner or later, it will reciprocate.