How long does it take kittens...
Discussion
To get used to their new owners?
We've had our two bengals almost a week now, and although everything else is utterly perfect, they're playing, they are exploring etc, they still haven't done what I've known all cats to do...
Jump on your lap, want you to stroke them etc if you try to stroke one of ours they usually try to move themselves away, there have been times where I've got one of them to purr and roll over to tickle her belly, but she is reluctant most of the time and the male has never let that happen..
Is this normal? I know for 6 months they have lived in a cattery so probably didn't have a lot of human contact outside of feeding. So will they get used to us?
We've had our two bengals almost a week now, and although everything else is utterly perfect, they're playing, they are exploring etc, they still haven't done what I've known all cats to do...
Jump on your lap, want you to stroke them etc if you try to stroke one of ours they usually try to move themselves away, there have been times where I've got one of them to purr and roll over to tickle her belly, but she is reluctant most of the time and the male has never let that happen..
Is this normal? I know for 6 months they have lived in a cattery so probably didn't have a lot of human contact outside of feeding. So will they get used to us?
We picked up a 9 month old Persian called Poppy last Saturday and all she wants to do is explore and cause mischief. Would think that as you have 2 younger kittens it might take a bit of time but as long as they both eat, play and use the litter tray then they are happy and will come to you when they are ready.
No real time limit on it i'm afraid to say.
No real time limit on it i'm afraid to say.
I've never liked cats... Until a half starved, inbred, semi feral, farm cat with one and a half ears appeared in our garden 
. She didn't like being picked up and fussed over, we just left her to it and over the course of a few months she became more used to us. Now she is quite cuddly and if its cold will sneak under the quilt while were asleep. Leave your cats to settle in and they will come around.
. She didn't like being picked up and fussed over, we just left her to it and over the course of a few months she became more used to us. Now she is quite cuddly and if its cold will sneak under the quilt while were asleep. Leave your cats to settle in and they will come around.Our old female cat - we had her as a kitten - would only ever accept fuss on her terms, hated being picked up & didn't want to sit on laps.
Of the two we now have - 1 of each sex, both 18 months old, both neutered & we've also had them from kittens - the girl is now exactly like our old cat! Her brother is a bit better, insists my wife picks him up & carries him about for about 10 minutes EVERY morning & will tolerate being picked up later if he feels like it. Doesn't do laps though.
Of the two we now have - 1 of each sex, both 18 months old, both neutered & we've also had them from kittens - the girl is now exactly like our old cat! Her brother is a bit better, insists my wife picks him up & carries him about for about 10 minutes EVERY morning & will tolerate being picked up later if he feels like it. Doesn't do laps though.
As the others have said, they will do it in their time if they want to do it at all. Our bengal will go for weeks without even a rub round the legs for food, then he decides he can't get enough of us, sits on laps and bites if you move, in bed, under duvet, all excited when we come home etc, then its back to the cold shoulder. They do it when they want, you are mearly a man b
h to them! Being rescues will take them a bit longer too as they will need to learn to trust you and be re-assured they are not going to be left/hurt/abandoned etc. Give it time and if they are cuddly cats, which most bengals are, they will appear on your lap or laid next to you, normally when you least expect it.
h to them! Being rescues will take them a bit longer too as they will need to learn to trust you and be re-assured they are not going to be left/hurt/abandoned etc. Give it time and if they are cuddly cats, which most bengals are, they will appear on your lap or laid next to you, normally when you least expect it.ali_kat said:
It's always on THEIR terms, especially with Bengals!
They'll tell you when they want a fuss, or to sleep on your lap - if they don't want to don't force then; kitten claws are sharp! And it will put them off further
Absolutely this.They'll tell you when they want a fuss, or to sleep on your lap - if they don't want to don't force then; kitten claws are sharp! And it will put them off further
Handle them often if they are relaxed but only for a minute or so at a time, they will get used to it.
Mei Mei our 1 year old would rather stand on the back of the sofa and lick my bald spot than sit on a lap!
I've got one cat who has never let herself be picked up since I got her as a kitten. She hides under the stairs all day every day.
Boris the bengal likes to be walked around thrown over my shoulders and patted like a baby.
They are all different. But when I have moved home with cats it can take 2/3 weeks till they settle down. Probably your kittens will take a couple of weeks till they get used to you. Timid ones can be coaxed into being more confident with lots and lots of play and treats.
Boris the bengal likes to be walked around thrown over my shoulders and patted like a baby.
They are all different. But when I have moved home with cats it can take 2/3 weeks till they settle down. Probably your kittens will take a couple of weeks till they get used to you. Timid ones can be coaxed into being more confident with lots and lots of play and treats.
My little guy is one of the most loving cats Ive ever known-he loves his cuddles.When hes finished playing(and he plays quite rough-scratching and biting)he squeezes right up to you if you are on the sofa or even tries to rub his head against my hand while I am using the mouse on my computer,and paddles and purrs loudly.
OP I think sometimes cats need time to adjust to new surroundings,esp if they have lived in a cattery for so long.Im sure you are kind and gentle with them so they will learn to trust you before too long.
OP I think sometimes cats need time to adjust to new surroundings,esp if they have lived in a cattery for so long.Im sure you are kind and gentle with them so they will learn to trust you before too long.
Well they are getting better, we're able to stroke both of them now, and they roll over and want a belly rub 
not keen on being picked up yet, which isn't a massive issue, as I don't intend to carry it round the house with me!
so all in all, its going well.
Our female is being VERY loud at the minute though, she's 7 months now and hasn't been spayed yet, do you think she could be on heat hence the calling etc?
not keen on being picked up yet, which isn't a massive issue, as I don't intend to carry it round the house with me!
so all in all, its going well.
Our female is being VERY loud at the minute though, she's 7 months now and hasn't been spayed yet, do you think she could be on heat hence the calling etc?
Phew . She's the right age and it's the right time of year. Spaying often advised 5-6 months to avoid the calling!
If she is you'll prob have to wait a few days before op is done, not good to spay whilst mid call.
Cost depends on area but prob £50-£70
. She's the right age and it's the right time of year. Spaying often advised 5-6 months to avoid the calling!If she is you'll prob have to wait a few days before op is done, not good to spay whilst mid call.
Cost depends on area but prob £50-£70
Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 8th March 21:03
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