Help!!! I have an absolutely beautiful, brown tabby w/white, 4 month old, 9 lb., male MC. And if he ever grows into his ears and feet, he'll be a spectacular adult! The problem... Jethro is not affectionate, at all. Although he seems very content, sometimes purring louder than the TV. He always wants to be in the same room with me, on the floor or chair next to me, purring loudly and smiling at me with his eyes, but, as soon as I reach to touch him, he's outta there! I've had cats all my life and have never experienced anything other than 100% mutual admiration. I should mention that I also have a beautiful, black smoke, 7 month old, 10 lb. female. Josie is the exact opposite. She'll drive you nuts trying to get and give love. I should also mention that Jethro still has 1 undescended testicle. Could that be the explanation? Does he distrust me? If so, why? Maybe he wasn't handled much at the breeder's house before I got him at 10 weeks. Maybe it's me!! Jethro is so gorgeous, I can't stand not being able to snuggle with him. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanx, Kathryn Self

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2000

Answers

My advice is be patient & try to give him affection on his terms. My male MC was also very skittish about being held, etc. when we first got him. He would purr and approach us for rubbing but if you made a move to hold him - he was out of there. I finally figured out he was more comfortable if I was on the floor and he would cuddle and as he's gotten older he'll now let us hold him & is extremely affectionate (in fact, he now demands attention at times). MC's are very intelligent & I think that makes them somewhat wary, maybe more so than other cats. And maybe it's a male thing. The fact that he's purring is a good sign, so read his cues and move slowly. Start with ear rubs or whatever he likes and gradually branch out from there. Good Luck!

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2000

Hi; my 2 year old MC isn't affectionate either; only once in awhile and on his terms of course! He doesn't do too much purring and it is quiet; you only know he's purring if you feel his neck. His only real affection is when you're around the kitchen and he wants some food, or sometimes he will jump up and lay on your lap; (well only partly on your lap cause he is so huge); he doesn't realize that 22lbs is quite large to be a lap cat! Other than that, he just kinda hangs out here, mostly sleeping his life away like a big lazy blob!

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2000