Each cat comes around in it's own time. Cats get calmer after approx. 1 - 2 years old, but every cat will have it's own preferences for cuddle time and affection. Some cats will cling, and want to be with you 24/7, other cats will deign to permit you to pet you once every 3 months.
Of course while some cats get more affectionate as they age, this is not true for all cats and can depend on a number of different factors such as personality, environment, breed and more. Age also comes with physical effects that often cause cats to decrease activity and become less playful.
While not every cat will be a lap cat, almost every cat can learn to trust, and show us affection on her own terms.
Most of the time, this just comes down to individual personality differences, but sometimes it can be a result of a lack of socialisation. Kittens that have not been handled by humans during their first 3-7 weeks of life may have less of an inclination to be affectionate and, indeed, venture on to your lap.
But, be prepared, not all cats are natural lap cats! Our kitties are independent creatures and will only spend time with you on their terms; so sometimes they may be happy to sit on your lap, and at others they may prefer to just sit close by, on a rug, or away on a high perch or hidden in their own company!
However, there are some cat breeds that tend to be cuddlier than others and more inclined to rest in your lap. Birman, Devonshire Rex, Maine Coons, and Persians are among the breeds known for being cuddly and affectionate. These breeds tend to exhibit friendlier personalities, but all cats are unique.
While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship with their owner. But in contrast, "an owner's gender has a much more significant impact on the cat-human bond," she says.
While stressing that cat personalities vary widely, she says, “Many male cats have a cuddly 'lap cat' personality. Female cats are often more cautious and may take longer to trust you.”
This means they often prefer to communicate at a distance and is the reason why some cats may be content just to be in the same room as their human, rather than being constantly stroked and cuddled.”
They're trying to bond with you.
In cat's world, cuddle time is productive bonding time. Your kitty needs you for food, warmth, and shelter, and sometimes all they want is show you how much they love and appreciate you. Your cat's headbutts, cuddles, and purrs are all tokens of affection and appreciation.
According to the kitten growth chart at Raising Happy Kittens, your kitty may become less affectionate during this time. But not to worry. Usually, cats start to mature and settle down after the eighteen-month mark, and by their second birthday your cat will have fully grown into their adult personality.
Life expectancy depends on many things, including one important factor - whether your cat is an indoor-only cat or an outdoor cat. Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s.
They Are Aloof by Nature
This does not mean that they don't love you; they are just happier on their own. This is a personality trait that might not be able to be changed. You can try to get them used to more affection, but you also need to accept them for who they are.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
No, your cat doesn't actually think you're the mama cat that birthed it. But cats show us a level of affection and respect that is very similar to the way they treat their mama cat. And this sweet fact flies in the face of anyone who thinks cats' “aloof” personality means they don't care about us.
Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up. Be sure to secure all four of their legs so that they don't dangle.
Most of the time, this comes down to individual personality differences. However, some cats might be less affectionate because they didn't have enough socialisation with humans when they were young. A cat's behaviour and personality are shaped through an interplay of genetics and early experience as a kitten.
The best time to start taming a kitten is around four to eight weeks, aiming for the younger end of that range if possible. Around this age, kittens start discovering their personalities, playing with their siblings, and weaning from their mothers.
Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
1 - 2 years old, but every cat will have it's own preferences for cuddle time and affection. Some cats will cling, and want to be with you 24/7, other cats will deign to permit you to pet you once every 3 months.