Hi I got my bengal in Feb 2007. At that time he was 5 months old so that would put him at 9 months old so Sampson is still a kitten, but he rarely enjoys being pet and never wants my husband or I to hold him. Everynight he sleeps in our bed at the bottom away from us and that is the most affectionate he gets.

I accept him for who he is but was wondering if there was anything I can do to get him to let us hold him and pet him once in a while?

Hi there,
I have a suggestion. Go to a pet store and buy a toy on a string or a long stick (with feathers, bells, anything glittery that will catch his eye...) When it's play time, take the toy and drag it across the floor, flutter it in the air, grab his attention with it. Slowly drag the toy across your lap, so that Sampson has to walk across you to get the toy. Once he starts doing that comfortably, without you touching him at all, so he knows he is safe and that you aren't going to hurt him, then start to pet him softly once in a while while he is on your lap. It might take a while. And it might not work at all, some cats just don't like to be held. I have one who wouldn't come near me, and after doing this at play time for a few weeks, he now is the biggest mush and loves to cuddle. My other boy will only be affectionate on HIS terms.
Good luck!!
-Jaime

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My Olly will only cuddle when he wants too. And its only when he is not feeling good, or really tired. My black short hair adult cat is just the biggest love bug. She will make you pet her. She will wake up when you are sleeping to pet her sometimes, and she must sleep on me. They are like night and day... I guess thats why they still don't get along. Good luck.