Advice and Help Needed

Tabitha · **Joined:** Sun Feb 02, 2014 8:11 pm **Posts:** 1196

Very early days, really wouldn't worry just yet about him not wanting to be stroked etc. Jagger never seemed very affectionate, has never been a lap cat etc. However, we did discover he loves a chin rub and belly rub which made him way more approachable!! He is now incredibly affectionate (in his own way), and only last week, got on my lap one evening. I was deliriously happy and couldn't stop grinning! Sometimes, it just takes longer. I would actually say that now, Jagger is way more affectionate than Hendrix.

Bengals in general don't like being picked up and my two tend to lay next to my legs on the footstool as opposed to my lap, although Jagger has recently started curling up next to me on the sofa - so that will be interesting next week when my other half is back on leave for a couple of weeks lol

Give him time, its a massive step forward that he is exploring. He will have his own way of showing affection, and it will make it all the more meaningful when he comes out of his shell a bit!

They change so much in their first year or so and it sounds to me like everything is going really well!

spitspot · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:26 pm **Posts:** 734

Please don't worry as it's such early days. As Claire said he will come round slowly as he is still finding his feet. I always think food is a great motivator. Just sit with some chopped chicken in your hand and see if he will take it. When he realises you are all about good things - play and food, he will be so much more relaxed around you. As I said in an earlier post, we did not see the real Oscar until about six months after we got him. He is still getting cuddlier as time goes on and we have had him a year at the end of October.

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Ben just needs to build up his confidence. For each kitty, it's different as to how long it takes. He will come around -- at his own pace as long as you don't rush him. I know how anxious you are to pick him up and nuzzle him. A lot of bengals do not like being picked up but are still quite affectionate. Time and patience. It will get better.

Fenstar · **Posted:** Sat Oct 17, 2015 10:50 am

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Now that the evenings are cooler, Raiden insists that a small blanket be put on the footrest of my husband's recliner and he lays there to get the best massage from his daddy. Once he's had enough, he heads over to his hooded bed to sleep! Prior to the massage, Raiden gives head butts and kitty kisses. He seems to love my husband more than me and I'm the one who feeds him and cleans his litter box. I guess he likes the massages more. Ben will show his love in many other ways.

Rebecca · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:12 pm **Posts:** 87

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

That is an awesome cat tree, Rebecca. I love the baskets. I'm sure Raiden would as well. His three -- none have baskets.

Rebecca · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:12 pm **Posts:** 87

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

I'm hoping Ben is coming around more and more!

caitlinmarie · **Joined:** Wed Aug 12, 2015 4:13 pm **Posts:** 118

Our Pixel is incredibly shy and skittish. Sudden movements and sounds freak her out. She HATES being held, but when we're all sitting on the couch at the end of the day, she'll curl up on the chaise next to my legs.

I've come to terms with her just not really liking human contact, but she's just so striking to look at, and incredibly exciting to interact with.

Ben will come out of his shell once he realizes that this is his new home.

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Kitties have to get used to sudden movements and noise. Right now, it's terrifying to them. Raiden is 8 years old and he still freaks out when I kick a rock or something when we are on our walks. Even crunching in the leaves will startle him. Outside of that, he's fine. My husband can be mowing the lawn and he won't care.

andy7561 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:42 pm **Posts:** 24

I think Ben must have memory loss lol. One day he can play brilliantly and be very inquisitive, still skittish and timid though and the next day he can hide away and hiss if you get too close, however - last night he came into our room , climbed on the bed between us, groomed himself then curled up and went to sleep!!!

We couldn't believe it, it was just awesome, even with us fidgeting around in our sleep he didn't move or jump up and he stayed like that for about 3 hours until he decided at 0230 hrs that he wanted to play. It was at that point that I thought he best be reintroduced to his own room lol.

It remains to be seen whether he will do the same tonight, I do hope so because it will reassure me that he is settling in better.

Food wise we feed him raw chicken and beef heart twice a day, I leave a few dry food pieces in his bowl for him to munch on during the day. He wolfs his food down like there is no tomorrow lol

spitspot · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:26 pm **Posts:** 734

Sounds like it is all going in the right direction. Nothing like bengal playtime in the early hours......such fun :rolleyes:

!

andy7561 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:42 pm **Posts:** 24

Normal service resumed lol - walked in the room to say hello and he hissed - I sometimes wonder if his memory lasts longer than a few hours ..... :rolleyes:

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Poor Ben!!!! Are you sure he's not a woman? Don't women have mood swings daily? LOL. Okay .... looks like the honeymoon is still on. Smiled at the fact he jumped up and slept between you guys for at least a few hours. Kitten naps are short, you know! Hang in there. That's all I can tell you. You've seen great gains with him. So he hisses a little. At least he's not aggressive and attacking you. Let us know in another week how he's doing. He's such a cute little boogar.

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