Unfriendly Burmese Kitten

Question
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Hi Iris, thanks for your speedy response. In answer to your question. Yes we did get him from a breeder, and he was born and raised in her home underfoot and presumably well socialized. I have spoken to the breeder and she did not seem concerned, and thought he would come around in time, and in fact he has gotten a bit more affectionate since I first wrote to you, so I am feeling a bit better.

Your thought about using Tucker as his surrogate mother makes a lot of sense too. i hadn't thought about that. I appreciate your expert answer, thanks again.


Followup To
Question -
I'm a bit concerned with my kitten. He is 5 months old, we have had him for about 1 month.He seems so independent and a bit aloof for
A Burmese kitten, at least in my experience.

Initially, when we first got him (during the first 2 wks or so, he was very clingy and needy, constantly on our laps or shoulders, wanting to be petted), which was fine w/ us. We didn't discourage that behavior.

But over the last week or so, When you try to pick him up to pet him or cuddle, he, usually, immediately struggles furiously to get away until you put him down.
He's got lots of kitten energy,  and zooms around and plays hard, which is entertaining and fun, but when he's tired will go into another room to rest, instead of where  we are (just my husband and me,our house is fairly quiet). Occasionally he will rest in our laps, only if it his idea. If you move or reposition yourself, chances are he will leave, because you have disturbed him.

He tends to be more interested in Tucker (our 6 year old male burmese)  than he is us and seems to have bonded to him. He likes to be wherever he is and tries to engage him in frequent play. Tucker indulges him most of the time, so they get along quite well. Tucker is a bit less affectionate since the new arrival, but we figure he's adjusting to the new kitty.

Any thoughts? I was really hoping for a velcro cat. Is this a stage, will he change any after he's neutered, does he hate us? Any info, advice, encouragement you can supply will be appreciated Thanks Laurie

Answer -
It is possible that he is teething and this can be uncomfortable, even painful, for kittens. . . which can in turn lead to odd behavior as they don't know how to cope with it. You may want to check his mouth to see if his gums are red/irritated. If so, that may give you an answer.

It is also possible he is maturing a bit early and that this may change after he is neutered. Or, that he is missing his mother and turning to Tucker as a substitute.

I have never lived with a Burmese so I am not sure if any stage like this is characteristic of the breed --- but I don't think it is from my experience with them. Did you get him from a breeder? If so, you should be discussing this personality issue with the breeder as he/she should know more about how his/her lines develop. If you did not get him directly from a breeder, the problem may be that he was not properly socialized when younger. If this is the case, you can try to work with him, keep doing what you are doing, give him lots of attention, playtime (with interactive toys) and treats. Involve Tucker at the same time. If you are giving both of them attention and Tucker is responding to it favorably, the kitten may follow suit.

Hope this is of some use. Write back if you want to tell me more about the kitten's background and if it gives me any ideas I'll let you know.

iris

Answer
If he is getting better now, my money is on it being a teething issue. Kittens can get very weird when they go through it. I had a Turkish Angora kitten start acting oddly and then actually develop a fever at a show and her co-ower and I were very concerned. . . until we took a look at her gums and said, wait a minute, she's 5 months old. . . we know what this is! She was herself again in a few days.

I'm also glad to hear that you are in touch with his breeder and that she is being supportive. That tells me you've got yourself a properly socialized baby who will probably turn out to be just the kitty you want. Just let him be for now and try to be patient.

iris