Burmese kitten-seems unfriendly

Question
I'm a bit concerned with my kitten. He is 5 months old and we have had him for a 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
Laurie,

There are probably two things going on here.  First he is probably teething.  Second, he is coming into puberty (Burmese are known to be incredibly precocious).

No, he does not hate you, like any mammal coming into puberty, his hormones have him all wound up.  You can neuter him now, if you wish (neutering can safely take place as young as 12 weeks, according to the Winn Feline Foundation studies on early neutering/spaying).  It might not be a bad idea to take the kitten to a vet anyway to have him physically checked out.

Tucker will take some time to adjust to the new kitten, as you surmised, meanwhile, to avoid sibling rivalry problems, I would give Tucker lots of extra treats and affection to compensdate for the attention you are probablyt paying to the new arrival.

Good luck and best regards... Norm.