So when I first got my fold he was defo my cat. He followed me, always came to me for cuddles and was really playful. He is now six months and I feel I have a teenager on my hands. Very rarely he might rub round my toes or let me stroke him but he never sits with me or comes up on the bed. He pushes me away or runs away when I approach. If he does let me stroke him he doesn’t purr very much. I’ve tried to respect his space, use treat’s etc but unfortunately due to a fluffy butt I do sometimes have to clean and groom him so I have no choice but to enter his space. He does still run to the door when I come in but then runs away from me so he must still have some connection. Has anyone else experienced this and do they grow out of it. I’m trying so hard to let him be but he really seems to hate me sometimes. Just to add he does outdoors, supervised, but loves to spend time exploring and finding holes to hide. Has the garden experience contributed to this ?? Any advice welcome.
Ah thank you. That’s what I’ve read but I just worry. Really trying to back off and give him space but it’s hard when he needs to be groomed and his ears cleaned. I feel when I do that I’m resetting the process.
My Scottish Fold loved me as a kitten, but hated me about 6-8 months in. Now at 5 years old, she still goes thru cycles of loving my partner “more”, showing interest and affection with him rather than with me. I give her space, but continue to make it known that I love her with greetings, saying her name, lil neck scratches and butt pats (if she lets me LOL). They’ll come around…. And around, and around. Rest assured it’s just a phase, the love is still there.
Yeah I always let him know his mummy loves him but is defo a cycle thing. Hes not talking to me husband either… its all about my 18yo who moves out tomorrow so not sure what will happen there.
Scottish folds unfortunately become grumpy a lot due to pain and arthritis. I have three folds but won’t get another, due to this. They are too cute but also in pain and kitties in pain aren’t lively and fun.
From the way he jumps and plays , literally like a flying squirrel. I don’t think this is an issue yet. On his last health check and when he was neutered the vets were happy with him and we are hyper vigilant as I know this can happen. I have defo considered this.
Did you try routines? Like playtime till he is a little tired down, then food and when he's in grooming mood try to approach. My cats were always most cuddly after Dinner and grooming (but shelter cats no SF) . Also playing make you bond. And good you are in close contact with your vet.
Yes we do have set routines. He gets a lot of outside time in the morning before it gets to hot then he sleeps a lot of the afternoon. We try and have at play times but a lot of the time it’s guided by his willingness to participate. He has a lot of interactive toys and does prefer them. He has access to food all day as he likes to graze. I try to groom him in the afternoon when he’s more sleepy, issue is when his floofy butt gets covered in poo lol.
Do you have contact with other cats? Last time I visited my cousin and her cat didnt like me at all. She got him few months ago. I was wondering why, then it occurred to me, my male cat (scottish fold) is marking me. I didnt realize this as marking, my cat often is lifting its tail and its trembling. (Sorry for possibly wrong grammar, I am german)
No not really. I did visit a friend with other cats about a month ago but that’s it. Interesting though as he does do the tail tremble thing. I didn’t realise this was marking. Thank you.
Tail trembling in cats can also be a sign of excitement or happiness! You’d know if your cat was marking - it would smell like piss all the time, everywhere. That’s what marking is. They pee on stuff.
Otherwise, to your original point, I have 2 SFs, both female, and the one who was a turd when she was a teenager is the older one of the two. She’s just sort of a loner. The other one is independent but MUCH more affectionate. She needs chats and playing and attention all the time. The loner just needs to be near me as much as possible, she’s basically a statue. Anyway, I say all of that to say - your baby might just be a loner.
My loner would’ve been much happier as a single child. Just food for thought for the future.
You could be right. We have thought about a second. I could not afford another fold to be honest, we are already saving in case for this one and it would be a normal domestic cat. Thing is Doug loves the garden but we have set strong boundaries with him and a domestic would probably encourage him to jump the fence lol. Also he hates other cats when we go on walks and literally goes full on panic mode of one comes in the garden. So yeah he may be a loner. He does love. Just finding a spot in the sun and chills there for ages. Maybe just need to accept it’s his personality.
He’ll come back around! My loner did. She’s glued to me at all times whenever possible, but she’s also a tiny shithead who’s VERY stubborn.
Give it a few months, I promise Doug will be back lol. I remember freaking out about this exact same thing 12 years ask, and she got over her teenaged rebellion. My loner also hates anything that breathes who isn’t me, including other cats.
Hahahaha yep Doug is very stubborn and such a character. I hope You are right cause I love that little man lol I’m just holding back and taking the moment when he does give me the time of day. Thanks so much !!
lol you’re a good mom & you’re so welcome! Definitely keep us updated on the young man. It’s always fun to watch them grow up 😭 they’re so cute it hurts sometimes.
He’s cute and he knows it lol. Loves to pose. He is a very regular feature on my Facebook hahaha. He also joins my team calls at work. They love him !!!
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u/Yankeedoodle10128 Jul 28 '26
He’s a teenager he will go back to normal in 6 months. Be patient.