How can I help my new kitten bond better with my 6-year-old child?

Usually lots of playing, spending time with her and FEEDING her are the most effective ways to bind cats to you. Nothing special then! Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It sounds like you're trying all of the right things, like having your husband be in charge of meals and other 'fun' things. It might help if you're not around while he's feeding her or playing with her. It takes some kittens a long time to become adjusted to new people and a new environment, so be patient and give her time.

Your question doesn't really describe what is going on. If the cats are fearful of you, taking time to let them approach you, and making sure you're the one feeding them, etc, can help with bonding. A toy that can be played with from a distance, such as a feather on a stick or laser pointer can also help with bonding without stress. If they get stressed out from handling, taking a break is best. If the cats are having trouble with each other, making sure they both have their own access to food, water, litter, etc can help avoid competition over resources. A pheromone diffuser such as Feli-way can also be plugged in to common rooms to help reduce stress.

I hate to hear this is happening. There are some things you can do which may help but if Apricot was not socialized with humans as a very young kitten, it can be difficult for her to bond with people. Try hand feeding her. All the food must be picked up (so she may need to be isolated to a bedroom with her litter box...etc. When you come in with the food, sit close to hear quietly and don't look directly at her. Talk softly to her. Hold your hand out with her food. If she will not eat it directly from your hand, put it in her bowl and sit about a foot away from the bowl. Gradually move closer. This will help to create an association with food. Be slow and patient. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

If she loves being comforted, simply spending time together can help! Lots of pets, cuddles, etc. If you can't be there to comfort her, making sure she has a place she can rest that is comfy and cozy, or a perch up high she can watch people from can help. Hiding treats or toys can also encourage her to explore and stay busy and enriched as well.

I would suggest neutering him. It may not solve the issue fully but may make him less prone to want to wander off. The other tip is time. Be patient, he may get more cozy in time. Consider adding another cat to the mix. I have had a similar situation with a cat in the past and it did help to add a playmate.. thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Good luck! With Tutiki.

Glad to hear you decided to get yourself a kitty! Some cats take longer to get used to their owners than others. It is great that she gets along with dogs, as so many cats and dogs are not able to functionally coexist. The best think you can do is just give Crystal some time and let her come to you. Any time she comes to you, take it very slowly and offer her love and treats. Cats respond similarly to positive reinforcement as dogs, but has to be done with a little more finesse. In terms of the food, any type of food labeled for cats is OK, with some brands being of higher quality than others. By six months of age, you should be able to feed regular adult cat food instead of kitten food. If you are thinking of letting your cat outside, I would make sure that she is fully vaccinated against FeLV in addition to the FVRCP combo and Rabies. Obviously allowing cats to go outside puts the at a greater risk for illness and injury. Depending on the cat, sometimes they simply don't function well as indoor only. I don't know if you rescued her or got her from a previous home, but if she was already indoor-only I would not change this. If she was outdoor-only, I would consider all the pros and cons and also strongly think about the type of neighborhood / environment in which you live. If there is a high likelihood of being attacked by a wild animal or being struck by a car, I can't say I recommend it.