Struggling to connect with 10 week kitten - starting to give up
Hi everyone!
I am an experienced cat owner but have never run into a situation like this. I rescued an 8 week old kitten (Donut) from outside because we had huge storms moving in. Her mother had passed away two weeks prior to that. The kitten was handled on and off by neighbors but not extensively. Donut is now 10 weeks old.
Donut is not at all fearful of people and will walk right up to you. Unfortunately, it is only with the intent to attack your hands or feet. If you put a fist out for her to smell, she swats it over and over (not aggressively - happy body language). If you try to pet, she bites. She will not even lay down or sleep unless she is locked in a bedroom by herself. This has caused me to feel really frustrated and defeated because the only physical interactions I have with her are painful for me. I will sometimes pet her while she’s distracted eating and she will purr, then instantly bite my hand as soon as she’s done with her meal.
We play with her A LOT (several hours per day) and she plays with my other young cat a ton but nothing ever settles her. I don’t need a lap cat but I would kill to pet her or even just have her relax in the same room as me. Please, please - does anyone have any advice? I would appreciate it SO much. Thank you 🙏🏼