Why Don't My Cats Like Me?

Question

I'm 19 years old and 1 year ago a got 2 black cats that were sisters from an animal care center. They had been abused by their owner who was a man in Florida (i live in New York.) Ever since i got them they showed hatred towards me. Ever time i got too close they would hiss and crouch down. They only time they like me is early in the morning when i feed them. They love my wife though. But they also hate my young brother that is 15. They only like guys under that age and feel comfortable around them. Why is that? Why don't my cats like me? What can i do to help my cats trust me?

Answer 1

since they have been abused before its hard for them to trust people.

like for example if you lift your hand up to like pet your cat they might think your trying to hit them. you have to spend more time with them like playing with them using toys. theyll trust you more and wont be afraid of you anymore.

Answer 2

as you said before... they've been abused by their previous owner... they've been through too much to trust another man...

maybe they know that your wife is a woman... most people(animals too!) think of women as more nurturing. They don't feel a threat with children because of the size difference. Imagine if you were a cat, and you were abused in the past and now you had another home and you were expected to get over what you'd been through...just like that. I'm pretty sure anyone would find that hard. As long as they are with each other... I don't see why they shouldn't recover soon.

try spending more time with them. Be more friendly. Make them feel at home.

Answer 3

do your cats like you while your wife is around?  my dog was abused before I got her, and she doesn't like any males or children.  As far as having her around males, she is much better around them when I am around, to show her that they are okay, that they pose no threat.   As far as kids, she won't change, so i'm guessing some of their fears will never go away.  I would make the most out of the time in the early morning when they do like you.  Maybe buy some cat treats and offer them to your kitties throughout the day, as a reward for coming up to you.  But don't corner them to try to get them to come to you.  Sit on the couch and try to coax them over with some treats.  You probably look like a scary giant standing over them.... if you're sitting, you might seem more approachable.  

Answer 4

cause they have been abused before by a guy an older guy so they only trust little ppl and girls i would just give them treats and try to pick them up so they will now ur not going to abuse them