Izzy wants nothing to do with me. She doesn't want to be petted, cuddled, played with... nothing. She doesn't avoid me, but she disregards me. I'll bring out toys to play with and she'll look at me like I'm insane. I'll try and pet her as she walks by and she just continues on her way. She'll sit near me sometimes but if I try and touch her she'll get up and move.
I don't know that I really need advice so much as I need to vent. Not all cats are cuddlers, I know that. But after three years of having her with me, I would have liked to think she'd become attached to me sooner or later. Apparently not. I don't feel like a cat owner so much as someone who coexists in the house with a cat that just happens to be here. It pretty much breaks my heart.
That's just how some cats are, but don't give up on her yet. I've seen cats who at some point in their lives become more of a cuddler than they were in younger years. Gizmo was never much a lap cat until the last couple of years (he's 16 and we've had him since birth)...not he can't get enough. Willow use to never get on Tim's lap, but now she often stays on his lap instead of mine (yea...ouch...because she's MY cat...guess that's what I get for leaving for 3 weeks in January) Sometimes you just have to love the cat for who they are....and continue to try to develop that bond, but don't push her....Izzy loves you in her own way.
Tina B and "what a crew!"
How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
I just want a little cuddle-bug, y'know? Sometimes I want to just say to her, "I paid $500 for you to live with me! The least you can do is curl up on my lap!" Not that she'd understand it if I did. It's just frustrating, to love and care for an animal who has no concept that you're the reason it has food, water, and a warm place to sleep. Would a little gratitude for the steady flow of kibble be so much to ask for, cat? Sheesh.
I agree with Tina, don't give up on her, she just may come around in time. Don't forget the stresses she has endured, right along with you, so even though she appears healthy, well-adjusted etc, she could be harboring stress, (especially due to the changes in environment and moving recently), so you will want to continue to monitor her, her health, her behavior (stress can be dormant and then suddenly exacerbate months after the incitiing incident).
Have you considered getting her a feline companion/playmate? Sometimes, when they are in pairs, one or both end up more bonded and cuddly with you.
I'd love to have another cat, but I can barely afford this one. If any sort of emergency happened, I could safely provide for one cat, but not two. I don't want to bring in another animal if I'm not certain I can care for it. I'd love to get her a playmate, but there's just no way I can afford it right now.
It's just frustrating, to love and care for an animal who has no concept that you're the reason it has food, water, and a warm place to sleep. Would a little gratitude for the steady flow of kibble be so much to ask for, cat? Sheesh.