Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How can I get my cat to enjoy being held or sitting on my lap with me?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 months and 8 days old | 11 lbs

Hello. I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to get my kitten/cat to enjoy being held or sitting in my lap with me. He enjoys being pet, a lot, but once I pick him up he complains. He has never scratched me or tried to jump down, but he meows and pouts the whole time. I don’t hold him down, just pet him, but once I stop he darts off like it was a horrible experience for him. Does he not like me? I’ve had him since he was 7 weeks old and saved him from bad conditions.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2018

Some kitties hate being picked up. I have 5 of those. However most of the time they will come (on their own terms) and hop on your lap to be petted. So you may have to wait for that to happen. You can invite your cat to hop on your lap by patting the lap and saying "come" or "hop"...Eventually they will get the idea. Once on your lap, just gently pet or scratch your kitty, so he associates being on your lap with being comfy. Don;t worry, he loves you. He just is not comfortable with being picked up. Try lying on the couch....I bet he will come sooner or later to be with you and lie next or on top of you. He is young and wild...sitting still may also be a problem for him (like a child that cannot sit still in class). So, I suppose, patience is it. You can get some cat nip and put that on your lap....(I know that is cheating...but it might work, too)

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog rubs belly & scratches face, no fleas. Could it be allergies?
Does your dog rub her belly and scratch her face without fleas? A certified vet discusses possible causes like allergies, infection, or mites. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored