[love is abby]

I have two cats. One is maybe four years old, adopted by my family. The other is solely my own adopted last October. My family has been nothing but kind to the cats and they have a great life. I just get the feeling they only like my mother, not me. What can I do to make them like me more?

[progunr]

Animals, especially cats, are very intuitive.

They can "read" people, and can decide very quickly if they are "deserving" of their love and affection.

Perhaps the cat can really "know" what's going on inside your head, and what you think about it or them?

Just a guess.

[BlakeCory]

The way to your cat's heart is through their tummy.

Preparing your cat's food will help them to see your doing the preparation, and also to have your scent on the dish. Having your scent on the bowl that contains the much cherished food will help kitty make positive associations. If you feed dry food, handle the food to put your scent on that as well.

Play sessions can be a great way to accelerate the acceptance process. Purchase a couple of fishing pole toys so you can have play sessions.

Treats are a great way to build trust. Choose healthy treats that your cat enjoys, and offer them whenever kitty comes near. At first you may have to just place the treat on the floor near the cat. But after a while the cats will trust you enough to accept the treat directly.

Remember that energy is important. You should do all of this with a positive attitude and with patience. In time your cats will come around.

[love is abby]

Thanks, that's way more helpful than the first answer!

[linnealand]

Some cats can be more independent or quirky than others. The more time you dedicate to cuddling and playing with the cats, the more they're enjoy coming to you for attention. Cats find it very difficult to resist a serious petting session. Rub their bellies, make them purr, talk to them, give them treats. You have to build those bonds, but they'll eventually want it as much as you do. Also the best toy I've ever found is a long peacock feather. You'll probably destroy it in very little time, but it's worth it! You hold one end and then they try to catch the other. I'm in agreement about the food. You can try feeding them by hand. Tuna is like a little kitty drug, and it can make them go crazy. Good luck!

[CATSPERT]

Is there a support group you can join that deals with cat-human relationship issues? It sounds like a past experience with a cat is holding you back. A combination of therapy and medication should do wonders to repair your relationship with your cats.