Luna kind of detaching from me

[Kirsten]

I've noticed a change in Luna's behavior during the last months/weeks. She's not so close to me anymore; most of the time, she's not even in the same room with me. She's not sleeping in my bed anymore, and she's not coming into my lap as she often used to to. But once a day she wants to be brushed and she enjoys it when I do that.

I was thinking it might have something to do with the fact I've lost my job and that I'm home now all the time since March this year. Maybe she just has enough of me being around all the time?

I wonder how she will behave when Lily arrives...

However, I'm a bit sad my Luna girl becomes so independent...

Kirsten

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Kirsten, it probably is because you're there all the time now. When we are away from our furkids, they tend to crave our attention and will spend as much time as possible with us when they can, knowing they will have their "free time" tomorrow when we go back to work. So by going in the other room for a bit, Luna is getting her "free time." I think once you find work again, she will go back to normal, but by that time normal might be something altogether different because of the arrival of Lily. Hopefully things will go smoothly and she'll adopt Lily as the daughter she never had.

[K & L]

Sounds like Luna's growing up! It could just be a phase she's in. I can relate to how you're feeling.

[Kirsten]

Yes, I hope she'll accept Lily. I suppose at first she will think it's some kind of "toy" for her (she loves to wrestle other cats and is very interesting in them) but I'm afraid as soon as she realizes Lily stays permanently and also gets her food and attention, Luna might get a bit jealous or at least frustrated. Well, we'll find out!

Well, about my work situation... Since it's not easy finding a new job at the moment I'm thinking about starting my own business which would be from home - so I would be around all the time! Kind of frustrating to know Luna would prefer me to leave for work every day!

Kirsten

[Lorraine]

hhmm.. I think this is interesting, because my Sammy has been acting the same towards me. I am sorry to hear your Luna is doing this also. How old is Luna? Sammy just turned 1 year old.
Before, Sammy couldn't get enough of me. He would sit with me every morning on my lap beore I got read for work, would wait for me to get done with my shower, and slept with me. Now, he even seems to get annoyed when I go to pet him when he is stretched out on the floor. He will run away. He only seems to love me when he is hungry. He is a "mister snotty pants" and it makes me sad!

[sasha the cat]

Meyup. It sounds like your kitties are growing up. Mew, don't worry. Felines love their purrsons but we do have an independent streak.

"mister snotty pants" ??? does Sammy know you call him that?
Mew-mew, not nice!

KatMa can tell you all of her purrkids would have periods of being independent. But they would all come back 'cause being special loves is soooo neat.

All except the late Tiggy. He was independent from five weeks old until about three years old. Then he decided he had to be glued to KatMa. She just loved it! KatMa misses her darling Tiggy every single day and, mew, me-eow, I do think it is because he spent so much time with her.

KatMa worked the first 6 years of his life; the last 9 years KatMa "retired" -- actually to take care of her very own Mummy & her Mom-in-law. Tiggy found that too wonderful to be true, mew. KatMa at home many more hours and he didn't miss out on a moment with KatMa.

So, hang in there. See what your Luna will decide -- same for Sammy, the "mister snotty pants" cat. We're cats -- selective & independent -- but we do love you purrsons...

As far as the new cat goes, just take it slow & Luna will adjust. Once she realizes her very own spot in your heart is just for her, all will work out.

[Steffi N]

My Lovable, who was always independent, keeps a lot to himself these days and I do agree it may be that he is used to having me around, since I am only working part time. He went with me to my sister’s in Ohio (where he was born) over July 4. When we got back he was very attentive and affectionate for several days and now is keeping more to himself again.

I know Lily will not be coming home for two weeks, but is it possible to introduce her and Luna at a supervised visit beforehand?

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I am sure it is just a stage Luna is going through. There are days (and sometimes weeks) when I feel like Ally is not as close to me as usual, but then she comes around and we are back to normal - totally inseperable whenever I am home.

I suppose cats, just like us, need their space every now and again!

[Barbara]

One of the reasons for sure is the heat. Tigris and Filou prefer other places and if they come in the bed they stay down at the feet not too close to us (which is fine as I don't love too much a furkid close to my face when it's over 20 °C in the bedroom). They also have other favorite places in summer and sleep much more.

[Kirsten]

Interesting comments...

Like Lorraine's Sammy, Luna also had her first detaching period when she was one year old. But now she's in a second phase where it's getting even worse. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm so often around now. But Barbara has also made a good point: Yes, the heat definitely makes my Luna a lazy girl and she's spending all her days on her cushion in the living room, like this:



She's definitely more active when it has cooled off, which is not in sight at the moment *sigh*

Kirsten

[catmandu]

My cats have gone through that phase where they would rather pal around with each other tan me , but eventually when they mature they will come back to you! Gary.

[Kirsten]

but eventually when they mature they will come back to you!

That's encouraging to hear, thanks!

Kirsten

[Vio&Juni]

Could it be related to the fact that she had the surgery and she needs some more time than usual to rest?

[Kirsten]

Well, I was thinking about that, too, but actually she started behaving like that before...

I wonder if she kind of senses there is a second kitty (Lily) my life now...?

Kirsten