I can pet Minnie...as long as I don't mind the flinching She doesn't run, cause she doesn't move. She is a perpetual catloaf, under the workbench- which I have converted into a soft place for her. I never see her without a wall as a backdrop. I can pick her up, though she cringes...and put her in my lap, with two hands holding her. She is just now not ALWAYS burying her head..she will rotate it somewhat. I think she is going to be very Fern like....