Welcome to Pet Talk. You came to the right place for good advice and plenty of encouragement. We don't always have the answers but we've got lots of love, especially for cats (since you posted in the Cat section).

If after the vet checks Skibby and finds nothing wrong physically, then I'd say that you'll have to stress the importance to your wife of letting Skibby be. He'll come to her in time, as you know because you say you've cared for cats all your life. Cats are such funny creatures and very independent among other things and to force affection on one can have just the opposite effect that your wife is looking for. Perhaps show her this thread if she remains stubborn; if she sees that others believe that she should let Skibby come to her then maybe she'll relax a little. Good luck and please keep us posted. We'd love to see some pix of your furkids when you're able to post them.