My older two were both runts and the only two in an unexpected and unwanted litter. They were both incredibly timid and hid under furniture with the little male stamping out and hissing whenever we came close. They gradually came out but 15 years on, the female is still so timid and runs away with any human approach, the male quite friendly now but seems sad.
Something quite traumatic must have happened to them as kittens, possibly life threatened. Just the other day I wondered if there was an attempt at drowning them out of desperation.
We've given them a good life. Well, until monster kitten came along to beat them up regularly. He's a lot calmer now and most definitely wants to be friends with them ... but also wants to PLAY! PLAY! PLAY! while the older cats just want to sleep.
Arf. I don't really get cat-haters. Apart from digging up gardens and catching the odd bird, they pretty much keep themselves to themselves, or are friendly. A bit smug and superior maybe but not hate-worthy. And they don't kill people, which is a bit of a bonus. Plus, what would the internet be without
Indeed! Once the kids have left home, they're good for all those other noises around the house, occasional fighting, the odd things they bring home, the worry when they're not home before you want to go to bed ...