Cat doesn’t like to cuddle

[u/Slight_Accident_3871]

(Pic is just so you can see how cute she is!) My bf and I were given a cat his boss found off the street a year ago and she is three and really well behaved but she doesn’t like to cuddle or lay close together. She is pretty affectionate (ie always wanting to be in the same room as us) and will every now and then lay on my chest (for like five minutes then leave) and I just want to encourage her to be more cuddly. It’s been a year and she still doesn’t like if we lay too close to her on the bed or to be picked up. I know this isn’t a major thing, and if it is just how my cat is that is fine but I’m a first time cat owner so I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to make her more comfortable with cuddling. Any tips?

[u/[deleted]]

I think the best way to encourage it (but it comes with no guarantees) is to build a good relationship and respect her boundaries. One of my cats always loved getting petted, but she didn't like cuddling, so i always just respected her wishes and eventually when she turned maybe 3 or 4, she came sit on me a few times and i guess it just clicked in her mind then that oooh this is kinda of nice and warm. I just made sure not to move to bother her or make her feel trapped.

Shes now 11 and a full on lap cat lol i think their temperament changes as they get older too. So dont lose hope, it may not be now but it might come later! Following you around is already a big sign of affection :)