Why does my cat always want me to pet her?

My cat arches his back and watches when I pet him. I want to hold him, but he's not having that!?

• When he was younger, to get him to the vet for neutering, I got him to come to me then I put him in a carrier to take to the vet. He cried all the way there. I sat at the vets petting him trying to calm him but he was still frightened. I hated leaving him, but he needed to have the surgery. I picked him up ASAP the next morning.I'm afraid he has PTSD. Now he acts suspicious of me, after 2 yrs. Runs if I act like I am going to pick him up, or walk in his direction. He does come and let me pet him, but he archs his back and turns his head to watch what I do. Like he is ready to run off if he needs to. I try-with my older cat-to demonstrate how I will pick him up and let him down when he is ready but this still hasn't helped. The little fellow acts like he wants to be held but I don't want to risk scaring him any more than I already have. He is such a sweet cat, I hate this happened. Any suggestions?

• Answer:

  Some cats just don't enjoy being held. I could carry my female around all day in my arms and she would just lie back and enjoy it. My male, on the other hand, is not so laid back. If I pick him up he whines until I put him down. He's still friendly and affectionate. You made a very good choice getting him neutered and I really don't think that's the reason why he doesn't like being held. Just let him come to you instead of you going after him. He will be more comfortable that way.