Q: I have two cats, 2 years old, that I got at a shelter 1½ years ago. They had at least one feral parent and they are fine except they are almost impossible to be lap cats. I have one trained to sit on my lap but she is very skittish and finicky. The other one won’t sit on a lap unless she kneads my female partner’s underarm. It can get quite irritating.

Dr. Nichol: Your kittens might have been cuddle bugs, but who they turned out to be was the product of multiple factors. The sensitive period for their socialization with people, dogs and other cats was 2 to 9 weeks of age. It was during this window of time that their immature brains formed early memories and neural connections that became indelible parts of their personalities. It’s a safe bet that they missed out on exposure to nice folks like you.

Dr. Jeff Nichol

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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at . Post pet questions at or send to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.

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