Cat loves attention but not getting picked up?

Try sitting on the floor and letting HER come to you! Maybe, when you're both on the same level, she'll get in your lap to be stroked.

I have a cat that acts like this, and won't let me put both hands on her. She'll come to me, "talking/crying" and let me touch her, but if I put both hands on her to pick her up.......she's G O N E.....like a flash!

I think some cats feel trapped when they're "surrounded" by hands.

So......try it......get down on her level and see if she'll come TO you....then...just stroke her with one hand. Hopefully, eventually she'll come to accept that you're not going to hurt her.

Good luck........Hope this helps.

*** I just read your update. It's possible that she's hurting inside somewhere, and trying to pick her up hurts her. Have you considered taking her to the vet for a "wellness" checkup? She MAY be trying to tell you that she's ill.....with all of that meowing, etc. Good luck.

Well the cat seems to like being your shadow, I would let her keep doin what she is doin! My cat did sometimes sit outside the bathroom door and meow while i am in there, but she has stopped that! Some cats just dont like being left "behind" when they know you are right there! She maybe does not like to be picked out, a cat I had several years ago hated being picked up! He would freak out! Hopefully she will grow out of it! How long have you had this cat, how old is she?

My cat is very friendly and likes to rub on me, but doesn't really like being picked up. He has done this for a long time though. If this is a new behavior, your cat could have something wrong inside. Sometimes cats can get arthritis in their spine, and it hurts when they are picked up and the back is in a different position than when they are on their own feet.

Go to the vet and have her checked. X-Rays if you are really concerned will detect arthritis and things.

My six year old cat is the same way. She is extremely lovable but does not want to be picked up. Cats are very independent. I don't have an answer about why your cat started being that way after six years though.

Be patient. I had a cat like that who liked to be patted while sitting next to me or on the floor, but never liked being held. Ever. Just reach down and rub her ears or stroke her. Cats often like affection on their terms.

EDIT: I would take her to the Vet if this is a recent behavior change. She probably has something that is hurting her.

she could be saying im not feeling well help me