I also serve a tortie. We didn’t have a chance to bond with her as a kitten either, as she was full grown and living in our yard at the time we moved into our house in the middle of 2009. Slowly she warmed to us and finally she moved into the house at the beginning of 2012.
She does let me pick her up, but she’s not very fond of being held. But she does love to be petted and occasionally she will hop up into my lap if I’m seated. Sometimes she even falls asleep in my lap.
My tortie baby is affectionate, but it’s definitely on her own terms. And while she’s okay with me and my wife, she goes into hiding if we have company.
I love that expression for cats—— “On her own terms” LOL! So descriptive. Our little girl was born in a basement with many other cats. A police officer used to bring pregnant cats home so they would have their kittens inside rather than outdoors. She went from there to a shelter. I’m glad we have a home for her, and I love her dearly. She was sitting patiently close by, a few minutes ago-—— waiting for her evening snack. I just want to pick her up and hold her close so badly! Please give your little Tortie a hug for me.
My tortoise was not a close cat for years. Eventually she would lie nearby on the couch and hold paws. After about 10 years of that she sleeps on top of me mostly because she sleeps a lot and wants to stay warm but also make sure I don’t try to go outside without her.