I sometimes think that if an old ferret wants something a certain way,
they should have it their way. After all, age rules.

If he doesn't want to be petted - he could just be that way! I have a
store-bought kit, from before I did rescue, who HATES being petted! He
squirms, jerks away, and generally does not seek me out, yet he does
play with me. I can imagine that just as much as you think your rescue
may not have been loved or known love, I think maybe he does - since
he is kind enough to "escort" your hand out, he probably doesn't have
as much of an "aversion" as a "preference".

I also have another that might be more of a similar problem. An albino,
also always loved, who will lay near me, but if I touch him, he gets
up and moves to a new spot, still near but maybe farther by an inch.
He loves me, lets me hold him (shortly) and gives kisses, but when he
wants to spend time around me, he is adamant I am not at all touching
him.

I think we all might have weird stories but it seems that if I had your
older one, I would just offer every day. One day he might accept, but
remember that he is making a choice, and no matter what it stems from,
cuddling just isn't for him, apparently. I think the offer of your hand
probably makes him feel good, but too much attention might actually
stress him out.

Laryssa

[Posted in FML 6229]