 bizzbeth
Your "kid" sounds like he has too many options.
Don't allow him to use the stairs anyway, he's too young and could injure himself. It's great that he's got the confidence, but he's already figured out that these stairs are another means to do his business other than in his litter box. You may want to consider putting a bell on him and keeping an ear out for where he is around the house. Otherwise, I'd either crate him if you can't watch him or gate off the stairs.
Further, SHUT THE BEDROOM DOORS. And all the doors for that matter so he doesn't learn to run under the beds and so on to avoid you. This shouldn't be "his" game. So by giving him so many options and trying to be nice, you are overloading him and now he's beginning to call the shots.
Don't worry about the hand shyness. If you quit allowing him the opportunity to avoid you, this will go away on it's own.
PM me w/ more q's.
~Leslie |