Still working with Blue to get him more socialised and over his fears of being touched or handled in any way and slowly things are getting better as he gets more trusting with me.
He greets me now with needing to be patted and talked to when I get home from work and when we playing he rolls around over my legs and jumps on me where before if he accidentally touched you he would stop and freeze. But if he wanted to he would sit on your lap for a few minutes but that was it.
Last night he did a fascinating thing.
Where before if your face come anywhere near him he would flinch and run, (I would say he has been probably been slapped around for an accidental face scratch or something as a kitten maybe) last night he quite deliberately and with real determination climbed up and planted his front paws on my shoulders and inspected, sniffed and snuffled every detail of my face and ears and hair for quite a long time...bit unnerving at first but let him do it unhindered.
When he finished I got a gentle meow in my face and then a huge big face rub.
I didnt know whether to laugh, cry or hug him to death for a great step in getting over his previous treatment.
He is getting over his fears but doing himself now..so pleased with his progress.
Still doesnt purr though

This is indeed progress with Blue. Congratulations. You are being patient and letting him lead the way. I cannot hear my Raiden purr unless I put my ear right up to him. I'm sure Blue has a purr in him somewhere.

I think you are doing an amazing job in socializing him. I do believe it is harder with an older cat, especially when you have no idea what his previous years were like. You will continue to make progress and hope you will continue to keep us updated.

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The little monsters 3

Blue after giving his face rub has really come good.
He has gone into face marking mode of every bit of furniture and my shoes, me and everything that stands still..claiming everything as his own now.
I have gone from play with balls and strings to little bits of paper held in my fingers and him gently trying to nuzzle it out of my fingers..just slow gentle intimate play instead of rowdy play and has done wonders.
Jumps up into my lap for a scratch and a pat every few minutes and yells loudly if I talk on the phone too long.
Woke up last night and found he had wrapped his paws around my wrist and his head in the palm of my hand, and he was snoring..cracked me up.
This last week has been a delight.
His lovely gentle character that I glimpsed when I first saw him has finally come through.
I think we have won!!

I have 3 rules for my cats..use litter tray...don't eat my dinner... and don't bite me..he stuck by them all this week... especially the last one.

Awesome update on Blue. Sounds like things are going GREAT for you both right now. Congratulations.