after my bp Scratch went on a hunger strike, I stopped handling her for several months because I was concerned about stress. I just handled her for about 10 minutes VERY gently and cautiously. Just the feel of her in my hands was so awesome I'm past words. she seemed curious, didn't ball up at any point. I let her loop around my arm for warmth for a few mins, then quietly put her back in her tank. she is so sweet, and she probably doesn't even know it