Just keep pushing! It's tough to have them reject your affection at first, but they lighten up. We have a little pinstripe who struck everytime we had he out, but he's chilled out with handling every couple of days. We're dealing with a really nervous fire now, but I'm sure with time she'll come around too.

Just stick with it and give them time and gentle care. It takes time for them to understand that you aren't going to hurt them.