Lol, now I have this headcanon that Neko!Japan generally doesn't love being pet much, like he's not aggressive but he's also pretty sensitive and easily gets overwhelmed when being pet so he leaves after a few pets and also doesn't enjoy much being picked up.
So one time, Austria stays over at Japan's house for whatever reason and Neko!Japan comes to check on them, which is already kind of weird because Neko!Japan usually hides when guests are over. So Austria, being a cat person, immediately crouches down and lays out his hand to befriend Neko!Japan, and Kiku is like "I'm sorry but he doesn't really like being pet, he's very shy." but before he can finish the sentence, Neko!Japan is already purring in his arms and Austria turns to him going "Ha, I'm sorry I wasn't listening, what were you saying..?" and Kiku is SHOOK. And frankly a little offended too.
(Based on this picture)
