the cat is probably very very scared.  I would recommend spending lots of
time in the room with the kitty talking in low hushed tones, offer lots of
yummy treats by hand, and lots of play time with a fishing pole type of toy.

Yeap agree with Connie, the cat is terrified, and think it will make itself
invisible if it it makes itself as small as possible. This could be a
temporary problem or maybe more long-term. This poor sweetheart will need
lots of love and reassurance, and definitely not being pressurised into any
kind of contact it doens;t feel comfortable with. The more you "bug" him,
the more he may be scared. Instead, just sit in the room like Connie said
with him, but kinda ignore him. Let him come to you when he feels safe. You
must show him you are safe, and fun to be around. Generally food is the
best, and bribe will work wonders. DO NOT pick up the cat against it;s will.
DO NOT yell at the cat. DO NOT (I'm sure you wouldn;t, but thought I'd
mention for anyone that is reading this) get angry with the cat or hurt it
in any way, and DO NOT hold the cat until he makes the first move. DO NOT
push him to move. Provide a safe place for him to hide in, such as cat
house/cupboard/under the bed space. ONLY when he feels comfortable he will
come out of his shell and come to you. Yes this may take weeks maybe months,
but it's so rewarding when they do. Only when he starts coming to you, start
picking him up. But only for a second or two at first then quickly reassure
him in gentle voice and let him go. Once he stops struggling or looking
terrified, you can prolong the contact slowly again.

He most likely has had some kind of trauma created by humans in the past.
Perhaps someone kicked him or did something horrible to him. He remembers it
and is scared of humans. Show him you are not like that. Show him your love.

My Shadow was a very timid kitten. She is a very timid cat in general. I
will never find out what happened to her. But I made a huge mistake of
forcing the contact with her at first when she wasn;t ready. Finally I
searched the net and found excellent article about how to deal with a timid
cat. Basically what it said is what I told you above. Let the cat come to
you. Shadow eventually did. It took us few months, but now she always comes
to me for cuddles and  scratches and often sleeps with me. However even
after 6 years together, she will still not let me pick her up if I am
standing up. She runs like Hell. But if I am lying down, she is very
comfortable.

Do let us know about the progress, and I will see if I have saved that
document. If yes I';ll post it here.

Best wishes for both

Gee

You sound very young to me..  How old is your cousin?  Kids don't
realize how sensitive young animals are and tend to get too rough with
them -- no wonder they are scared.   Have you even discussed this
problem with your parents?  If not, do so at once.   MLB