[ownedbycats]

Many cats dislike being held like a baby. Being held upside down with no purchase for their paws, especially by a complete stranger, makes them feel very vulnerable and unsafe. Those same cats most likely are very happy to be held properly (upright) or just be petted.
I agree with other posters here about concern over the age of the kitten. I have a cat we strongly suspect was taken from her mom too early. She has no control over her claws while playing, swats people to get attention and didn't know how to play when she arrived. Our other cats, who left their moms later, velvet their claws while playing (although accidents do happen), play appropriately, and request attention verbally.