My cat doesn’t enjoy being held. Every time I have her, she tries to get out. If I don’t let her go, she will struggle until I do or she escapes. After a few instances of this, I do not try to compel her to be in my arms. I pick her up frequently, thinking she will want to stay, but she leaves nearly immediately.
However, I can’t help but notice that when I hold her or place her on my lap, she will start purring but still attempt to go. Why does she purr while still wanting to leave? I guess purring indicates that she is content.
Also, while she enjoys hugging and personal touch, she dislikes being right on top of my body. She always rests her head on me or curls up on me, but she never lies on top of me. She has unexpectedly approached me, jumped on top of me, and snuggled up on my chest about two to three times throughout my whole relationship. These incidents occurred near each other and then never happened again.
Is there a way I can help her like being held? I have tried everything, including treats. She’ll wait till I give her the treat and then go immediately.
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Let her love you in whatever way she is comfortable to do so. Don’t try to force something that makes her uncomfortable.
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This. I have a twelve-year-old cat. She never loved to be held (save by my son). However, if I sit on the couch, she sits next to me, sleeps against me, and extends her paw to touch me. We’ve kept her since she was a kitten, so there’s been no trauma. Cats are like people. Some people enjoy hugs, while others do not. It doesn’t imply they dislike you. They simply despise the type of affection you are displaying. She’s demonstrating how to express her affection. Sit with her and rest your hand on her.
I have another cat who is always right on top of you. Sit down, he’s on your lap; lie down, he cuddles up under your chin (all 25 lbs of Ragdoll). LOL Be careful what you wish for! 
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My cat behaves like this. He tolerates being held for a brief period before being released. But he snuggles in bed with me, sits next to me on the couch, and likes to stretch out on me while I’m lying down.
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I have two kitties. One is quite independent and prefers to be petted rather than held. The other wants to be held for a brief period of time but will repeatedly head butt me while I’m on the sofa and walk on me - not to be held, but to walk and headbutt me. You cannot win with cats! Lol!
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Seriously. My boy is always wanting to be on my chest and all over my face. I beg him to simply lay on my lap or next to me. He will not have it. Not satisfied till my face is coated in cat fur.
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First, purring does not always indicate happiness. Purring is a calming and self-regulating mechanism for cats. Second, do not compel her to do something she is not comfortable with or does not want to do. Would you appreciate it if someone made you do something you despise?
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Mine don’t either they show their affection in their own ways
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My cat absolutely loves any form of affection but my mum’s cat who is so friendly and will curl up on your lap, accepts kisses and any stroking hates being held.
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My cat only tolerates being held provided I support his feet. He’s normally really cuddly and enjoys sitting on my lap, but he’ll freak out if he’s picked up without a hand under his back legs. If she doesn’t want to be held, don’t force it, but it might be worth a try.