If your cat has suddenly started avoiding you, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why is my cat suddenly avoiding me? Likely reasons why your cat is suddenly avoiding you are injury, illness, you or something else has been intimidating them, or a change in their environment.
There are actually a number of possible causes and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why is my cat suddenly avoiding me?
Below are likely reasons why your cat has been doing it and what would make them more likely.
Injury or illness
The cause could be that your cat has gotten an injury or illness that has been causing them to hide. This would be more likely if your cat has been showing other signs of having an injury or illness such as limping, runny stools and vomiting a lot. In this case, the best option would be to take them to a vet.
Intimidation
The cause could also be that your cat gets intimidated by you. This would be more likely if your cat has been hiding since you have been shouting or were aggressive towards or around your cat and if it has been specifically hiding from you.
Another possible cause is that your cat does not like the way you interact with it. This would be more likely if you do things such as pet your cat firmly when it does give you attention.
A problem in the environment
The cause might also be that there is a problem with your cat’s environment. The issue could be that there is another pet that your cat is trying to hide from or that there are noises that have been intimidating your cat.
Old age
Another possible cause is that your cat has been doing it due to old age which has caused your cat to get more tired and to have a harder time hearing you. This would be more likely if your cat has gradually started to show you less attention as your cat has gotten older.
Depression
Cats are also able to become depressed and it could be why your cat has been ignoring you. This would be more likely if your cat has started doing it since an event such as another cat or owner dying or leaving.
A lack of trust
It might also be the case that your cat has learned that listening to you does not result in it getting what it wants. For example, if you have been tapping its food bowl, to get it to come inside, when it is not time for food, it will quickly learn not to listen.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
What else happened when your cat first started doing it
It would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started avoiding you since it might be the case that there was an event that caused it to start. For example, if it started doing it at around the same time you got a new pet or moved homes, the issue could be that it is intimidated by the new pet or has an issue with the new home.
The timing of when your cat avoids you
If your cat has been doing it more at a certain time, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if your cat tends to avoid you when you are shouting or being loud, it would be more likely that your cat is intimidated. Whereas, if your cat has been doing it when other pets are around, your cat might actually be avoiding the other pets.
How to get my cat to stop avoiding me?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Reward your cat
One option would be to encourage your cat to not avoid you by rewarding your cat, with treats and positive attention, whenever your cat does not avoid you. Doing this should help to encourage your cat to show you more attention.
Avoid intimidating your cat
As mentioned above, it might be the case that your cat has been doing it because of the way you have been behaving around your cat. Instead, it would help to be calm around your cat and to avoid making bold movements when approaching it. Also, it would help to ensure that you have been petting your cat in a way that your cat likes.
Limit reasons why your cat might be fearful
If your cat started being afraid of you since a change in their environment, it could help to try to revert back to how it was before. Alternatively, you could try giving your cat access to a different part of the house that is quieter and away from other pets that your cat might be trying to hide from.
Give your cat positive attention
It would also help to encourage your cat to give you attention by giving your cat positive attention, throughout the day, yourself. Ways to do so would be to pet it gently and to play with it.
Why does my cat not want to be around me anymore?
Your cat might not want to be around you anymore due to getting intimidated by your behavior, by other cats, by sounds, getting an injury or illness or because you stopped giving your cat positive attention yourself. It would help to consider what else happened when your cat stopped being around you and if there is a certain time that your cat tends to avoid you.