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Why is my cat suddenly distant?

If your cat has suddenly started being distant, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.

So, why is my cat suddenly distant? Likely reasons why your cat is suddenly distant are that your cat has an injury or illness, a change in the home environment or a change in how you have been interacting with your cat.

There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat is suddenly distant and it might be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about them.

Why is my cat suddenly distant?

Below are likely causes and what would make each of them more likely.

Injury or illness

The cause could be that your cat has gotten an injury or illness. This would be more likely if your cat has been showing other signs of having an injury or illness such as limping or vomiting a lot. In this case, it would be best to take your cat for a checkup with the vet.

Another possible cause is that your cat has been having trouble with its hearing due to things such as an injury in its ears. This would be more likely if your cat has started ignoring you suddenly but it does not try to avoid you and it does come and give you attention sometimes. Again, in this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet.

A change in the environment

The cause could also be due to a change around the home. If your cat started being distant and hiding since moving home, getting a new pet, or since new noises were introduced to the home, it would be likely that your cat is reacting to the change.

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.

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.

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.

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 reason why your cat has been being distant.

What else happened when your cat first started being distant

It would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started being distant since it might be the case that an event 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 tends to be distant

If there is a certain time your cat seems to be more distant, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if your cat has been doing it when other pets are around, your cat might actually be avoiding the other pets.

What to do about my cat being distant?

Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.

Give them rewards

One option would be to encourage your cat to not be distant by rewarding your cat, with treats and positive attention, whenever your cat does shows interest in you and is not distant. Doing this should help to encourage your cat to show you more attention.

Get help

If it seems like injury or illness is the cause, it would help to take your cat to the vet for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat and to rule out medical causes.

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.

Deal with issues in their environment

If your cat started being distant 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.