If your cat does not allow you to pet it, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why won’t my cat let me pet it? Likely reasons why your cat won’t let you pet it are that it does not like the way you pet it and that it finds your body language intimidating.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your cat won’t let you pet it and it could 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 won’t my cat let me pet it?
Below are some likely reasons why your cat won’t let you pet it and what would make them more likely to be the main reason.
Your cat does not like how you pet it
The issue could be with the way you have been petting it. This would be more likely if your cat does let you pet it sometimes but it does not let you pet it when you pet it in a certain manner. In this case, it would help to consider what is different when it does let you pet it and to try to pet it that way more. Generally, you will find that cats prefer to have a gentle chin rub instead of a full backrub.
Intimidation
The cause could also be that it is intimidated. This would be more likely if it backs away when you approach it in a bold manner and when you pet it firmly.
Your cat is not comfortable around you yet
If you have not owned your cat for long, it would be very likely that your cat has not become comfortable around you yet. In this case, it should allow you to pet it more as it becomes more comfortable around you.
Your cat does not want to be bothered
If your cat does allow you to pet it sometimes, the issue could be with the timing. If it does not let you do it when it is trying to sleep, the cause could be that it wants to be able to sleep without being bothered.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
If your cat always stopped you from petting it
If your cat did let you pet it in the past, it would help to consider what else happened when it stopped letting you pet it. If it stopped letting you pet it suddenly, it could be due to things such as a change in the way you have been interacting with it, a change in how you pet it or something causing it to become anxious.
If your cat does let you pet it sometimes
If your cat does let you pet it sometimes, it would also help to consider what is different when your cat does let you pet it. For example, if it does let you pet it when you pet it in a certain manner, the issue could be with the way you have been petting it.
What to do about my cat not wanting me to pet it?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Pet it differently
It could help to be calm with it and to pet it more gently and in a different manner. Generally, cats don’t like a full backrub and prefer to pet rubbed below the chin.
Leave it alone
It could be the case that your cat has been stopping you from petting it because you have been giving it too much attention or because you have been doing it at a time when it does not want to be bothered. It would help to observe your cat’s body language and to stop giving it as much attention when it starts showing signs of being agitated such as by flicking its tail.
Limit reasons why it might be anxious
It would also help to limit reasons why it might be anxious with its environment. One way to do so would be to let it stay in a quiet room where there is a safe space for it to sleep.
Why won’t my cat let me pet it anymore?
The reason why your cat does not let you pet it anymore is likely to be due to a change in the way you have been interacting with it, a change in its environment causing it to get anxious or possibly because it became injured. It would help to consider what else changed when your cat stopped letting you pet it.