Why Does My Cat Ignore Me?

A 2023 study from Paris Nanterre University showed evidence that cats can tell the difference between a stranger’s voice and the voice of a human family member. So, we know that our cats hear us and know when we are speaking to them—they just choose not to respond sometimes. But why do cats ignore us? 

Why Is My Cat Ignoring Me?

Cats are often not ignoring their humans for any malicious reasons, and there is usually a simple explanation for the lack of response. However, if this is a new behavior for your cat, it may signal an underlying medical condition.  

Some common reasons your cat may be ignoring you are: 

Your Cat Wants Alone Time

If your cat isn’t responding to your voice, they may simply need some alone time before they are ready to interact again.  

Although cats can—and do—desire social interaction, many cats also tend to be independent, as their ancestors were often solitary hunters. Some cats are more independent than others; this is partly influenced by how they were socialized as kittens and partly by their genetic makeup.  

Your Cat Might Be Scared

If your cat is hiding and refusing to come when called, it may be because they’re afraid of something in their environment. Triggers for your cat could be a loud noise, such as a thunderstorm or a household appliance, or an unfamiliar person or animal in the home.  

A new cat may also hide and refuse to interact with anyone in the home while they decompress and adjust to their new environment. Once calm, they should venture out of hiding to interact with you.  

Your Cat Might Be Upset

Cats can be sensitive and react strongly when their needs are not met. These include food and water, litter boxes in appropriate locations and numbers, vertical space to explore, windows to view the world, and secure places to rest that help them feel safe.  

Cats also thrive when they have enough mental stimulation (through play, interaction with their favorite people, the ability to express natural hunting instincts, and the satisfaction of sating their curiosity).  

If your cat is ignoring you, determine whether you are meeting all of their needs.   

Your Cat Is Aging

If your cat is getting older, you may gradually notice them paying less attention to you or not responding when you try to call them or move into their line of sight.  

This doesn’t mean that your cat is becoming unfriendly in their old age. Rather, your senior cat may be losing their vision and hearing to some degree, so they may not see or hear you as well. This is a normal sign your cat is aging. 

Approach your senior cat slowly and calmly, using a soft and reassuring voice, to prevent startling them. 

Your Cat Isn’t Feeling Well

If your cat is ignoring you, it could mean they’re sick or in pain—especially if this behavior started suddenly.  

Many medical conditions (including kidney disease, infections, or anything that causes pain) can cause cats to withdraw and interact less with their families. This is related to cats being prey-predators who need to protect themselves from larger animals in the wild when they’re in vulnerable states, and our house cats retain this instinct.  

You may also notice signs like:  

• Decreased eating and drinking 

• Litter box accidents 

• Limping or slow movements 

• Unkempt coat from decreased grooming 

It’s important to have your cat examined in person by a veterinarian if you notice them suddenly ignoring you—they may need medical treatment. 

How Do I Get My Cat To Stop Ignoring Me?

Here are some things to try if you want your cat to stop ignoring you. 

Let Them Have Some Space

The first thing to do when your cat is ignoring you is to be patient with them and give them some space and time to themselves.  

Trying to draw them out of hiding or forcefully get their attention could make them anxious and less willing to interact in the future. This is especially true for any new cats you bring home; they may need a few days to decompress.  

Make Sure Their Needs Are Met

It’s also important to make sure that all of your cat’s needs are met, such as:  

• Feeding them a complete and balanced cat food 

• Providing them with a clean litter box that’s scooped daily and deep cleaned every few weeks 

• Regularly brushing them according to their coat length  

• Trimming their nails as needed 

• Providing them places to perch and climb (like cat trees), window perches to watch wildlife from, and comfortable cat beds to rest in 

• Offering them fun, interactive toys to play with throughout the day 

These things may seem basic, but ensuring your cat has everything they need to live a healthy life can also improve their mental well-being and make them more eager to interact with you. 

Give Them Rewards

In addition to playing with your cat with interactive wand toys, another way to bond is by offering treats, which you can even use as rewards during clicker training sessions.  

Clicker training uses a handheld device with a button, such as the Frisco Pet Training Clicker, that produces a loud click when pressed. It’s used as a sound marker for a behavior, letting your cat know they did the correct thing and can expect a reward in the form of a treat, praise, or petting.  

Clicker training can involve basic tasks like sitting, walking around in a circle, or having your cat touch their nose to a target stick such as the Coachi Target Stick. When they perform the behavior correctly, click the clicker and give your cat small bites or licks of a treat after each click.  

Try Calming Products

Some cats may benefit from calming products, such as Feliway Optimum diffusers and Purina Calming Care probiotic powder.  

Both of which may take several weeks to reach peak effect, but can be good long-term investments in your cat’s mental and emotional well-being.  

Schedule a Vet Appointment

If your cat suddenly stops interacting and becomes unaffectionate, they should be seen in person by a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns. 

If your vet has ruled out any medical issues, they may address behavioral causes, such as anxiety, by helping you identify sources of stress (like new family members, moving, loud noises, or changes in routine) and making any necessary environmental adjustments. If needed, your vet can even prescribe anxiety medications.