Cat being distant all of a sudden – what to do next

Your cat isn’t always going to be an affectionate fluff ball. Just like us, cats may go through the emotions and suddenly act distant towards you. The sudden change in demeanor could be caused by the following reasons.

Health problems

A sudden change in demeanor, such as being distant, could signal an underlying health problem, especially if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as a loss of appetite. We would recommend having the cat checked by the veterinarian if the behavior of being distant lasts for more than a few days.

Cats may want to keep others at a distance, even if it involves someone they trust. The cats may act like this temporarily because they feel vulnerable while sick. Your cat may return to its loving self again once it recovers.

Change in routine

Cats are really sensitive to change. The slightest of changes to their daily routine could suddenly make them act distant towards you. For example, the cat could be acting moody after you switch their food to something new. It could also happen if you leave the cat alone at home for an extended period of time.

Some cats will take longer than others to recover from the anxiety that could build up from these moments. Giving them their favorite treats and toys or turning on a pheromone diffuser may help the cats get through the period of anxiety.

Cat becoming independent

Some cats will become more independent as they get older. They may decide cuddling is no longer their thing. They may decide to show affection in more subtle ways, such as by giving you a quick head bump.