Signs Your Cat Wants To Be Left Alone

agitated cat
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In a perfect world, our cats would be able to communicate with us and tell us exactly how they’re feeling. While this would be nice, our cats do have other ways of communicating with us, we just have to pay closer attention.

Maybe you bugged your cat too much or maybe they’re in a mood today, but you might get the impression that your cat wants to be left alone. There’s a good chance your hunch could be correct, and there are clear signs that cats give to let you know that they need some space.

How to Tell if Your Cat Wants to Be Left Alone

Here are signs to look for to tell if your cat wants to be left alone.

Avoiding eye contact and physical touch

If your cat is normally cuddly but isn’t interested in any physical touch at the moment, they are signaling that they’d like to be left alone for now. Cats that avoid eye contact are making similar signals, sort of like how a student might avoid the teacher’s gaze when the teacher looks for answers from the class. Your cat just doesn’t want to engage right now.

Flicking tail

A flicking tail is a pretty clear part of cat tail language. This movement can mean that your cat is agitated or alert. Unfortunately, this can be the result of hunting and playtime or the desire to be left alone. So, look for other signs to know that your cat wants some alone time.

You can’t find your cat

If you can’t find your cat, then your cat doesn’t want to be found. Your cat will come to you when it’s ready for attention. 

Hissing

It doesn’t get much more obvious than hissing. Cats that hiss at people clearly don’t like something that’s happening, and it’s best to give your cat some space.

Pupils are dilated

While not always the case, dilated pupils can be a sign that your cat needs to be left alone for a bit. Dilated pupils mean that your cat is either focused or agitated, sort of like with a flicking or whipping tail. When this occurs with other signs, then you might want to leave your cat be.

Swatting and scratching

If you pick up your cat and it scratches or swats at you, then it should be obvious that your cat doesn’t want the attention right now. Definitely give your cat some space before approaching them again.

Ears are peeled back

You’ll probably see your cat’s ears peel back in conjunction with dilated pupils. Your cat’s ears can be incredibly expressive, and peeled back ears could mean that your cat is nervous or being defensive.

What to Do if Your Cat Wants to Be Left Alone

If your cat wants to be left alone, then leave them alone! While cats can’t communicate the same way we can, that doesn’t mean that they won’t give you signs of what they want. 

Fortunately, cats always come back to get attention. Giving your cat some space can help your cat relax and recenter while also leading to opportunities for you and your cat to bond.

Thomas Short
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