3 reasons why a cat is aloof: the worst thing you can do is to force it

Cats are often accused of being aloof. We've written a lot about how different they are from dogs and how it's a bad idea to compare these two very different pets, but now we want to approach this topic from a slightly different angle. There are indeed cats who even keep that certain distance from their owners and other family members.

We have heard of a cat who lived in an apartment in perfect conditions. It was never abused and had everything it could wish for. The owners loved it, and it loved being around them, but it was completely unthinkable for it to snuggle with them. Today we are trying to find an answer to why a cat is aloof.

Interpretation of the term

As among humans, so among animals there are specimens that require more human contact. And others can get by with much less. If the vet says your pet is healthy, and you can see from its behavior at home that it is a balanced, contented cat, then maybe it’s not worth it to dissect the reasons further. Maybe your pet just isn’t the cuddly type. However, there may be some subtle signs in the way it shows its affection and love.

If it rubs against your leg, but won’t let you pick it up or pet it, there’s no reason to worry! It is probably just not into physical contact, but it really likes you regardless.

If you repeatedly see it blinking slowly when it is looking at you, it likes to be near you and sit close to you, this also indicates that it likes your company.

Their tails are one of their most effective means of communication. If its tail is up and the end forms a small hook, it is also indicates calmness.

If it also lies near you, showing its belly or regularly brings you gifts, it means that it feels safe with you.

Possible reasons why they might be acting distant

The most likely reason is simply that it was not socialized with enough people when it was a kitten. Thus, the ways we use to show our love may be foreign to it. This often happens if it is an adopted kitten or you got the cat from a place where it had little contact with people before being separated from its mother. (This often happens in rural areas, where the kittens of outdoor cats remain hidden from prying eyes for longer periods of time for their safety.)

It may be that the kitty has this personality. It was properly socialized, you can pick it up, you can pet it, but apparently it doesn’t really enjoy either. There is nothing wrong with this if the animal is healthy. This simply has to be respected.

But it may also happen that as its gets older, it will prefer to spend more time in your arms or on your lap. Most aging cats are less active and appreciate a warm and safe corner more. So it is easy for the current situation to change even for you.

What can you do in this situation?

The worst thing you can do is force the connection. The kitty is happy when it can show its love in its own style. If you reached out to it and let you to pet it for a second and then walks away, you need to understand and respect that as well.

It really appreciates you taking care of it, its just not comfortable being petted or touched. If you are patient with it and let it be itself, you can share your home with a really happy cat. And that’s actually what every owner wants.