Why does my cat avoid being petted by me all of a sudden?

Question

Up until recently, our 3-year old cat loved to be petted by us all the time, but now she'll cringe and slither away about half the time we try to pet her. She's still extremely friendly and well-behaved, but just less so, and I'm worried that there is something physically bothering her. Symptoms include:

- eating less
- scratching herself on occassion
- shaking herself off, as if she were a wet dog

Or could it be psychological? We took her from my sister, who rescued her from her lonely life as an office cat and kept her for 3 weeks (and we've had her for 5). The cat's strange behaviour seems to coincide with a visit from my sister.

We also let her outside on the fire escape for the first time, and she's been craving the outdoors ever since (but it's wet and dangerous up in our attic suite).

She's also in the middle of toilet training -- I've raised the litter now to almost the height of the toilet. She's had no problems adjusting though, and is still using the litter.

Any ideas?

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. A few things I should note:

- Yes, she has been spayed, so no worries there.
- Twice I've noticed a bit of clear discharge from the inside corner her left eye... probably nothing, but I love my kitty and it's a little worrisome :)
- Her farts have stunk lately... either that or her butt's not clean.

I think a trip to the vet is definitely in order though, even if my girlfriend thinks I'm overreacting. :)

Answer 1

You should take her to the vet. Cats are notorious for hiding that they are sick and you should always have them checked anytime they show behavioral changes. My husband pitches a fit about the vet bills but to me it's worth 30 bucks even if it's just piece of mind.

Once the vet rules out any health problems then you want to look at other issues. I agree with the person he mentioned cologne. When I use coco butter on my pregnant belly the cats won’t come near me for about an hour. They start to and then they turn right back around and run away. It could have something to do with her missing your sister or the potty training. It doesn't sound like you have had her for more then a few months. It can take cats up to a year to adjust to major changes like a new house. Something as little as rearranging the furniture can affect them. If it is an adjustment issue, just give it time. Cats are very good at adapting. Over time they can get use to just about anything.

Answer 2

If I'm understanding you correctly -- your cat is 3 years old and until recently lived in an office. With that scenario, I would think your cat has never seen a vet and should become your first priority -- take no chances.

Your cat's avoidance to being pet and especially after your sister's visit could indeed be a psychological factor. I'm assuming that it was she that took care of it while it lived in the office and then rescued it. If so, than your cat might be upset about the loss of your sister and expressing it in this way. Time is a healer, but again, a vet is the first place to start!

Certain foods can cause even us human to pass horrible smellies! Have you changed the menu she was accustomed to? Table scraps and certain brands of canned food are usually the culprits of these nasties. Best Wishes

Answer 3

We had a cat introduced to our house after his owner passed away. "Jag" was stayed with 2 other families in the course of 1 month before we got him. He was a "nuisance" to the other families (they really didn't want to give him the attention he needed). I believe Jag was depressed for awhile and it was 2 months before he started to be alot more friendly and relaxed in our home. Give your kitty more time to adjust to her new surroundings mentally.
Just to be safe, she should get a checkup to make sure her physical health is ok. She could have an internal problem you may not know about and it'd do her good to be up-to-date on her shots.
I hope everything works out for you. It sounds like you really care for your new baby! Good luck!

Answer 4

She's just being a feline..Cats are very different from dogs .Dogs travel and habitat mainly in packs and crave socialization.Cats are more independent.They are like some humans are,crave companionship at times and seek solitude at others..Remember animals have to make adjustments in the lifestyles just like people do.

Answer 5

Cats are a lot like kids.....when something is wrong there are changes in their behavior. From what you said in your question there is something seriously wrong.....take them to the vet...sounds like some kind on infestation which creating the problem. It is better for you, the cat and others in the household to have checked out!

Answer 6

I adopted a 4yr old cat from SPCA this summer. At first she was always following me, and would sit in between my b/f and I and sleep between us on the bed. Now when we try to pet her, she tries to sneak away, sleeps at the bottom of the bed 1/2 the night, rarely sits by us. She is probably used to us now and doesn't feel like she has to be smothered by us. That is probably the case with your cat. Trying to get used to you and now that she is, she doesn't need your attention as much.

Answer 7

You may want to take her to the vet to rule out anything physical. Maybe with all of the changes lately she is just a bit skiddish of loud noises and movement.

Answer 8

umm...well, it could be a skin problem that is hurting her and that may be why she's scratching, shaking, and shying from your touch. or it could be psychological from all the stress she has been through in the last 2 months...you should talk to your vet.

Answer 9

have you change your laundry soap lately, she may not like the change, also bathing soaps if changed may cause her to think of you as some one else other than the regular smell she is already use to. other possibility is she may be having a hormonal problem cats get PMS too.

Answer 10

Do you use cologne? She may not like something that someone is using. If she is not spayed, you really should think of doing that for her. She will feel a lot better.