Home » Why do cats ignore you when you call them?

Why do cats ignore you when you call them?

by Dr. Nara Crockett

Do you ever feel like your cat is ignoring you? It can be disheartening when you call them, but they don’t come running over. It’s understandable to feel hurt or frustrated in this situation, but it’s important to remember that cats are complex animals who communicate in their own way. So why do cats ignore you when you call them?

The answer lies in how cats interact with their environment. Cats can be both curious and cautious. When they feel threatened or stressed, they may choose to ignore whatever it is that’s causing them discomfort. If you’ve punished your cat in the past, or yelled at them, they may now view you as a potential threat. Cats don’t understand if your intentions are good or bad, so they may choose to ignore you.

Cats also have excellent hearing and can detect subtle changes in the environment. If your cat is busy doing something else, they may not respond to your call. Cats also have their own unique personalities and preferences, so your cat may simply not like being called.

Finally, cats are creatures of habit and may become used to being ignored. If you’ve been calling your cat for a long time without any response, they may start to ignore you out of habit.

So why do cats ignore you when you call them? It could be due to feeling threatened by you, being busy doing something else, having their own preferences, or simply out of habit. Understanding why your cat is ignoring you can help you figure out how to create a better relationship with them.

Why do cats ignore you when you call them?

Cats are complex and mysterious creatures, and one of the most common questions cat owners ask is, “Why do cats ignore me when I call them?” The answer to this question isn’t always straightforward, as cats can be temperamental and act in ways that don’t make sense to their owners.

When it comes to understanding your cat’s behavior, it can be helpful to look at the reasons why cats might choose to ignore you. Cats are naturally independent animals and have their own way of communicating, so it can be difficult to know why your cat is ignoring you. From stress to feeling threatened, there are a few different scenarios that could explain why your cat is ignoring you.

Your cat is stressed

Cats can become stressed for a variety of reasons, including changes in their environment, the presence of other animals, or even just a change in routine. If your cat is feeling stressed, they may choose to ignore you as a way to cope with the situation. If your cat is exhibiting signs of stress, such as hiding, restlessness, or aggression, it’s important to take steps to reduce the stressors and provide your cat with a safe and comfortable environment.

Your cat is feeling threatened

Cats can become easily intimidated, and if they feel threatened they may choose to ignore you to avoid any potential danger. If you have ever punished or swatted your cat, or even yelled at them, they may now see you as a potential threat and choose to ignore you. Your cat doesn’t know if your intentions are good or bad, so they try to ignore you.

They are not in the mood to interact with you

Cats are independent animals and can often choose when they want to be social and when they don’t. If your cat is in the middle of a nap or is in the middle of a hunt, they may choose to ignore you and continue with what they were doing. This can be especially true if you try to call your cat when they are already engaged in something else.

They are trying to tell you something

Some cats may ignore their human companions to try and communicate a message. If your cat is ignoring you, they may be trying to tell you that they are hungry or thirsty, or they may be trying to tell you that they need more space or a different environment. Pay attention to your cat’s body language and behavior and try to figure out what they are trying to tell you.

Cats are complex and mysterious creatures and can often act in ways that don’t make sense to us. If your cat is ignoring you, it could be for a variety of reasons, from feeling threatened to feeling stressed. It’s important to take the time to observe your cat and try to figure out what they are trying to tell you. With patience and understanding, you can learn to better communicate with your cat and create a strong bond.

How do you know if your cat doesn’t like you?

When it comes to cats, it can often be difficult to tell whether or not they like you. After all, cats are notoriously independent creatures, and they don’t necessarily show their affection in the same way that other pets do. So, how do you know if your cat doesn’t like you?

The key is to look for subtle signs of aggression that indicate your cat isn’t happy with you. Hissing, growling, biting, or slashing, or digging their nails into your skin are fairly clear indications that a cat is not happy with you. Of course, some cats do play a little rough, and most cats will give a love bite now and then, but if your cat bites you hard enough to break the skin, that is one pissed-off cat.

Watch Out for Ears, Tail and Fur

If your cat’s ears are drawn back, or their fur is standing on end, then these are signs that your cat may not be particularly happy with you. Watch out for the position of your cat’s tail too. If it’s upright, then your cat is likely to be alert and curious. If, however, the tail is twitching or lashing, then this could be an indication that your cat is feeling threatened.

Is Your Cat Avoiding You?

If your cat is avoiding you, then this can be a sign that they don’t like you. Look out for signs such as your cat running away when they see you, or hiding when you approach them. It could also be the case that your cat is just feeling a bit stressed or overwhelmed. If that’s the case, then it’s important to give them some space and be gentle when you interact with them.

Check for Stress

If your cat is constantly licking its fur, over-grooming, or showing signs of fear or anxiety, then it’s likely that they don’t feel comfortable with you. It’s important to identify the source of the stress and take steps to alleviate it. This could mean introducing new toys and activities, or providing a safe and comfortable space for your cat to retreat to.

Body Language is Key

When it comes to understanding your cat’s feelings towards you, body language plays an important role. Cats communicate a lot with their body language, and it’s important to be aware of the signs that your cat may be giving off. A relaxed cat will often appear calm, content and curious, whereas a stressed or scared cat will be more likely to show signs of aggression such as hissing or swatting.

If you’re unsure whether or not your cat likes you, then it’s important to observe their behavior and look out for signs of aggression or stress. Cats can be notoriously independent, but with the right care and attention, you can help to create a positive and loving bond between you and your furry friend.

Do cats understand when you call them?

When it comes to our beloved cats, we often wonder if they understand us when we call them. After all, they appear to recognize their names and may even come when they are called. But do cats really understand when their owners call them?

Recent research suggests that cats do indeed recognize their names when called. In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo, cats showed a greater response to their own name than to other words in a series. The cats in the study were found to have an impressive ability to distinguish their own names from other words, even if those words were similar in sound or intonation.

How Cats Recognize their Names

The study found that cats use a combination of their sense of hearing and their memories to recognize their own names. Cats have a highly developed sense of hearing, which allows them to detect even the faintest of sounds. They also have a strong memory, which helps them to recall the sound of their own name.

In addition, cats also take into account the intonation and context of their owners’ voices. When their owners call them, cats can recognize not only the sound of their name but also the tone and context of their owners’ voices. This helps cats to differentiate between their own name and other words.

Why Cats Don’t Always Respond

Although cats may recognize their own names when called, they don’t always respond. This could be for a variety of reasons. For example, cats may be too busy or distracted to respond. They may also be feeling shy or uninterested in interacting with you.

Cats are also highly independent animals and may choose to ignore their owners. This could be because they are feeling independent or simply because they don’t feel like responding. Whatever the reason, cats are more likely to respond when they are feeling relaxed and comfortable.

Tips for Training Your Cat

If you want to train your cat to respond to its name, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to use your cat’s name in a positive way. Whenever you call your cat, make sure to use a pleasant tone of voice and reward them with treats or affection when they respond.

You should also try to use your cat’s name in different contexts. For example, you can use their name when playing with them, when feeding them, and when calling them from another room. This will help your cat to recognize their name in different contexts and become more responsive.

Overall, cats are able to recognize their own names when called. They do this by taking into account the sound of their name, the intonation of their owners’ voices, and the context of the situation. However, cats may choose not to respond, which could be due to a variety of reasons. To train your cat to respond to its name, make sure to use their name in a positive way and reward them when they do respond. With a little patience and time, you can train your cat to recognize and respond to its name.

Do cats dislike certain people?

Cats can be loving and affectionate, but sometimes they don’t seem to like certain people. The signs of a cat not liking someone may vary, such as a lowered or puffed-up tail, avoiding eye contact, hissing, swatting, or even biting. Understanding why cats don’t like some people can help owners find ways to improve the relationship and make their cats happy.

Signs of cats disliking someone

Cats are incredibly perceptive creatures, so they have a good idea of when they don’t like someone. Some of the most common signs that a cat doesn’t like someone include:

  • Tail flicking or puffed up tail: When a cat’s tail is flicking or puffed up, it usually means they are scared or uncomfortable. This is a sign that the cat doesn’t like the person or their presence.
  • Hiding or avoiding: If a cat is hiding or avoiding a person, it’s a sign that they don’t like them. Cats hide when they feel scared, so if your cat hides from someone, it’s a good indication that they don’t like them.
  • Hissing or swatting: Hissing or swatting are both signs that a cat doesn’t like someone. Hissing is an aggressive vocalization cats make when they feel threatened or scared, while swatting is an aggressive physical behavior that cats use to protect themselves.
  • Biting or scratching: Biting or scratching are both signs that a cat doesn’t like someone. Cats will bite or scratch when they feel threatened or scared, so if your cat does this to someone, it’s a good indication that they don’t like them.

Reasons why cats might dislike certain people

There are several reasons why cats might not like certain people. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Fear: Cats can be scared of people they don’t know, especially if they haven’t been properly socialized. If a cat is scared of someone, they may hiss, run away, or even bite if they feel threatened.
  • Stress: Cats can be easily stressed out, especially when they’re in unfamiliar situations. If a cat is stressed out, they may be more likely to act out or show aggression towards someone.
  • Inconsistent behavior: Cats need consistency in order to feel secure. If someone is displaying inconsistent behavior, such as being overly affectionate one day and then ignoring the cat the next, it can make the cat feel uncomfortable or confused.
  • Sensitivity: Cats are sensitive creatures, so even the slightest change in a person’s behavior can be enough to make them uncomfortable. If a cat notices a change in someone’s behavior, they may become scared or aggressive.

How to improve the relationship between cats and people they don’t like

If your cat doesn’t like someone, there are some steps you can take to help improve the relationship. Some of the most effective strategies include:

  • Give them time and space: Cats need time and space to adjust to new people. Allowing your cat to adjust to the person slowly, rather than forcing them to interact, can help them feel more comfortable.
  • Provide positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be a great way to help cats build positive associations with people they don’t like. Give your cat treats or praise when they’re around the person they don’t like, and this can help them start to associate the person with something positive.
  • Make sure the person is behaving appropriately: If the person is behaving inappropriately, it can make the cat feel scared or uncomfortable. Make sure the person is speaking calmly, avoiding sudden movements, and giving the cat some space.
  • Keep an eye on the cat’s body language: Pay attention to your cat’s body language, as it can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. If your cat is showing signs of fear or aggression, remove them from the situation and give them some space.

Overall, cats can dislike certain people for a variety of reasons. Understanding why cats don’t like someone can help owners find ways to improve the relationship and make their cats happy. By providing positive reinforcement, making sure the person is behaving appropriately, and giving the cat time and space, owners can help cats feel more comfortable around people they don’t like.

Can a cat be mad at you?

Cats are known for being independent and aloof, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get mad at you. If your cat is exhibiting certain behaviors, then it’s possible that she is angry at you for something. Understanding how cats show anger and what you can do to help her feel better can make all the difference in your relationship.

Signs That Your Cat is Mad at You

One of the first subtle signs that your cat is mad at you is when you see her tail placed low, swishing quickly back and forth from side to side. Whenever you see the tail twitch, stop whatever it is you’re doing that is upsetting her, give her some space, and back off for a while until she calms down.

Another sign that your cat is mad at you is when she avoids eye contact. A cat that is mad at you will often turn her head away or even move away when you try to make eye contact with her. If your cat is mad at you, she may also become more aggressive and bite or scratch if you come too close.

Why Is My Cat Mad at Me?

Cats can become mad at you for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is when you change her routine, such as when you move furniture or change the location of her litter box. Cats are creatures of habit, and any change can cause them stress and make them angry.

Another reason your cat may be mad at you is if you have been over-petting her or not giving her enough attention. Cats are very sensitive to touch, and if you are petting her too much or not enough, she can become frustrated and angry.

Finally, cats can also become mad at you if you have been scolding her or punishing her for something she did. Cats can be sensitive to punishment, and it can cause them to become angry and resentful.

How Can I Make My Cat Less Mad at Me?

If your cat is mad at you, there are a few things you can do to make her feel better. First, make sure you are giving her enough attention by petting her and playing with her. It is important to show her that you care and that you are there for her.

Second, make sure you are not changing her routine too often. Cats need consistency in their lives, so try to keep her environment as consistent as possible.

Finally, avoid scolding or punishing your cat. Instead, try positive reinforcement, such as giving her treats or toys when she behaves well. This will help her understand that good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is not.

It is possible for cats to get mad at you. If you notice your cat exhibiting certain behaviors, such as avoiding eye contact or lashing her tail, then it is likely that she is mad at you for something. Making sure you are giving her enough attention, avoiding changes to her routine, and using positive reinforcement can help to make her feel better and reduce the chances of her becoming angry in the future.


In conclusion, it is normal for cats to ignore you when you call them. This behavior may be due to past punishments, or simply because your cat perceives you as a potential threat. To make sure your cat feels comfortable around you, it is important to build a positive relationship with them. Spend quality time with them, give them treats, and use positive reinforcement instead of punishment. If you follow these tips, your cat may start to respond to your calls in no time! Remember, cats are intelligent and independent animals, so it is important to show them respect and patience.

You may also like

Leave a Comment