Cats are definitely more social than we used to give them credit for. But that doesn’t mean every cat wants to spend their time in your lap!
As your kitten matures into a teen cat, you may notice they’re not as playful and rambunctious. This is normal and doesn’t mean they’re not going to cause shenanigans on occasion.
Your cat is still developing their personality. For some cats, this will mean becoming more of an aloof loner. They may spend more time lounging in window seats, climbing up to high spaces and self-entertaining with toys. That’s okay! You’ll have to adjust your daily routine to ensure you’re still getting bonding time while respecting their limits.
Side note: Cats do learn their names but sometimes choose to ignore you when you call them. One potential reason for this is that we didn’t make them into our companions like we did with dogs—cats are thought to have domesticated themselves. They’re used to calling the shots! You can encourage your kitten to be more responsive by rewarding them with treats when they come to you.
But if your social cat is suddenly ignoring you, it’s time to get them checked out by a veterinarian. Stress, anxiety, fear and medical conditions can all cause a cat to hide, act disengaged or otherwise behave abnormally.
Of course, it’s also possible that your kitten is deaf. Deafness is harder to detect in cats than dogs, so don’t be embarrassed if you’re just thinking of this now. Learn more about deafness in cats.
