Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my cat suddenly avoiding me, hissing, and not sleeping with me?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 months and 29 days old | 9 lbs

My cat has randomly started to dislike me? I am the primary feeder icleaner litter box everyday I play with her and I haven't changed anything in my routine or her diet I don't wear perfume that would bug her.. she just randomly started this about 2 weeks ago and I can't figure out why. she used to sleep with me every night and come up and cuddle with me and always want to play with me and now many times when I even go near her she hisses at me and she doesn't sleep with me anymore.?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2019

A sudden change in behavior from the normal can be a sign of illness in a cat. Given that Ava is acting very differently from the way she was before, I'd take her into a vet today for a health check. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why is my cuddly cat suddenly hiding and staying in another room?

Cats can unfortunately be fickle and change up where they sleep, but this can also be a sign of an illness. Given that you say this is extremely out of character for Fluffy, I would have her seen by a vet tomorrow for a health check. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from an illness causing her change in behavior, and can discuss treatment options with you.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my cat suddenly needy, aggressive, biting, and hissing?

There could be a reason for Aspyn's change in behavior. Sometimes a sudden change behavior can be a sign of a medical illness. I think it would be a good idea to have her seen by a vet for a health check.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My independent cat is suddenly clingy. Is she sick or just cold?

As with any sudden behavioral change, an exam to rule out any health issues is always the best first option. If the weather is changing rapidly and you are seeing her seek out warmer spots such as blankets, by heater vents, etc that could also be related to the behavior. Adding a warm blanket out of the dryer to her bed, or providing a place for her to sleep near a heater may help. However, if you are concerned enough about the change, a vet exam for a bit of peace of mind is always good.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat suddenly scared, hiding, and won't come to me?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kitty Mucher. If she spends time outdoors, then I worry that she sustained an injury. Cat bite wounds are common and could explain her abrupt change in behavior. If she is not acting normal by the time you return home today, then she will need to see her veterinarian. If she does have a wound (and they can be hard to find), she will require treatment. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my cat acting weird, avoiding me, and leaving home?

Sudden strange behavior changes can sometimes indicate underlying pain or illness, so it is a good idea to schedule a checkup with your vet to rule out any health issues. If your cat is not spayed and is also leaving the house, it could be that she is in heat or is pregnant, which is why she is trying to separate from her old litter (I assume this is what you mean by her kids) to make ready for a new one. Having her spayed and keeping her indoors may help if this is the case, as well as making sure all the cats have their own access to food, water, litter, bedding, etc.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 9-year-old cat is avoiding me and sleeping more. Should I worry?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Baybee. Cats, by nature, hide signs of illness well. So any change in behavior can be significant. I think it is worth having her evaluated by a veterinarian. She may be painful somewhere or have an internal disease starting. The veterinarian will examine her and may recommend testing such as bloodwork. Based on these results, treatment can be started if necessary. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat hasn't eaten in a week and sleeps more. Is a vet visit needed?

Poor girl. Not eating is a serious symptom in a cat especially. I would absolutley recommend taking Ava in to your local vet to be evaluated at this point. She could have just about anything going on, so the vet will want to start with some baseline bloodwork and a urinalysis to gather clues as to why she is ill so that we know how to best treat her moving forward. Since it has been more than a few days already, it is best to get her to your vet asap. I hope that Ava is able to make a full recovery soon! Best wishes and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share