Look for a pattern
Ears, eyes, body tension, tail movement and position all contribute information. A single signal can mean different things in different situations. Observe what happened immediately before the behavior.
Respect distance
A cat that turns away, hides or stops engaging may need space. Pause handling and allow an exit. Repeatedly reaching into a hiding place can make future contact more difficult.
Let interaction be a conversation
Offer a hand nearby and wait for the cat to approach. Keep strokes brief, then pause to see whether the cat requests more. Individual preferences vary.
Investigate sudden changes
A new avoidance pattern or unexpected aggression may have a health component. Record the context and seek veterinary advice when behavior changes suddenly or persistently.
A useful next step
Choose one manageable improvement and make a note of what changes. Use the practical tools to organize the details, and return to the discussion to share what you learned.