diff --git a/kittens/tui/handler.py b/kittens/tui/handler.py
index ebf1d2569..8d97c749c 100644
--- a/kittens/tui/handler.py
+++ b/kittens/tui/handler.py
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ class Handler:
     mouse_tracking = MouseTracking.none
     terminal_io_ended = False
     overlay_ready_report_needed = False
+    perform_default_key_actions = True  # ctrl-c/ctrl-d will call on_interrupt and on_eot
 
     def _initialize(
         self,
diff --git a/kittens/tui/loop.py b/kittens/tui/loop.py
index 218cd9b9b..63d7fc003 100644
--- a/kittens/tui/loop.py
+++ b/kittens/tui/loop.py
@@ -330,12 +330,13 @@ class Loop:
             except Exception:
                 pass
             else:
-                if k.matches('ctrl+c'):
-                    self.handler.on_interrupt()
-                    return
-                if k.matches('ctrl+d'):
-                    self.handler.on_eot()
-                    return
+                if self.handler.perform_default_key_actions:
+                    if k.matches('ctrl+c'):
+                        self.handler.on_interrupt()
+                        return
+                    if k.matches('ctrl+d'):
+                        self.handler.on_eot()
+                        return
                 self.handler.on_key_event(k)
 
     def _on_pm(self, pm: str) -> None: