diff --git a/docs/changelog.rst b/docs/changelog.rst
index 72b132d9a..cdb34ee87 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.rst
+++ b/docs/changelog.rst
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ Changelog
   `*_with_cwd` actions that open a new window with the current working
   directory.
 
+- Add a new ``copy_or_interrupt`` action that can be mapped to kbd:`ctrl+c`. It
+  will copy if there is a selection and interrupt otherwise (:iss:`1286`)
+
 - Fix setting :opt:`background_opacity` causing window margins/padding to be slightly
   different shade from background (:iss:`1221`)
 
diff --git a/kitty/config_data.py b/kitty/config_data.py
index 8412dd866..b471d7b97 100644
--- a/kitty/config_data.py
+++ b/kitty/config_data.py
@@ -848,7 +848,10 @@ g('shortcuts.clipboard')  # {{{
 if is_macos:
     k('copy_to_clipboard', 'cmd+c', 'copy_to_clipboard', _('Copy to clipboard'), add_to_docs=False)
     k('paste_from_clipboard', 'cmd+v', 'paste_from_clipboard', _('Paste from clipboard'), add_to_docs=False)
-k('copy_to_clipboard', 'kitty_mod+c', 'copy_to_clipboard', _('Copy to clipboard'))
+k('copy_to_clipboard', 'kitty_mod+c', 'copy_to_clipboard', _(
+    'Copy to clipboard. There is also a :code:`copy_or_interrupt` action that'
+    ' can be optionally mapped to :kbd:`ctrl+c`. It'
+    ' will copy only if there is a selection and send an interrupt otherwise. '))
 k('paste_from_clipboard', 'kitty_mod+v', 'paste_from_clipboard', _('Paste from clipboard'))
 k('paste_from_selection', 'kitty_mod+s', 'paste_from_selection', _('Paste from selection'))
 k('paste_from_selection', 'shift+insert', 'paste_from_selection', _('Paste from selection'))
diff --git a/kitty/window.py b/kitty/window.py
index 03d439cb8..a041cc88d 100644
--- a/kitty/window.py
+++ b/kitty/window.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ from .fast_data_types import (
     set_clipboard_string, set_titlebar_color, set_window_render_data,
     update_window_title, update_window_visibility, viewport_for_window
 )
-from .keys import keyboard_mode_name
+from .keys import keyboard_mode_name, extended_key_event, defines
 from .rgb import to_color
 from .terminfo import get_capabilities
 from .utils import (
@@ -524,6 +524,15 @@ class Window:
         if text:
             set_clipboard_string(text)
 
+    def copy_or_interrupt(self):
+        text = self.text_for_selection()
+        if text:
+            set_clipboard_string(text)
+        else:
+            mode = keyboard_mode_name(self.screen)
+            text = extended_key_event(defines.GLFW_KEY_C, defines.GLFW_MOD_CONTROL, defines.GLFW_PRESS) if mode == 'kitty' else b'\x03'
+            self.write_to_child(text)
+
     def pass_selection_to_program(self, *args):
         cwd = self.cwd_of_child
         text = self.text_for_selection()