diff --git a/sway/input/cursor.c b/sway/input/cursor.c
index c0c6e827f..4a8609da0 100644
--- a/sway/input/cursor.c
+++ b/sway/input/cursor.c
@@ -222,7 +222,9 @@ void dispatch_cursor_button(struct sway_cursor *cursor,
 			seat_set_focus(cursor->seat, cont);
 		}
 	} else {
-		seat_set_focus(cursor->seat, cont);
+		if (cont && cont->parent->layout != L_TABBED) {
+			seat_set_focus(cursor->seat, cont);
+		}
 	}
 
 	wlr_seat_pointer_notify_button(cursor->seat->wlr_seat,