Is your cat hanging out by your side more than usual? Is your cat trying to communicate with you or has it been at your feet? Maybe this is new behavior and you’re starting to worry.
There are many reasons why our cats become clingy and cling to us. Often, they are looking for our company and just enjoy being with us. But could there be another reason? Read on to discover the top five reasons why our cats won’t leave us.
#1 You are funny – that’s a compliment!
If your cat enjoys playing with you, take it as a compliment—you’re an important human being.
If you’ve ever caught your cat chasing their tail or swinging on a curtain, you know how much they love to play. Indoor cats and kittens can be especially mischievous as they find increasingly creative ways to entertain themselves. But the game becomes even more fun when other people join in for playtime!
So when you get home from get off work, it’s no wonder your cat is delighted to see their long-awaited playmate walk through the door! If your cat enjoys playing with you, take it as a compliment—you’re an important human being. But it’s not just your cat who will benefit from the healthy process of chasing cute sardines.
Research shows that having fun interactions with your cat will strengthen your relationship. The more time you spend together, the stronger your emotional understanding and connection will become.
Also read: Why does my cat crave attention so much?ten reasons
#2 even a cat can be lonely
Cats are sociable animals, and while they may have territorial relationships with other cats, domestication has resulted in most pet cats preferring the company of humans.
Cats are sociable animals, and while they may have territorial relationships with other cats, domestication has resulted in most pet cats preferring the company of humans. Even if your cat isn’t a slob, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to spend time with you. Grooming, petting, talking to or simply sitting next to your cat can provide the touch and comfort they seek.
Of course, if your cat wants a hug, that’s a bonus, because cats provide us with wonderful company too.in a recent comments According to the scientific literature, there is growing evidence that spending time with pets can improve our mental health. After all, we all know the unconditional love they give us and how empty our homes can feel when they’re not there.
Also read: Is My Cat Bored?8 signs to watch out for
#3 your cat imprinted on you
Imprinting is often associated with young animals that learn how to behave and acquire their own identity based on close dependence on their caregiver.
Imprinting is often associated with young animals that learn how to behave and acquire their own identity based on close dependence on their caregiver. The same is true for cats who spend a lot of time with their owners. You can read more about the pet cat imprint here.
Imprinting is fine if your cat feels safe in their home environment and relationship with you. However, if you feel like your cat is unable to leave you and is behaving badly when you leave them, this could be a sign of separation anxiety.
Also read: Why is my cat headbutting me?
#4 Separation Anxiety Can Affect Cats, Too
It’s not just dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, or separation-related problems – cats too!
It’s not just dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, or separation-related problems – cats too! This usually manifests itself in the following undesirable behaviors:
- destroy their environment
- excessive vocalization
- Urinating or defecating around the house (outside the litter box)
- exhibit high aggression
- low mood or depression – apathy
- signs of anxiety and agitation
Sadly, the behaviors described above are common reasons people seek to rehome their beloved cats, as the impact on everyone’s well-being cannot be underestimated. However, if you feel that your cat has separation anxiety, there are many things you can do to help them.
For example, providing a predictable routine, encouraging independent play with fun toys, creating a safe space, allowing outdoor play when appropriate, and using pheromone diffusers can help.Read more about cat separation here.
Also read: Why do cats try to bury their food?
#5 your cat wants to tell you something
In addition to vocalizing, your cat can find great comfort in being close to you while you both sleep.
Cats follow us and communicate with us by vocalizing. In fact, cats are thought to make far more vocalizations around people than around other cats. This may be an adaptation of domestication. Owners often describe how their cats “tell” them when they are hungry.
Research shows that most owners believe cats vocalize to communicate needs rather than emotions. Maybe your cat wants to get out? Or do they want to be stroked or fussed about? Chirping, chattering, purring, or meowing in a sound not too different from a baby cry is a great way to get our attention!
In addition to vocalizing, your cat can find great comfort in being close to you while you both sleep. After all, our primal instinct tells us that more people make us safer. Also, your cat may have a strong desire to mark you with the scent of special glands in his jaw. It is important to them that everyone knows who is in your family unit. This will reassure them that they too are part of the family.
READ ALSO: 5 Reasons You Should Get a Second Cat (and 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t)
in conclusion
If your cat is restless and they depend on you being there at all times, it’s time to consider whether there is an underlying problem.
All of our cats have very different personalities; some are very sociable and want to spend a lot of time with us, while others are very independent. Some cat breeds, such as Siamese, Ragdoll, or Maine Coon, may be considered more “sticky.” Therefore, there may be a genetic predisposition to these behaviors.
In general, our cats are great at fitting into our routines and family life, and they let us know exactly what they need if our plans don’t fit into theirs! If your cat is restless and they depend on you being there at all times, it’s time to consider whether there is an underlying problem.
Health problems and behavioral problems often go hand in hand. It’s best to tackle problems early on, before they become overwhelming. After all, our kittens are an important part of the family!
Also read: 10 Signs You Might Have a Clingy Cat
frequently asked questions
How to train a cat to be alone?
Training a cat is not an easy task! But they are intelligent beings and respond well to positive associations (sometimes called conditioning) and the right environment. Your cat will be more at ease if they are not bored and have had a good day of interaction and exercise.
Allowing your cat to spend time outside or playing with them before you leave can help them relax and rest while you are away. They deserve a safe and comfortable place where they love to snuggle up and take a nap. A cat “igloo” is perfect for this, or a raised bed or part of an indoor “cat tree” is often a favorite. Give your cat something fun to do; sprinkle treats, leave behind novelty toys and scented items.
Cats are lonely, so try not to leave them alone for too long. Some owners keep more than one cat for each other’s company, sometimes to great effect. However, not all cats get along well, and having multiple cats in a household can often cause stress for the cats that live there.
If your cat is very sensitive to your absence, make sure you don’t make a fuss, as this may heighten their anxiety. Sometimes, a pheromone diffuser or anti-anxiety medication may be helpful initially, as your cat gets used to a new routine. If you think your cat needs more help, seek medical advice from your veterinarian, who may also refer you to a cat behavior specialist if needed.
Why is my cat clingier than usual?
There are many common reasons cats become clingy, including:
- family stress or change
- pressure outside the home
- pain or discomfort
- age-related changes
- change your routine
- Specific Diseases and Medical Conditions
Cats are especially sensitive to changes inside and outside the home. In fact, any sudden change can lead to a vicious cycle of anxiety and restlessness. A new baby, new pets, multiple cats vying for indoor territory, home renovations, or moving to a new home can all be incredibly unsettling.
Outside, your cat may be spooked by a storm or fireworks, or there may be a new tomcat in town that your cat is terrified of. Determining the cause of a cat’s clinging behavior is not always easy. Regardless, however, internal stressors should be minimized and changes should be made to make your cat feel protected and safe.
Often, owners describe their cats as clingy when they are unwell. They will follow their owners for peace of mind and comfort. In some cases, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, cats can become very hungry and ask for food more often than usual. They may also appear restless and “annoying.”
‘Similarly, older cats may exhibit aging (or cognitive impairment), poor vision or hearing impairment. This can cause them to feel vulnerable when left alone. If your cat is behaving erratically and you’re concerned, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian and make an appointment for a checkup.
view resources
Brooks HL, Rushton K, Lovell K, Bee P, Walker L, Grant L, Rogers A. (2018). The power of companion animals to support people with mental health problems: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the evidence. BMC Psychiatry. 18(1):31. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
de Souza Machado D, Oliveira PMB, Machado JC, Ceballos MC, Sant’Anna AC. (2020). Identification of problems associated with separation in domestic cats: a questionnaire survey. PLOS One. 15(4), 1-19. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
Pongrácz P, Szapu JS. (2018). Sociocognitive relationships between cats and humans—Companion cats (Felis catus) in the eyes of their owners. Applied Animal Behavior Science. 207, 57–66. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
