Are you a clingy cat pet parent? Does your cat have a personality that doesn’t allow you to be alone? Certain cat breeds are more inclined to need constant cuddling, some cats suffer from separation anxiety, and some of our feline friends just love spending time with cat owners.
If you keep asking yourself, “Why does my cat follow me everywhere?” Want to learn more about cat behavior and cat body language, or are concerned about the signs of separation anxiety and your cat’s health, read on!
Here are some specific causes of this common feline behavior and how to deal with it as a dedicated pet parent.
The main reason why my cat probably follows me everywhere
#1 curiosity
Curious cats will follow you around just to see what you’re up to.
Cats are known to be curious animals and they really like to know everything that is going on in their surroundings. If you leave the room, they will most likely follow you just to see what you are doing!
The original feral cats lived in social groups, while domestic cats as we know them today have retained this social structure and even expanded their groups to include humans and other pets.
Your cat wants to know what you’re doing every minute of the day, it’s normal feline behavior and they love spending time with you – even if it means following you into the bathroom!
#2 hunger
Cats can be demanding when their food bowl is empty, and they’ll go out of their way to let you know!
Ah, cabinet love. If your cat is always following you around, it might be worth noting a pattern. Does your feline friend start pestering you at a certain time of day?
Cats are creatures of habit and love a routine. If you’re a little late for dinner, they’ll definitely let you know!
Some cats just love their food, so you may find yourself following and meowing non-stop when cat food comes up at feeding time!
READ ALSO: 10 Reasons Why Your Cat Won’t Stop Meowing At Night
#3 Variety
Certain breeds tend to be more outspoken and friendly, and may like you more than other cats.
Some cat breeds are known for being clingier than others. So-called “Velcro breeds” include the Ragdoll, Siamese, Maine Coon and Bengal.
These breeds were selectively bred for many reasons, including their domesticity and attachment to pet parents. This causes the breed to have a strong sense of attachment to people and prefer to remain close to them at all times.
#4 bored and playful
If your cat likes to follow you more than usual, they may be bored and looking for something fun to do.
Cats today lead more sedentary lives than their feral cat ancestors because they have so many resources at their fingertips: cat food, water, litter boxes, cat toys, and more. Many domestic cats are also indoor cats, which means their range of exploration is limited.
Therefore, these cats need a lot of stimulation to prevent depression and boredom. If they’re constantly seeking your attention, it’s likely that your cat is bored and unstimulated and needs some play or cuddling to bond. If you have indoor cats, it helps to give them ample opportunity to engage in normal feline behaviors such as playing and scratching – even adult cats need plenty of playtime!
Also read: How to Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box, According to Cat Behaviorists
Provide a cat tree, cat toys, and safe chews, and try to set aside some time to play with your feline friend on a regular basis. It might even tire them out, allowing you some alone time to keep doing whatever you need to do without your furry companion!
#5 territory
Cats are known to be curious animals and they really like to know everything that is going on in their surroundings.
Cats are territorial, and their core territory includes areas where they eat, sleep and relax. This environment is very important to them and it is normal cat behavior to keep an eye on everything that is going on in their territory. If you’re walking around the house and your cat insists on following you, they’re just making sure everything is okay in the house.
Also read: 10 tips for training a cat to sleep through the night
#6 separation anxiety
If your cat appears distressed in addition to being clingy, something more serious may be going on.
Some cats take it to a whole new level by following you around and become very distressed at being separated from their owners. If this is the case, your cat may suffer from separation anxiety, where any separation from the pet’s parents can be distressing.
Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Become agitated or distressed, even aggressive, when you try to leave.
- Excessive meowing when separated.
- Disruptive behavior when alone, such as scratching furniture, scratching at doors, and tearing toys.
- Improper toileting, such as finding poo by the door instead of the litter box.
- Clingy, always wanting to hug or be near you.
Also read: Why is my cat pooping on the floor?
If you suspect your cat has separation anxiety, consult your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist, as your cat may need professional help.
Here are some things you can do to help when you are away from your cat:
- Leave them some cat toys or chews to keep them occupied.
- Leave them with a dress that smells like you.
- When the TV or radio is on its own, turn them on as background noise.
- Try synthetic pheromone sprays to help stressed cats relax.
- Consider getting a second cat. Some cats do better with a companion, although the decision requires some consideration of whether this is a good decision for your home and family life.
mutation
Cats are territorial, and their core territory includes areas where they eat, sleep and relax.
Most cat owners are used to having a clingy cat, and even enjoy the strong bond that comes with constant companionship. However, if your cat is normally very independent, but you find yourself asking, “Why isn’t my cat leaving me alone all of a sudden?” it may be worth checking with your veterinarian.
Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or any condition that causes chronic pain, can cause changes in a cat’s behavior. This may make more sense if you have an older cat, but any sudden behavioral changes could affect your cat’s health and are worth investigating.
in conclusion
Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or any condition that causes chronic pain, can cause changes in a cat’s behavior.
Clingy cats: Whether you like them or are irritated by them, there are a few different reasons for this amusing feline behavior. It’s a perfectly normal expression of your cat’s personality, their territoriality, their playfulness, and their bond with you.
However, some cats may suffer from separation anxiety or even medical issues that cause them to tend to cling to you, so talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Things Your Vet Wishes You Know
frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a cat to follow you around?
Yes, it can, especially with breeds like Ragdolls or Maine Coons known for their strong attachments. Cats depend on us for food, attention, and even entertainment. However, if they suddenly become more clingy, or become sad when you leave, they may have separation anxiety or poor health.
Why does my cat want to be with me all the time?
Cats are social animals and like to stay in a close-knit social group, especially female cats. They’re also curious and territorial, which means they like to keep abreast of what’s going on in their surroundings. You are important to your cats; they love being close to you and checking out what you are doing!
How do you know if your cat has feelings for you?
Cats form strong social bonds and want to spend time with those closest to them. They may follow you around, sleep next to you, put their face and body against you, and share their pheromone scent exchanges with you.
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.
