Managing Clingy Cats: Do I Have a Velcro Kitty?

Do you have a Velcro cat? If your cat sticks to you like Velcro, you've probably got a clingy cat on your hands. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on a few factors, including your perspective and the reasons your cat is clingy. To some cat parents, any cat that exhibits more dog-like behaviors — such as following you around the house, running to greet you when you come home or being extra affectionate — is considered clingy when compared to cats who are more independent and aloof. But some cats can be clingy to an unhealthy degree. How can you tell the difference? Keep reading to find out.

Some cats are simply clingy by nature, with some purebred cat breeds like the Siamese and the Abyssinian known for their clingy personalities. But in some cases, clinginess can be a sign that something is up with your kitty; therefore, it's important to pay attention to what might be causing this behavior. One or more of the following causes might be behind your kitty's clinginess.

Boredom

Your cat might be clingy simply because they aren't getting enough mental and physical stimulation, says Petbucket. Taking breaks to play with your cat and providing interactive toys to help keep them active and entertained throughout the day can help in these cases.

Premature Weaning and Separation

Kittens can develop separation anxiety from being weaned too early or from being taken from their mothers and littermates before they're ready, says Catspro.com. Kittens typically move from mother's milk to solid food around eight weeks of age. But adopting them as soon as they're weaned can prevent them from learning important social skills from their mother and siblings that can set them up to be more secure and independent as adults.

If your kitty's clinginess becomes a cause for concern, follow these steps to help them become more independent.

1. Identify the cause. While it might be obvious, you may need to do some detective work. Keep in mind that some cats are so sensitive to change that something as seemingly minor as getting a new sofa or rearranging the furniture can cause your kitty distress.
2. Consult your vet. If you suspect health issues might be involved, schedule a checkup with your vet. They can also help determine whether separation anxiety resulting from premature weaning is the cause and advise you on how to treat it.
3. Set firm boundaries and enforce them. Close the bathroom door behind you, don't give in to every demand for attention and make your lap available on your terms, not your kitty's.
4. Schedule playtime. Provide toys to relieve boredom when you're busy or away from home. Place a perch next to a busy window for bird and people watching. If this isn't possible, search online for videos for cats, which can help keep your cat entertained while you get other things done.

Consider adopting another cat. While some cats thrive on being only pets, clingy cats can benefit from having another kitty around to keep them company. This is especially true for cats who become clingy after the loss of another household pet.

If you're thinking about adopting a cat, take your time choosing the right one. Carefully research any breeds you're considering so you'll know what to expect. Consider whether you have the time and energy for a highly affectionate, potentially clingy cat. If adopting from a shelter, pay multiple visits to the cat you're considering to see how they behave around you as they become more familiar with you. Cats can take a while to let their true personalities shine, so the more you can get to know a cat before bringing them home, the better. And if adopting a kitten, urge the shelter staff to keep the litter with their mother until three months of age to give them time to be fully weaned and socialized by their original cat family.

It's nice when your kitty is affectionate and wants to be with you, but too much of a good thing can be a problem. Taking steps to help your kitty be less clingy can help both of you be happier, and may even help your kitty be healthier in the process.