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.
Eliminating outside the litter box and other destructive behavior.
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.
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.
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.
Cats are routine-oriented, and any change in their routines or environment can make them feel insecure and send them looking to you for reassurance. Big changes like moving to a new home, the addition or loss of another pet or family member, or kids going back to school after a long vacation can be enough to make your kitty need the reassurance of constant contact. Newly rescued cats may also need a lot of reassurance that they're wanted and welcome in their new home.
Cats are highly sensitive to human moods and emotions. It could be that your kitty senses that you're going through a difficult time and wants to be there to comfort you and make sure you're OK.
Some cats have an uncanny ability to sense when a woman is pregnant and become extremely affectionate throughout the pregnancy, says Catspro.com. Exactly how a cat can tell there's a baby on the way is a mystery, but if you're expecting, don't be surprised if your kitty wants to snuggle up to your baby bump.
Some clingy cats are simply spoiled. If you pamper your cat by giving in to all of their demands, you'll reinforce their clingy, demanding behavior by teaching them they can easily manipulate you to get what they want, says All About Cats.
dementia in elderly cats and can also indicate other health problems. A neurological condition known as cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) tends to make cats exceptionally cuddly and attention-seeking, and it's usually accompanied by balance issues and lack of coordination.
While it can be nice to have a highly affectionate pet, some cat parents find that overly clingy and demanding behavior is disruptive. If this is the case, you'll need to take steps to help your kitty be less clingy and more independent. And if your formerly aloof cat has suddenly begun displaying signs of clinginess, pay attention to other signs that could indicate health problems. In general, any time your cat has a sudden change in behavior, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
If your kitty's clinginess becomes a cause for concern, follow these steps to help them become more independent.
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.