Following an entire day spent in human company outside the house, coming home to a loving cat is the best feeling in the world. Cats are renowned as introverts, independent creatures that live life according to their own terms. The cat, however, must be clingy if it adheres to you like Velcro.
An excessively clingy cat is often seen as one that wants to be petted very often, grooms itself excessively, demands to be held very frequently, cries out when the owner is not paying attention, licks its owner, and is not comfortable being left alone.
It can be difficult for the owner to fulfill his or her cat’s needs if the cat is overly clingy and suffers from separation anxiety.
Here are some other helpful articles about the same subject!
How to tell if your cat is obsessed with you?
Sometimes you may feel like your pet is following you around because he or she needs to feel safe and secure.
Among the findings of the OSU study was that, during the two minutes in which cats spent with their humans, two minutes later, the two minutes they spent alone, then two minutes when they reunited together, were the strongest bonding moments.
According to the study, about 65 percent of all kittens were deemed securely attached as they showed the ability to maintain attention between their humans and the environment.
The rest of the cats were however more stressed and would either avoid their humans or cling to them at all costs, classic signs of an insecure attachment. There are many ways cats show their affection for their owners, including licking, rubbing against, and cuddling them, as well as curling up in their laps.
The act of being near or in the same room with their human can demonstrate their attachment and affection. It’s normal for cats to enjoy the companionship and connection with their family members, but not to feel compelled to be physically close to them.”
If your cat wants your attention, that’s no problem. A cat that is too dependent on you might be a problem, especially if they need your attention all the time.
Why is my cat so attached to me lately?
Occasionally, a cat will suddenly display affection to one of its owners that is pleasant for him or her in the short run, but any sudden change in behavior in cats can indicate that there is a problem and should be carefully observed.
Any of these factors could be causing your cat to become more affectionate out of the blue, and any one of them could be the reason. The following factors could also be contributing factors:
- Cats looking for more attention can exhibit affectionate and needy behaviors, which can indicate that he needs more attention.
- This might be the case, for example, if your cat is affectionate towards you due to hormonal fluctuations as a result of pregnancy or heat.
- Cats age more affectionately – Many cat owners report that their older cats become more affectionate toward them as they become older. They may be relaxing and becoming less playful as well as settling down.
Why is my cat so clingy suddenly?
There isn’t a great deal of research on clinginess in cats, but our experts share their insights into what might be causing your cat to cling.
An underlying illness is present
Cats may be more clingy when feeling ill and seeking comfort as a result of underlying medical conditions. There are a variety of illnesses that may cause a kitty to curl up by your feet for prolonged periods of time.
This type of behavior could be caused by lethargy, for instance, which can be an indicator of the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, plant poisoning, or even anemia.
Anxiety
Routines are appealing to cats. It’s possible that they will become clingy to get some of their normalcy back if you make a change in their home.
During a storm, fireworks, or when a new visitor comes into your home, your cat may become clingy for your protection. Identifying when your cat is clingy is the easiest way to determine if stress is to blame for their clinginess.
The addition of new family members
It is important for cats to feel secure when their days go as they should when they are surrounded by familiar faces and routines. It can be very distressing for your cat to be introduced to a new family member, whether it be a human or a pet.
It is likely that cats will experience stress as a result of such a move and will require some time to adjust to their new living situation.
A home with too many cats.
A cat may find comfort only when a family member or pet parent is nearby if he or she feels unsafe or insecure in a multi-pet environment.
Experts recommend homes with more than one cat provide ample hiding spaces, separate litter boxes, and food dishes due to this reason. Having their basic needs met for food and shelter will make a cat feel more secure.
Trauma in early life
Traumatic experiences can affect your cat’s behavior at an early age. Cats can develop anxiety when abandoned or separated from their mothers or littermates too early, which makes them more difficult to adjust. Rescued animals from abusive homes can behave similarly.
Idleness
In addition to being a sign of some serious problems, clinginess can also be a sign of boredom. Having mental stimulation is essential for cats. Unless they get it, they try to stimulate their minds in all possible ways. When someone is bored, they will often cling to you or play with you in some way.
Why is my cat so clingy in the morning?
It is primarily due to hunger and thirst that your cat becomes needy in the morning. You may need to provide him with food and water. During the night, your cat will be hunting since it is a nocturnal animal. By morning, your cat will be hungry after such a long night.
The most active times of the day for different animals depend on their species. Your cat is usually more active and energetic in the morning, just like most cats. You may be soundly sleeping after a long day, but your cat will be very active throughout the night due to the difference in their sleeping patterns.
During the time that your cat is away from you, it is very lonely. During sleep, it can feel lonely, and will miss you greatly. Upon waking up, it is delighted to see you.
Why is my cat so clingy after being spayed?
There will be some differences in your cat’s behavior if she is spayed. During the time that a cat is in heat, she may be clingy and very affectionate.
The cat should be more independent and calmer after being spayed but can still be clingy from time to time. In fact, cats that are spayed don’t have to expend that much energy, and as a result, can gain weight very easily.
Following a spay, a cat’s recovery period can last for more than two days, during which she is clingy and her appetite is diminished since she is being exposed to her insides and having her reproductive organs treated. The vast majority of cats are less affected by pain than they are by sedative effects as a result of anesthetics and pain relief medications.
You will notice a change in the personality of your cats after they have been spayed and neutered. This can be attributed to hormones driving an unfixed cat to act out. Spaying or neutering your cat will calm him or her down, make him/her a better pet, and reduce their activity level.
What to do if your cat is Clingy?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your cat is acting clingy or has separation anxiety. If his symptoms are not related to other health conditions, a complete physical examination will help to rule them out.
Several health conditions that can cause separation anxiety may be ruled out by your veterinarian after these conditions are ruled out.
For the purpose of checking for health problems, your veterinarian may suggest that you undergo some basic laboratory tests. Your cat’s organ function and overall health will be assessed through blood work, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile.
Your cat will also undergo a complete physical exam by the vet. If he observes any signs of illness, he will need to run some additional tests to identify the source of the problem.
His behavior will also be discussed by your medical professional. When you adopted your kitten, how old he was, how long he spent with his littermates, and how long his mother nurtured him. This information is essential for the emotional development of a cat.
Conclusion
Take your time when choosing the right cat if you’re thinking about adopting one. Make sure you do your research before deciding on any breed. That way, you will know what you’re getting into.
It is important to think about whether you have the time and energy to devote to caring for a cat that is highly affectionate and may even cling to you. It takes a while for cats to reveal their true personalities, so it would be best to get to know your potential cat before bringing them into your home.
