Managing Clingy Cats: Do I Have a Velcro Kitty?

Have you got a Velcro cat? You've got a clinging cat on your hands if your cat clings to you like Velcro. Whether or not this is a positive thing depends on several aspects, including your viewpoint and the causes for your cat's clinginess. When compared to cats who are more independent and distant, any cat that exhibits more dog-like characteristics — such as following you around the house, racing to greet you when you arrive home, or being unusually cuddly — is deemed clingy by some cat owners. However, some cats might be too clingy. How can you identify the difference between the two? Continue reading to learn more.

Clinginess in Cats Symptoms

• Everywhere you go, including the bathroom, they are following you.

• When you're seated or lying down, you want someone to be on you all the time.

• I'm continuously meowing to catch your attention.

• When you're trying to focus on something other than them, they demand affection.

• When you're not there, you refuse to eat.

• When visitors come over, you act bashful and stay close to you.

• When you're getting ready to depart, sulking or hiding, or rubbing against your legs to keep you there.

• When you get home, you get excessively excited.

• Eliminating harmful activity outside of the litter box.

Why Are Some Cats Obsessive?

Some cats are naturally clinging, with purebred cat breeds like the Siamese and Abyssinian being noted for their clingy dispositions. Clinginess, on the other hand, can be a symptom that something is wrong with your cat, so it's crucial to figure out what's causing this behavior. Your cat's clinginess could be due to one or more of the following reasons.

Boredom

According to Petbucket, your cat's clinginess could be due to a lack of mental and physical activity. In these situations, taking breaks to play with your cat and offering interactive toys will help keep them active and entertained throughout the day.

Separation and Premature Weaning

Separation anxiety can occur in kittens if they are weaned too soon or taken away from their moms and littermates before they are ready, according to Catspro.com. Around the age of eight weeks, kittens transition from mother's milk to solid food. Adopting them as soon as they're weaned, on the other hand, can prevent them from gaining key social skills from their mother and siblings, which can help them grow up to be more secure and independent.

Insecurity

Cats are routine-oriented creatures, and any change in their patterns or surroundings might make them feel uncomfortable, prompting them to seek reassurance from you. Moving to a new house, adding or losing another pet or family member, or kids returning to school after a lengthy holiday might all cause your kitten to crave the security of continual contact. Newly rescued cats may also require a great deal of assurance that they are wanted and welcomed in their new home.

Wanting to Make People Feel Good

Cats are acutely aware of human emotions and moods. It's possible that your cat feels that you're having a difficult time and wants to soothe you and make sure you're okay. Parent of a Pregnant Pet

According to Catspro.com, some cats have an incredible capacity to detect when a woman is pregnant and become exceptionally affectionate throughout the pregnancy. It's unclear how a cat can detect pregnancy, but if you're pregnant, don't be shocked if your cat tries to snuggle up to your baby bump.

Boundaries that aren't enforced

Some clinging cats are simply overindulged. According to All About Cats, pampering your cat by giving in to all of their demands will promote their clingy, demanding behavior by teaching them how to easily manipulate you to obtain what they want.

Dementia is a common symptom in elderly cats, and it can also be a sign of other health issues. Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) is a neurological disorder that causes cats to be extremely affectionate and attention-seeking, as well as having balance and coordination difficulties.

While having a devoted pet can be enjoyable, some cat owners find excessively clingy and demanding behavior to be aggravating. If this is the case, you'll need to take efforts to help your cat become more independent and less clingy. Also, if your formerly aloof cat has suddenly become clingy, keep an eye out for other indicators that could suggest a health condition. Any time your cat's behavior changes suddenly, it's a good idea to visit your veterinarian.

How to Deal with a Clingy Cat

Follow these strategies to help your kitty grow more independent if their clinginess becomes a source of concern.

Determine the source of the problem. You may need to conduct some detective work, even if it seems clear. Keep in mind that cats are extremely sensitive to change, and even something as seemingly insignificant as acquiring a new sofa or moving the furniture might cause your feline companion pain.

Consult your veterinarian. Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian if you feel health issues are at play. They can also help you figure out if premature weaning is the source of your child's separation anxiety and provide you advice on how to deal with it.

Set clear boundaries and stick to them. Close the bathroom door behind you, don't give in to every request for attention, and reserve your lap on your terms, not your cat's.

Playtime should be scheduled. When you're busy or gone from home, provide toys to keep the kids occupied. For bird and people viewing, place a seat next to a busy window. If this isn't possible, look for cat videos on the internet to keep your cat occupied while you get other things done.

Consider getting a second cat. While some cats prefer to be solely pets, clinging cats may benefit from having another feline companion. This is particularly true for cats who grow clingy following the death of another household pet.

Adopting a Cat Who Might Be Clingy

If you're thinking of getting a cat, take your time picking one out. Research any breeds you're thinking about getting so you'll know what to expect. Consider whether you have the time and energy to care for a clinging, affectionate cat. If you're considering adopting a cat from a shelter, pay many visits to see how they act around you as they get to know you.

Cats take a long time to reveal their genuine personality, so the more you can learn about them before bringing them home, the better. If you're adopting a kitten, insist on keeping the litter with their mother until they're three months old, so they may be fully weaned and socialized by their original cat family.

When your cat is friendly and wants to be with you, it's wonderful, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. Taking efforts to help your kitty become less clinging can make both of you happy, and it may even make your kitty healthier.

Read next: Why Does My Cat Keep Unrolling Toilet Paper?