As a cat parent, you may have noticed your cat following you around the house. Whether you go in the bedroom, in the kitchen, or even in the bathroom, they’re always at your heels wherever you go.
It’s a common misconception that cats are standoffish and aloof. This just this isn’t the case. Cats consider their owners family and show them plenty of love and affection. Although some felines may not prefer physical touch, they do like to stay close to their owners and sometimes follow them around.
5 Reasons Why Your Cat Follows You Everywhere
There are several reasons why our cat may follow us around the house. These include:
Your Cat May Be Hungry
The most common reason why most cats follow their owners around is because they’re hungry and want to be fed. They are particularly needy before their normal mealtimes or at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
It’s also possible that you may have unconsciously reinforced this tendency by giving your kitty something to eat every time you go into the kitchen. That’s why they may associate your going into the kitchen with feeding time and follow you every time.
Your Cat May Have Missed You
If your cat is constantly following you after you come home from work or a trip, it could be because it felt insecure while you were away. Some felines are more attached to their owners, but it’s also possible that your cat may have separation anxiety when left alone.
Look out for other signs of separation anxiety in your cat, like meowing continuously when you’re heading out the door or refusing to eat. Try spending time with your cat and playing with its favorite toys to make it feel loved and cared for. And make sure you consult your veterinarian if you don’t see any change in its behavior.
Your Cat is Curious
Cats are naturally inquisitive, and if your clingy cat follows you around, it may be because it’s curious about what you’re up to. Things might be a bit boring for your feline friend, and your cat may be entertaining itself by watching you, its favorite person, go about your daily activities.
If there are certain rooms where your cat isn’t normally allowed, such as the bathroom, it may follow you around just to explore this new space.
In fact, don’t be surprised if you find your cat following you to the bathroom since it can find many fun things in there. Toilet paper rolls, blinds on the window, dripping sinks, towels on the floor, and water in the toilet, are all things that may pique the interest of your feline friend.
In addition, you’re a captive audience in the bathroom! We’re not kidding – even something simple as you brushing your teeth might be interesting to them.
Cats also find bathrooms comforting, as it’s full of things that have your scent. Plus, the bathroom sink offers a cool spot for a snooze.
Your Cat Wants Your Attention
Another reason your cat is clingy is maybe because it’s unwell, and if it’s following you around, it might be trying to communicate with you. This can be due to separation anxiety, an underlying medical condition, or if something has frightened your cat.
Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, neurological conditions, or chronic pain from any source are all conditions that can cause clingy, abnormal behavior. If your cat suddenly starts becoming clingy or meows excessively, be sure to take it to the vet for a thorough checkup.
Your Cat Loves to Be in Your Company
Maine Coon, Sphynx, and Ragdoll are some cat breeds that have traits similar to dogs. They are typically sociable and love spending time with us humans.
If you own one of these breeds, this could be the reason why your cat is following you around. It’s also important to remember that every cat has a unique and individual personality, so any cat can become attached to its owner.
How to Take Care of a Clingy Cat?
The best way to take care of a clingy cat is to recognize and reciprocate its affection in a way that it appreciates the most. For instance, some cats prefer to be stroked and petted, while others love to play with their owners. Pay attention to your cat’s body language and react accordingly whenever they follow you around.
You can try the following tips if your cat is clingy:
- Provide your cat with interactive toys like a cat tree for stimulation
- Make sure your cat gets a thorough physical examination to rule out health issues
- Play with your cat often
- Avoid announcing that you’re leaving
- Contact your vet if you feel that your cat suffers from separation anxiety
How Can I Tell if My Cat Suddenly Has Separation Anxiety?
Similar to dogs, cats can also experience separation anxiety. This condition is typically triggered in cats when they’re separated from a human or another kitten they have a strong bond with. Separation anxiety in cats can be mild and severe.
You can tell if your cat suffers from separation anxiety if it starts behaving differently when you head toward the door. It may start to meow consistently, hide, or rub against your legs to stop you from leaving.
Some other signs that indicate your cat has separation anxiety include:
- Destructive behavior, like knocking things over or scratching furniture
- Defecating or urinating outside the litter box
- Excessive eating or not taking an interest in food
- Meowing loudly and frequently
- Excessive grooming that can often result in bald patches
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Being overly enthusiastic when you come home
- Increased aggression towards other cats in the house
Final Thoughts
Your cat may follow you around because it has a special bond with you, and it might just want to be near you. In addition to showing love and affection, it’s a sign that your cat feels safe when you’re around.
It’s also possible that your cat may be in distress or something is bothering it. As owners, it’s vital to cater to your cat’s needs and pay close attention to its body language to understand how it feels and how you can help it.
However, if you notice that your cat is suddenly acting too clingy or if you see signs that it’s sick or if it seems distressed, take it to the vet to make sure there isn’t anything physically wrong with your furry little friend.
Author
Evelyn Baxter, Writer and Cat Expert
Evelyn is an animal advocate, cat expert, and the proud mom of 2 rescue cats, Sugar, a beautiful fluffy tabby and Beebee, a black, fluffy beauty. Evelyn has studied animal care while volunteering at her local shelter. She loves all animals and wants to share the animal knowledge she has been lucky enough to gain together with knowledge from other experts with cat parents across the world.
