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Cats definitely reserve the right to change their minds, and they often do. But it can still be perplexing when your once independent, borderline aloof cat suddenly becomes extra clingy. A change in your cat’s behavior is nothing to brush off, instead you should dig a little deeper into finding out the reason behind it.
What is Considered Cling Behavior in Cats?
Each kitty has their own personality, but overall felines tend to be less approval seeking than their canine counterparts. They’re confident in their own skin and don’t often feel the need for constant approval from their humans. So, it can feel like a major change when that cat suddenly starts becoming clingy.
Signs of Clinginess in Cats
Don’t expect cats to show their clinginess by wanting to perform tricks or by waiting for you at the door to return home. Instead, clingy cats may:
Vocalize excessively. They may take that “give me dinner” call to attention meow to the extreme. Clingy cats may follow you around, vocally spouting their need to be with you.
Sleeping in close proximity. Some cats commonly share a bed with their owners, but rather than taking up their claimed corner, clingy cats may feel the need to be in constant contact with you, even when you roll over.
Following you around the house. Most of the time, cats don’t care what you’re up to as long as dinner is in their bowl and they get petted on their own terms, but clingy cats may suddenly become very interested and invested in everything you do around the house.
Reasons Why Your Cat is Clingy
So, what may be behind this new-found personality your cat has taken on?
Sudden Onset of Clinginess
1. Change in Schedule
Most kitties thrive on a schedule. They want to know what to expect and when. So, if things turn upside down in their world, such as with a change to your work schedule, they could become clingier.
2. A Change to their Family
Along with a reliable schedule, cats also like to be surrounded by those familiar to them. New babies, partners, or pets can make your cat a little less secure leading to clinginess. On those same lines, the loss of a family member can have the same effect.
3. Environmental Changes
You’re probably getting the idea that cats typically like things to stay the same. That means that a move or change to your home can really shake them up. Construction or even repainting may be a cause for clinginess.
Health Concerns
4. Illnesses
Cats are experts at hiding their illnesses. It’s a survival tactic that is engrained in their DNA. They don’t want to show weakness, instead they are more subtle, sometimes the only sign your cat may be sick is becoming clingier.
Older cats may experience cognitive dysfunction, often changing their personality and behaviors, including becoming clingier.
5. Pain or Discomfort
Same goes for pain and discomfort. Most cats don’t want to come right out with it and admit they’re in pain. They may stop eating, become more lethargic, or be even clingier.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
6. Stress and Anxiety
Yep, kitties get stressed about a lot of things, including the ones we already mentioned and potentially many more.
7. Separation Anxiety
Though they seem indifferent when you leave, being apart from you can be a major stressor for your cat. Cat separation anxiety is very real and may make them clingier to you when you are home.
8. Bonding With You
You’ve probably noticed that the above reasons are more negative than they are positive. Sudden clinginess often signals that something is wrong, except when it’s a natural way of bonding with you. What better way to get to know someone than spending lots of close contact?
Difference in Clinginess Among Cats
Clinginess and showing affection really come down to the individual cat, even when dealing with any of the above reasons. However, those causes can be affected by other things as well.
Gender Differences
Ask any cat owner and they will tell you that male cats are more affectionate...or that females are, depending on their experience. But the truth is, there is no scientific evidence to show that one gender is clingier overall than the other. Instead, what’s shown is that hormones can definitely influence a cat’s behavior. So, if you have an intact female, you may see times of increased clinginess when she’s in heat.
On the flip side, male cats that haven’t been neutered can be anything but clingy. Intact toms can become downright independent and aggressive.
Human Interaction
A cat’s clinginess can really be affected by their human interaction. The earlier in their lives that cats interact with humans, the more affectionate they tend to be.
Breed-Specific Behavior
Though a cat’s personality is widely based on the individual, there are some breed-related trends. Cats that are known to be especially clingy include Maine Coons and Siamese. Both kitties crave human attention and will often prefer to stick by their owner’s side (or to their lap) when given the chance. Siamese are also known for their excessive vocalization, having “conversations” with their owners.
Managing a Clingy Cat
You love to have your cat’s attention, but sometimes their clinginess can really get in your way. So, if your cat has suddenly decided to glom onto your every move, it may be time to do something.
1. Assess Your Cat’s Needs
Make sure your kitty has all the resources they need. Access to fresh water, multiple clean litter boxes and a good quality diet are important for your cat’s overall health and behavior.
2. Balance Attention with Independence
Cats need attention, but they also need some alone time. Make sure they get both by providing some one-on-one time and some solitary play or nap time.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment
Competing for attention or resources can be very stressful, so make sure your cat gets everything they need. Offer them a quiet spot that’s all their own and try to reduce any stressors.
4. Seek Veterinary Advice
If you can’t address your cat’s clinginess on your own, seek veterinary advice. They will be able to rule out health issues and give you tips on reducing stress and providing appropriate interactions.
The Role of Pet Insurance
We all want to do what's best for our cats, and that often involves a trip to the veterinarian to figure out what's going on. But let's be honest, those unexpected vet bills can sometimes throw a wrench in our plans. If your cat's clinginess is due to an underlying illness or discomfort, you might be looking at multiple vet visits, tests, and even treatments.
Let's say your cat's sudden clinginess is due to something like hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats. Diagnosing this might involve blood tests, which can easily cost $100-$300 or more. Then, treatment could include daily medication, costing anywhere from $20 to $100 per month, or even radioactive iodine therapy, which could set you back $1,000 to $3,000 in a single treatment.
Having a cat insurance policy in place can be a real game-changer in these situations. It helps take the pressure off the financial aspect, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – getting your furry pal back to their happy, healthy selves.
Why Is My Cat So Clingy?
For most cats, clinginess isn’t in their vocabulary. Sure, they like a good pet session, but they’d rather you do your thing, and they do theirs most of the time. A sudden change in your cat’s behavior could be an indication that something isn’t right either with their physical or mental health or with their environment.
Understanding your cat’s normal behavior is an essential first step in determining when something is off, so pay attention to how your cat behaves, what triggers certain behaviors, and what seems to make them more at ease. So, when your typically self-sufficient cat suddenly becomes your constant companion, remember that this shift is an invitation to delve deeper into their world, perhaps starting with a visit to your vet.