There are also emotional and psychological dangers for the clingy cat. A cat who becomes overly dependent on his owner's constant presence can be at risk for serious depression, and even illness, if the owner has to be away for any length of time.
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.
Apart from showing love and affection, it may also be because cats feel safe when their owners are close by or are curious about where you're going or what you're doing while also acting on their instincts.
For example, if have a new job and schedule, the cat might seem clingy when you get home. Most of the time, they can grow out of this. You will find that a good way to prevent this type of problem from developing in the first place is to give the cats a lot of attention when they are young.
Despite having a reputation for being aloof, cats crave attention. In fact, recent research shows that cats are incredibly attached to their humans. And when separated from their human caregivers, cats exhibited similar behaviors to those of dogs and infants. In other words, they love us and will show it.
She recommends scheduling playtime once or twice daily, with about 15 minutes per session. Other cat health and behavior experts offer similar recommendations, with the total amount of playtime ranging from 20 to 60 minutes daily.
Cats are very sensitive creatures and will become overstimulated by too much petting, regardless of how much they enjoy it. Some cats are overstimulated much more easily than others and may even react violently if touched in the wrong way.
Burmese are often considered to be the most affectionate cat breed. They love being with people at all times and crave close physical contact, making them the ultimate companion cat for a devoted family. They will follow their owner from room to room and prefer to cuddle up on the sofa or sleep in bed with them.
Your cat may become clingy as a result of stress, insecurity, or generalized anxiety. This could be caused by a significant change in routine, the addition or loss of a household member, an unfamiliar visitor, or loud noises, to name a few. Jealousy.
This means they often prefer to communicate at a distance and is the reason why some cats may be content just to be in the same room as their human, rather than being constantly stroked and cuddled.”
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby. Additionally, the study suggested that your cat can actually tell you apart from strangers.
When your cat meows repeatedly, give a signal, such as a light foot stomp. Only pet your cat or give a treat when he or she stops meowing. Likewise, you can redirect a needy cat by playing with him or her. Distracting him or her from irritating behavior can reduce it altogether.
Anxiety. If your cat is feeling vulnerable or insecure, they may become a bit more affectionate or clingy. This is most often the case with rescue cats or kittens who were separated from their mothers when they were quite young.
Cats have the power to sense their owner's emotions. So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions.
They're trying to bond with you.
In cat's world, cuddle time is productive bonding time. Your kitty needs you for food, warmth, and shelter, and sometimes all they want is show you how much they love and appreciate you. Your cat's headbutts, cuddles, and purrs are all tokens of affection and appreciation.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.
Their attachment to humans is partly influenced by their experiences of being handled by people as a kitten. Cats behave towards humans in the same way that they respond to their feline friends, so the secret of whether your cat feels bonded to you lies in their behaviour.
Mummy's boy vs ice queens
Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.
Certain breeds of cat – usually the more exotic breeds such as Siamese and Burmese, as well as house cats – may become far more bonded with their owners and therefore are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones.
Common signals to look for include: tail swishing, skin twitching over the back, flattening of the ears, tenseness, dilated pupils, low growl, walking away and lying down. Stop petting at the first sign of any of these early warning signals.
It can mean that they feel connected to you. If they are bonded with you, they hug you with their tail. This is called "affiliative behavior." In larger feline species, such as the tiger and lion, cats tend to drape their tails on their families. It really is a sign of affection.