While many people believe that felines are not affectionate, that is not the case. Cats can be every bit as affectionate as dogs, and their reputation for being cold is undeserved. Some cats can even be a little too affectionate, and some pet parents are surprised when their cat clings to them like glue.
My cat is obsessed with me all of a sudden? What happened?
If this new-found clingy-ness is rather new, (or the cat is new to you!) then the behavior may subside.
Sometimes cats can grow dependent when they are anxious or afraid.
Cats don’t deal with the stress of moving to a new home, or even new people or animals moving to their home, very well. Try to think about whether there have been any recent changes that could be making your cat anxious.
If you’ve recently moved, had new people move into the home, changed their routine, or have gotten new animals recently, this could be the issue.
In many cases, your cat will eventually acclimate to their situation. However, if they seem scared all the time then creating an area that’s just for them could help to give them a safe space.
Shelter cats are often particularly clingy. This is likely because they’ve been in multiple homes, and they’re unsure if their new home is permanent.
Though, it is possible that there is an underlying medical issue at play too. Sometimes if an animal feels unwell they may cling to their humans, hoping for help with whatever the issue is. Watch your cat for any other odd symptoms such as reduced appetite, lethargy, discolored gums, and other behavior or physical changes. If you notice anything strange, then a vet visit should happen in the very near future!
Why is my cat obsessed with ME specifically though?
Well, the good news is that this means your cat trusts you! They are depending on you to keep them safe. Your cat feels insecure, and you are their “safe space”, and that’s certainly nothing to be upset about. Even if there are other people in your house the cat could feel closer to you for many reasons.
Should you put a stop to this behavior?
While in most cases, this just means extra cuddle time with your feline friend, clingy-ness can also lead to undesirable behavior. Cats that are very vocal could start yowling very loudly at all hours to get the attention that they want, or they could cause trouble when you’re not at home.
If you’ve found that your cat has picked up some of these behaviors, there’s no easy fix. They’ve learned that being obnoxious gets them what they want, and now you’ll have to train this behavior out of them!
To do this you’ll need to set up solid boundaries for your cat. This means not allowing them the full run of the house and forcing them to be separated from you. While this might seem mean at first, it’s important to stop their dependency on you. If your cat seems afraid, then set up a space, separate from you, where they can hide.
If your cat is a ‘yowl-er’ then you’ll, unfortunately, have to put up with the noise until they learn. Answering the door and letting them in only reinforces the fact that being loud gets them what they want. Refuse to give them the attention that they want until they are quiet.
You should not punish them or yell at them for showing affection, simply limit how much of your time they are allowed. If they rub on you, then acknowledge them. Give them a pet, but don’t let them pin you to the couch for hours when you should be getting your work done.
It can also help to establish a regular routine for them. Set aside a time in the day that is specifically for them. You can play with them to get some exercise, or even cuddle up on the couch for your favorite show. This helps your cat to establish a healthy routine, and ease their transition, while still respecting the boundaries that you’ve set for them.
Should I get another cat to keep them company?
In some cases, this may work. However, you should think long and hard before you do this, because it’s possible that this could simply amplify the problem.
Your cat has bonded to you, and that means that they want attention from you, not another feline. In fact, they may even be jealous of another cat which will demand equal attention from you. This can lead to fighting, and even worse behavior as they compete with this new cat.
