Cats have a reputation as introvert , independent creature who approach life on their own terms . If you ’ve live with cats , however , you sleep with that their personalities can range from aloof to affectionate , and everything in between . In fact , in an Oregon State University ( OSU ) field of study of attachment styles in cats , researchers found that our felid form similar attachment to us — and in strikingly similar percentages — as children and dogs do ( 1 ) .
Shows of fondness are a bully thing , but a cat demanding attending on a even basis could be symptomatic of anxiousness , stress , concern , or an underlying medical problem — all of which merit a call to your veterinarian for further consideration and treatment . We asked Caterpillar expert to help explain the conflict between an overly affectionate cat and one who ’s become too dependent on you , what may be causing the clinginess , and way to treat the behavior .
Can Cats Be Obsessed With Their Owners?
If you sometimes finger as if your pet is your shadow , it may not be a sign of fixation as much as it is your cat ’s need to feel safe and impregnable .
This was one of the determination of the OSU bailiwick , in which researchers had each hombre spend two minutes in a room with their human , followed by two minutes alone , then two minutes back together as a reunited squad . About 65 percent of the kittens studied were labeled securely attach base on their ability to equilibrise their attention between their human and the way . However , the ease of the hombre displayed more signs of tenseness and either ward off their man or clung to them — classic signs of unsafe attachment .
computed tomography take issue in how they show affection , enunciate Pam Johnson - Bennett , certify quat deportment advisor , best - betray author , and proprietor of Nashville - basedCat Behavior Associates . “ Some cats bask being physically close and display obvious signs of attachment , such as licking , cuddling , rubbing against their human , bunting , or wave up in a warm and cozy lap covering . Some cats show attachment and affectionateness by being near their man or at least being in the same room . They may not feel the need to be in physical contact with a syndicate member , but savor the society and connexion . ”
If your cat wants your attention , that is n’t of necessity a problem . But if your true cat needs your attending because they ’ve become overly qualified on you , that could be a job . “ Some computerized axial tomography can show a concern amount of attachment to their human and , as a answer , experience separation anxiousness when that mortal is n’t present , ” says Bennett .
Why Is My Cat So Clingy?
There really are n’t all that many field on clinginess and breakup anxiousness in felines , but our expert provide a few thoughts on what may be make your cat to cohere .
An Underlying Illness
“ Cats can be more clingy when underlie medical stipulation are make them feel inauspicious and they essay out comfort , ” saysDr . Sasha Gibbons , an associate veterinary surgeon at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford , Connecticut .
While a kitty-cat curled up by your infantry for long stretch of clock time may just be enjoying your fellowship , such behaviour might also be due to lethargy , which could be a sign of any number of illness , includinghypertrophic cardiomyopathy , flora poisoning , andanemia .
Changes in the Home Environment
“ Changes in the place environment or confusing change to the house may conduct a cat-o'-nine-tails to bind too much to one soul , ” says Bennett . Cats are exceedingly sore to change , so what may seem unimportant to you could be a big mess for your Caterpillar . Even a litter corner that ’s been moved from its common spot can causestress in Arabian tea .
According to Bennet , other likely factor to consider admit a docket or relationship change , a new babe or darling in the home , or kerfuffle sham the person who typically respond to the cat ’s solicitations and request .
If that response design change — say , if you on the spur of the moment recall to a problem outside the home after drop lots of metre with your petduring the pandemic — it may be confusing and unsettling to your cat .
Stress and Trauma
Kittens who were orphan , weaned , or separated from littermates too early are at a higher jeopardy of displaying clinginess , says Bennett . Other make ofcat anxietyinclude stress or fear resulting from former abuse or a deficiency of proper socialization during kittenhood , specially during the first two to three months of life .
More recent or immediate hurt may also be the perpetrator . “ Cats can become clingy or needier for emotional grounds , such as if they are afraid of an animal outside , a violent storm , construction , or had a recent traumatic case , ” offers Hylobates lar . pyrotechnic displays are ill-famed for sending a cat ’s anxiousness levels skyrocketing , so to talk .
Not Enough Enrichment
In a study bring out in the scientific diary PLoS One , investigator discovered that cat without access to toy often displayed behavior ordered with separation anxiety ( 2 ) . Toys help cats extract their hunting inherent aptitude , which is an important part of who they are .
Toys alone believably wo n’t specify an unsafe cat , though . Being left alone too often may get a computerized tomography to become too attached to a human and palpate unassailable only when that person is around , says Bennett .
Too Many Cats in the Home
“ In a multi - pet environs where a cat does n’t feel safe or secure , that may cause them to find comfort only when a pet parent or family member is nearby , ” sound out Bennett .
This is one of the reasons why experts recommend that pet parents provide ample concealing spaces , separate litter box , and food dishes for homes with more than one qat . If basic need for food for thought and shelter are met , cats are more likely to feel secure .
Clingy Cat: Is It Normal?
There ’s a difference between an now and again demanding cat and outright dependence . One way to tell the departure is to follow how your African tea acts when you ’re not in sight . “ There are a panoptic salmagundi of ways cats and mankind share a closelipped James Bond , and it abide within the guidelines of being healthy if the cat can still display normal , secure behavior when the human family is n’t present or in sight , ” Bennett says .
Also , pay tending to other likely sign of stress and illness . “ Look for changes in litter box habits , change in appetence , body process level , vocalisation , sleeping design , and train . seem at the cat physically for signs of over - grooming , or anything else that seems out of the ordinary , ” offers Bennett .
Another warning preindication that something is amiss is if a ordinarily impregnable cat is suddenly clingy , say Gibbons . “ Other symptoms that can go along with underlying illness include a change in appetence , change in normal activities , an increase in the frequency ofvomitingordiarrhea , change in breathing , or undue thirst . ”
How to Deal With A Clingy Cat
give that over - addiction on a homo can lead to depression , separation anxiousness , and illness , it ’s essential to understand the underlying movement and determine ways to remedy the behavior . “ A computed axial tomography can be very affectionate and connected with their human , but if they cross over into being clingy , then it ’s important for the family to look at the overall picture and see what can be done to create more confidence and certificate , ” say Bennett .
Here are a few guideline to aid you better life for your impoverished cat and your crime syndicate .
First Things First: Talk with Your Veterinarian
“ If it is a aesculapian issue , often accost the rudimentary causal agency will help . If it is a behavioural outcome , veterinary surgeon often have many suggestion on how to keep your kitty calm , ” says Hylobates lar . Ask your veterinarian if it would be good to ferment with a veterinary behaviourist or certify cat conduct consultant .
Why is My Cat Being Clingy? Study Your Own Behavior
Despite your best intentions , there ’s a fortune you could be contributing to your cat ’s clinginess inadvertently by constantly honour their doings . “ Cats may get the only relief comes from being in forcible contact lens with their human , and in most cases , they get rewarded by getting the much - needed attention , ” says Bennett .
Look for Changes Within Your Home
Is there anything in your cat ’s environment or docket that may be make their insecurity ? “ Look at kinship between darling , how much time a cat spend alone , what changes can be made to produce more environmental enrichment , and also start working on addressing separation anxiety , ” recommends Bennett .
If you ’ve recently added a new cat to your home , be sure each has admittance to their own bedding material loge and food cup of tea , and that there are tidy sum of places for each to cover .
Work on Building Confidence in Your Cat
The finish is to instill a sense of balance . “ Their security and confidence should come from their relationship with family member but also from finger well-heeled in their home environs , ” offer Bennett .
How do you accomplish this ? “ Something as simple as engaging in twice - day-by-day synergistic drama sessions with your cat can go a long way toward building confidence . ” During this eccentric of manoeuvre school term , Bennett read , you ’re nearby but the cat is also independently “ hunting ” her toy . ( We have you covered if you postulate suggestions on the best types ofchew toysandkicker fish toy . )
“ You ’d be surprise by how well computerized axial tomography respond to environmental enrichment and the right behavior proficiency to bring out their feline best , ” say Bennett .
Finally, Ease Your Cat through Life Changes
This is specially important if you know your guy has a disposition to become anxious , says Bennett . “ In world-wide , cat do n’t wish change , so unless it ’s something that ca n’t be forfend , take child steps when it come to helping your cat become comfortable with fresh darling , new people , and other changes in the place . ”
It may not happen overnight , but with patience and consistent reinforcement , you could facilitate a clingy cat finger safe enough to develop a healthy sense of confidence and independence .
