The furry snuggles of your cat can be the best – coming home from a busy workday and hearing that wonderful meow can make your day!
Although not every cat greets people at the door, they can provide such comfort and companionship when you are with them. Cats can truly be fantastic pets; they can play, sit in the sun, chase toys, and the best of all, sit in your lap with that amazing purr.
Cats can be both independent and overtly needy, sometimes both in the same day! They certainly have complex personalities, fantastically fun habits, and lots of love to give. Some cats are happy to hang out along, occasionally checking in, but some cats want your attention all of the time.
It is easy to wonder why some cats are so clingy – let’s take a look at why some cats need so much attention while others are okay just chilling alone.
Cats can bring us incredible joy – different than other pets, they are very independent and tend to love to do their own thing. They like to set up their own daily routine and stick to it.
Part of their daily routine is often getting some much-needed cuddle time – although cats like it on their own time, part of their day involves clinging next to us.
Whether it is sitting in your lap and demanding attention or sitting in your lap and demanding that you do NOT pay attention to them, cats are funny creatures. When they are interested, cats can be remarkable companions, but why does that happen?
Why Do Cats Get Clingy
When you bring your cat home, they begin to work themselves into their heart, and into our world. They learn where their food is kept, how to find their cat box, where the best socks are to tackle, and which feet are the best to pounce on when someone walks past the couch.
Once your cat figures out their new space, they will start to figure out their people as well – who gives the best neck rubs, who pets them just right, and who they want to snuggle up with.
As they get to know you and spend more time with you, cats tend to ramp up their demands for attention – bumping their head against you to ask for attention, jumping up into your lap, and sometimes when they are done grooming themselves, they will come over and groom you! In general, cats just want to be the center of attention.
So what does it mean if your cat all of a sudden changes its behavior, and now demands more attention? Several things may be happening that could cause this shift.
Changes in your household
If your cat suddenly becomes a clingy cat, take a look at what has happened in your home recently – did you start a renovation? Is there a new animal or new people/kids in the house? Animals, like cats, enjoy routine and consistency, and if that has changed, it could be causing emotional stress on the cat. If possible, try to reduce their stress by having them in one area of the house with familiar items like their cat tree or cage, or if you have added new animals or people into the home, give your cat some time to adjust, and some extra comfort as well.
Changes in their food
It may not seem like much, but if you recently change the type or brand of food you feed your cat, it can cause their behavior to change.
Sometimes we need to shift food brands, maybe for a medical reason, and the cat will just need to adjust to it. But if you shifted quickly to the new food, it may be causing stomach upset, which is why your cat has become clingy lately – they may not feel good!
If you do need to change out their food type brand, be sure to do it slowly. Start by mixing a little bit of the new food into their old food. Each week increase by a ¼, so by the end of the month you have switched over completely. If at any time your cat starts vomiting or has diarrhea, reach out to your vet to ensure it is okay to continue with the food transition.
Changes in their Health
Cats that suddenly start hanging all over you may not feel well. If your cat now demands to sit in your lap, wants attention, and to be petted more, you want to be sure to monitor them for a few days. Be sure that they are still eating and drinking well, using their litter box, and generally seem to be okay.
If your cat continues with a significant shift in its behavior, you may want to check in with the vet to be sure that there are no other concerns.
Bottom Line
Cats are funny and amazing creatures – they can bring so much joy and laughter to your home. As they spend more time with you, they learn that you are their person, and they want to be part of your life, but usually on their own terms. Each cat is different, some cats wanting to be up in your space all of the time, while others like to do their own thing.
If your cat is a clingy one, enjoy the fact that they see you as their most important person, and that they are grateful for your love and safety. If your cat has a dramatic behavior change, be sure to monitor them and if needed, check-in with your vet with any concerns. Visit the PetStruggles homepage for more expert information.
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