Signs Of A Clingy Cat
Clawdia has always been a loving cat. However, lately, she cant seem to get enough of me. She follows me around and doesnt really interact with other cats in the house. She even follows me to the bathroom!
Clawdia never did that before, so its alarming. Sure, I feel special when she abandons everything and ignores other people so she could sit with me . But as a responsible owner, I know that any change in behavior is potentially bad.
Some might ask, Whats the big deal what does she do? Well, Clawdia:
- follows me around constantly
- meows and scratches at the door until I let her in
- wont eat unless Im watching
- engages me in those creepy staring contests .
Of course, there are also other signs of clingy cats. Those of us who work from home are probably familiar with the If it fits, I sit meme, where cats sit anywhere they please as long as they can shove their furry little butts in.
Computer keyboards, books their owners are reading, their owners shoulders, and heads seem to be particularly alluring spots for clingy cats. These types of cats also love to rub themselves all over their owners and generally demand attention.
Why Has Formerly Cuddly Cat Changed His Tune
These cat questions are answered by three board members of the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation who were in Toronto for the foundation’s annual symposium July 2. Chiming in are: Dr. Drew Weigner, of Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Brian Holub, of Boston, Mass., Chief Medical Officer of VetCor veterinary clinics and board president Dr. Glenn Olah, of Albuquerque, N.M.
Winn Feline Foundation supports cat health studies. Much of what’s now known about cat health — from how to treat most illnesses to vaccines, and even care at shelters — was once funded by Winn. Learn more at www.winnfelinefoundation.org.
Q: About the time my cat turned a year old, he stopped sleeping with me in favor of the screened porch or the kitchen floor. He made the switch about the time the weather turned especially warm here in Florida. Does he want to be more independent as he gets older, or is this change related to temperature? Also, though my cat head butts me and rubs against me all the time, he no longer enjoys sitting in my lap. Is there any way to make him more cuddly?
C.C., via cyberspace
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A: Dr. Weigner suggests the change in your cat’s preferred places to nap is more about temperature than about you.
“As the thermometer drops in winter, you might find your cat in bed with you again,” he notes.
“Some cats just aren’t lap cats,” says Olah. “The good news is, it sounds like your cat is expressing affection by those head butts.”
G.C.M., Pahrump, Nev.
Your Cat Needs Your Companionship
Your cat doesnt keep the same sleeping hours as you. Now, it may be that you come home after a long days work, feed your cat, and spend some quality time with it before you take time out for yourself. Yet, your fur baby wont adjust its routine according to your work and sleep schedule.
Because cats are used to sleeping for such small periods, its possible that when you sleep for up to 8 hours a day in one long stretch, they start to get a little lonely. Your cat may just decide theyve had enough of being without your attention and come to cuddle you out of your slumber.
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Try Changing Your Cats Feeding Schedule
Cats also wake us up in the early morning because its when they want to eat. Your cat may be especially egregious if youve made a habit of feeding it as soon as you wake up. Thats because its learned that you waking up is the first step towards it getting food in its bowl. When your animal hasnt eaten for hours, they may be much more insistent that you wake up so they can get fed.
One way to fix this is by experimenting with a chance in your cats feeding schedule. For example, if you usually feed your animal in the morning, try shifting that to either the afternoon or evening.
Your cat may continue bugging you in the morning at first, but give the changes a week or so before assessing their effectiveness. Over time, your cat may get used to eating at a little hour. When they do, their urge to wake you up in the morning likely wont be as strong as it was previously.
What To Do When Your Pets Affectionate Behavior Is Unusual
If a pet becomes more affectionate, owners should take note of when and where the behavior occurs. Many pets can learn to exhibit certain behaviors based on our time schedule and habits. For example, if a dog suddenly jumps up on his owner when the owners sit down to work at their desk, the pet may be soliciting attention. If the owner pets the dog instead of working, the dog gets the owners undivided attention for that period of time. If the dog likes the attention, it may learn to jump up on the owner every time the owner sits at his desk or whenever the owner sits down.
Some people might find that when it is cold outside that their cat may want to sit in their laps. This ploy may be the cats way of getting attention in addition to basking in the owners body heat. Pets may also be more interested in sitting right next to their owners or sleeping next to the owners when the temperature in the house is colder. Some pets may just want to be near the owner without actually touching the ownerthis may be their way of showing their attachment. How closely your cat sits or lies next to you may be an indication of the intensity of their affection.
Paying close attention to changes in the environment may also explain why a pet can suddenly be more affectionate. Some pets are sensitive to loud noises, such as thunder, fireworks or construction noises. When they hear the loud scary noises, they may want to seek comfort from their owners.
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Why Cats Wake Us Up
Now that weve looked at why cats want to be awake in the early morning hours, its easier to see why they wake us up in the morning with affection. Put simply, they enjoy our company and want to spend time with us when they have the most energy.
Cats natural sleeping rhythm is the biggest reason why they wake us up in the morning. However, its not the only one. Your cat may also be waking you up if its hungry. Theyre smart animals, and understand that getting you out of bed is the first step to getting food in their bowl. Your animal may also wake you up due to its boredom or health issues.
Of course, this can get incredibly frustrating. Humans function much better when theyre able to get between 6 8 hours of sleep each night. If your cat keeps trying to wake you up at four in the morning, that may not be possible. Continue reading to learn what you can do to stop this from happening.
Cats Want Affection In Order To Get Fed
Breakfast is aptly named as we break the long fast each morning between dinner and the breakfast hour.
If your cat also eats an early dinner, the stretch between dinner and breakfast is probably their longest time frame without food. As a result, they are going to be quite hungry by the time you wake up and will do whatever it takes to remind you to feed them promptly!
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Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Birds And Mice
Your cat has brought a dead bird or mouse to the door or possibly inside! Bad kitty, you say. Seeing a beautiful bird or sweet innocent mouse laying limp in the hallway floor may offend our sensibilities. Our cute cat has suddenly turned into a monster! Not so fast.
Your cat was trying to give you a present. By bringing in its catch, it is giving you a gift and doing its fair share to support the household. Keep in mind that when some cats are young, their moms teach them to hunt. Your kitty will be surprised when instead of praise, you chastise them for their gift. All your cat wanted to do was impress you. Bear in mind that your cat might have spent the last few hours working on procuring you this special gift. This is possibly the biggest area of miscommunication between human and cat.
Why Does My Cat Want So Much Attention All Of A Sudden
Though you might enjoy the sudden attention, it could indicate a problem. They may need extra warmth, care, and attention for a medical reason. Distress can often make them realize that you are the one who loves them the most and can help them. So take heart, take stock, and have the vet check them out.
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My Cat Is Blinking: What Does It Mean
If your cat makes eye contact with you then slowly closes both eyes at once, you should consider yourself lucky, as you have just been kitty kissed! The slow blink is a sign that your cat feels comfortable and secure in your presence. If translated, it might say something like “I love you so much I close my eyes and trust that you’ll still be here when I open them again.” You can return the feeling by catching your cat’s eyes and blinking slowly and deliberately. One blink is sufficient, although you may try two.
If your kitty returns the blink, then you have just completed a loving conversation in cat-speak! Don’t get upset if it doesn’t blink at you right away, because you might have surprised them with so much warmth and affection. But don’t worry, your pet will be blinking back soon enough!
Can Cats Smell Cancer In Humans
A man claimed that his cat warned him of his lung cancer by dragging his paw down the left side of the mans body, where doctors later found a large tumor. So far, these anecdotal reports are all the evidence we have. Unlike with dogs, there have been no formal studies examining cats ability to sniff out cancer.
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How And Why Do Cats Cuddle
When cats cuddle, they are carrying out behaviors they learned as kittens. Back then, snuggling with mom would provide a kitten with warmth and a sense of security. So, when your cat hops up on your lap and curls into a ball while youre lounging on the couch, or when she decides to cozy next to you while youre snoozing in bed, shes cuddling with you to feel safe and warm.
Why Is My Cat So Attached To Me Lately
Though you might enjoy the sudden attention, it could indicate a problem. They may need extra warmth, care, and attention for a medical reason. Distress can often make them realize that you are the one who loves them the most and can help them. So take heart, take stock, and have the vet check them out.
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Is My Cat’s Tail Trying To Tell Me Something
Cats don’t wag their tails like dogs do, but still, you can tell a lot about how a cat is feeling by looking at their tail. For example, you might wonder sometimes why your cat stalks you, demands a proper petting, and then plops its tail on your leg or your arm. In the cat world, this can sometimes be a sign of dominance or ownership. This is why some cats get a bit miffed if another cat puts its tail on them.
But when a cat drapes its tail on a human being, it takes on a whole new meaning. 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. They think you are family!
You can tell a lot about how a cat is feeling by looking at their tail.
How To Interact With Your Cat
If you have a cat thats reluctant about human contact, heres some expert advice:
- Stay still and let the cat approach you.
- Avoid making direct eye contact as this can be interpreted by a cat as quite threatening.
- If the cat approaches you, speak gently to them and offer them your hand, palm down, to sniff or rub against.
- If they rub against your hand with their chin or cheeks, try gently stroking/tickling around that area, but stop as soon as they move away, allowing them to dictate how much stroking they would like.
- Focus on stroking around the chin and cheeks as this is where most cats like being touched.
- Some cats may prefer to play rather than be stroked, so try swishing a fishing-rod-style toy or throw some treats for them to chase after for some rewarding human-feline interaction.
- Ignore your cat if they are perched on a high place, such as a shelf or bookcase this shows you are respecting your cats desire of liking to be near you while watching the world go by without being seen.
Find out more from International Cat Care about interactions with your cat > >
Find out more about how your cat communicates
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Why Does My Cat Want More Attention Than Usual
Why does my cat want so much attention? Your cat may be trying to get your attention constantly just because he or she knows you will give him or her food. Your cat may be bored, and using you as entertainment. Your cat may have too much energy and may be asking you to engage him or her in playtime.
Your Secret Weapon For A More Affectionate Cat: Treats And Catnip
When your cat comes out of hiding and near you, reward them with a treat.
The idea, again, is to get your cat to associate you with positive feelings, and they may even begin to seek you out so they can get more treats.
Another idea: catnip. Simply put, most cats are crazy for catnip, and it can make them more affectionate and friendly as well.
Catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer, explains Hills Pet in a blog post. It might make your cat act quite unusually she may become more kittenish or particularly affectionate. She may also roll, paw or rub her face in the source of the catnip. Or she may jump about and become frisky, running from room to room appearing to chase invisible prey.
So go ahead and give it a try: Sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip near your cat. Then, while your cat is rolling around and enjoying this aromatic herb, sneak in some soft petting. You and your cat will both enjoy the experience.
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Why Catsand Not Dogswon The Internet
But it doesnt seem that cat people alone admire this independence. Its cats, not dogs, that have long since conquered the World Wide Web, inspiring the LOLCat craze and helping turn Buzzfeed into a media empire.
Clearly that viral sensation isnt driven by pet-type allegiance according to Goslings study, just 11.5% of respondents identified as cat people, while self-professed dog people make up nearly half.
Its hard to say exactly why cats are so enduringly hilarious, but something about their attitude is clearly ripe for spoofing.
Dogs go viral too, of course. But the exceptions prove the rule. No one shares YouTubes of how obedient or friendly or guilty-looking they are those are expected of them. They mainly go viral only when theyre doing something virtuoso, like warbling I love you.
Dogs have to do something super-smart to attract attention. Cats, though, just have to be the captions write themselves. The universal fun that seems to come from imagining a cats thoughts hints at a grudging respect for the fact that they appear to be thinking anything at all. Dog-shaming, by comparison, is a one-note joke playing on dopey dog naughtiness. Cats have a much richer range of ambitions and emotions for LOLCat-maker to exploit.
Feature image is by Flickr user cloudzilla. The image has been cropped and sharpened.
Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up To Cuddle
Your cat is waking you up to cuddle in the morning because they are crepuscular animals. This is the scientific term for any animal that is the most active during the twilight hours, including dawn and dusk.
That means in the early morning hours, your cat feels the most awake and is going to want attention and love. After learning that cats are crepuscular, you will start to notice the pattern that they seek you out the most during these hours of the day.
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Does My Cat Feel Happy To See Me In The Morning
Yes, your cat is generally happy to see you in the morning because of a long hour gap.
It wants to cuddle and get your affection. Though it might be happy to see you wake up because it was hungry and now that you are awake you can feed it.
You are your cats only close friend and so it will be very happy to see you and connect with you again.