Some cats can be quite clingy toward their owners, and they might vocalize or follow them around to get their attention. While this can be cute for a while, it could also become annoying, especially if you have chores to do. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons your cat may be following you everywhere.
Why does my cat follow me everywhere?
1. She considers you her human mother.
Your cat may be following you everywhere because she considers you her human mommy. Felines are eternal kittens at heart, and if your cat sees you as her human mother she will try always to keep you in her sight, be that inside the home or out in the garden.
2. She would like to play with you.
If you are your cat’s regular playmate, she will likely follow you around to make sure she does not miss out on any games. Allot some time every day to play with her; this will let her know you haven’t forgotten her and will strengthen the bond between you.
3. Your cat is curious.
Your cat may be bored and curious about what you are doing around the house. As a result, she will follow you to see what you are up to and watch what you are doing.
4. She wants your attention because she wants something.
Your cat may be following you everywhere because she wants something and is trying to get your attention to ask for it. She may be hungry and asking for food, or perhaps she wants her litter box cleaned and the litter changed. Some cats may also follow their owners around if they need help getting their favorite toy from a hard-to-reach area.
5. She may be expressing her affection for you.
Your cat may be following you as a sign of affection. It may be that she is feeling clingy and simply wants to show you some love.
6. It could be due to separation anxiety.
Your cat could be following you everywhere because she is suffering from separation anxiety.
Signs of separation anxiety include the following:
- Not using her litter box
- Vomiting
- Excessive meowing or moaning
- Excessive grooming
- Destroying your furniture
- Distressed when you leave the house
- Over-excited when you return home
7. Your cat is guarding her territory.
Cats are territorial animals and they tend to move around what they consider their turf and mark it with their scent. This is what they are doing when they rub themselves against your furniture. If your cat is following you around, she may think you are marking your territory and decide to join this activity, too.
8. It could simply be your cat’s routine.
If your cat starts following you everywhere, she may continue the behavior simply out of habit. While wild cats have routines like hunting and territorial marking, domestic cats also have routines, and moving around with you may be one of them.
How to stop your cat from following you everywhere
If your cat is following you everywhere because she has a problem that needs fixing, try to figure out what it is so you can resolve it for her.
Ideally, you should not reward your cat for following you everywhere. Wait until she stops following you before you feed her, so that she learns that pestering you will not get her what she wants.
If your cat is following you out of affection, there is not much you can do about it. Cats often just outgrow this over-attachment. If she is battling separation anxiety or boredom, provide her with stimulation such as a cat perch or a cat tree. You can also play some videos for her and provide her with scratching posts and toys. Puzzle toys that dispense treats could also occupy your cat while you are away and reduce separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Cats are affectionate and sociable creatures, and some cat owners find themselves being followed around the house incessantly. Your cat may follow you to show her affection or because she wants your attention. Other reasons she may do this are that she considers you her human mother, she wants to play with you, or she has separation anxiety.
Image: istockphoto.com / peredniankina