Cats and humans are two different creatures. We cannot speak to them and often can’t fully understand their needs. In the morning, they may be happy with us, but by the evening, they can become rude.
If you are a cat owner, you must know that there is no privacy with your cat. Wherever you go, your furry friend will follow you, even into the bathroom or kitchen. This behavior often leads cat owners to wonder, “Why does my cat follow me everywhere?” While no one can be entirely sure why cats follow their owners, some research suggests reasons that might explain this behavior. Read Also why do cats follow you to the bathroom
In this discussion, we will cover many reasons and some interesting facts to answer this question. But first, tell us—when your cat follows you everywhere, do you feel good or bad about it? Now, let’s start:
Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?
Your Cat Loves You
Yes, you read that right. Many research studies and results have shown that your cat loves you and follows you wherever you go inside the home. They touch you, play with you, sleep with you, try to eat with you, and even attempt to nibble on your hair while you are relaxing. Read Also can a dog get a cat pregnant
According to Dr. Liz Waynick, by chasing you, your cat is trying to show you that they love you and want something special by your side. They will stay close, even between your legs, while you are sleeping. So, the first reason that many vets explain is: “Your cat loves you.”
Your Cat Is Hungry
Older cats need more food and become hungry sooner. They know you are a central part of their life, which is why they chase you and try to remind you, “Hello! I’m hungry. Please provide me with food.”
Smith, a cat owner who had older cats, introduced an “automatic cat feeder” that dispenses food automatically. As a result, his older cat followed him less than before. So, one reason your cat might be following you is because they are hungry. Read More Here
Note: Don’t forget to consult with your vet about how many meals are best for your cat, regardless of their age.
Your Cat Is Sick
Another important reason your cat may follow you is underlying medical issues, with sickness being common. Older cats face more medical issues due to a weak immune system, dental problems, and decreased muscle mass, so they rely more on you and tend to follow you everywhere. Some common signs that your cat might be facing medical issues include:
- Litter box issues
- Not sleeping well
- Stopping eating
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Unusual aggression
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to contact your vet to prevent severe health concerns.
Your Cat Wants Attention
When you were a student in school, I hope you aimed to get your teacher’s attention. To gain attention, you probably had to do certain things. How did you get your teacher’s attention? Tell us in the comments how you did it.
Cats, like students, also want their owner’s attention. This attention could be for fun or to play with their owner. Some of the most attention-seeking cats are Bengal and Siamese cats, and they love to play as much as their owners can play with them.
When owners play with their cats, the cats not only have fun but also fulfill their natural instinct to prey. So, what do cats prey on during playtime? There are plenty of toys, like feather toys, battery-operated toys, and laser toys. Read can cats eat peas
To gain your attention, your cat may follow you everywhere. So, try to spend some time playing with your cat using prey toys like lasers and more.
Your Cat Is Just Extra Curious
Suppose you have a baby boy who just started to walk a few days ago. What would you do? You would probably try to stay close behind him and stop him from accessing dangerous things. The situation is similar with cats. When you stand up from sitting and go to another room, the kitchen, or anywhere else in the house, your cat will remain curious about what you are doing. Read Also can cats eat kale
They want to see your actions, what you do inside the rooms, and what’s happening in your life. Cats are naturally curious, which is why they follow their owners.
Your Cat Is Bored
If you notice your cat following you, scratching the sofa, knocking things over, or meowing a lot, the reason could be boredom. If your cat is feeling bored, try providing them with scratching posts, puzzle feeders, or laser toys to reduce their boredom. Read Also can cats eat carrots
Boredom is also considered a reason why your cat might follow you everywhere. In this situation, you should try to play with your cat to help alleviate their boredom.
They Want Your Company
Suppose you spend 8 hours outside the home, and when you come back, your cat is mad at you. He starts jumping on you, touching you, and following you wherever you go. They do this because they want your company.
Some breeds, like Bengal, Siamese, Sphynx, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll cats, need more company. Which one have you adopted, and what’s his name? Just tell us in the comments section. If you have adopted one of these breeds, you will find them near your laptop, at the dining table, using your mobile phone, and even taking a shower with you. They are always with you. Your precious time is most important to them, so don’t neglect them and provide them with engaging time when they follow you, because they need your company. Learn About kidney disease in cats
Your Cat Is Stressed
If you don’t give your best at work all day or if something unexpected happens, you can become stressed or anxious. To relieve this, you might join your friends, spouse, brother, or someone else who is close to you. Why do you do this? The reason is simple: you feel safe and believe this will reduce your stress level. According to Dr. Liz Coleman, cats think of you as their companion, and their stress will reduce automatically after spending some time with you.
Some common signs of stress in your cat are listed below:
- They stop eating.
- Excessive grooming.
- Meowing a lot.
- Peeing everywhere.
- Scratching furniture, such as the sofa.
To reduce their stress, you can try the following:
- Play with them.
- Provide them with engaging toys.
- Provide scratching posts.
- Take care of their sleeping area.
Your Cat Is Pregnant
Do you know the signs of pregnancy in your cat? If not, check for the following:
- Enlarged nipples
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Nesting behavior
- Changes in behavior
- Rounded abdomen
- Swollen belly
If these signs are present in your cat, then your cat needs you more, as they are likely pregnant. During pregnancy, they may follow you everywhere to relieve their discomfort.
In this situation, you must treat your cat with care and do the following:
- Stay in contact with your vet.
- Provide meals according to your vet’s suggestions.
- Don’t give them any human food without consulting your vet.
- Provide them with a comfortable resting area.
Your Cat Is a Senior
Senior cats may become more clingy due to feelings of fragility and vulnerability. They may seek reassurance from their owners, meow more, and exhibit changes in grooming habits.
To help them feel secure, maintain a routine and provide a safe, comfortable space. Regular vet checkups are also essential to rule out any underlying health issues.
Which cat breeds are known to follow their owners the most?
Many cats follow their owners and seek extra attention. Some of the breeds known for this behavior include:
- Burmese
- Sphynx
- Maine Coon
- Persian
- Bengal
How To Stop Your Cat from Following You Everywhere
Some owners love their cats when they follow them around, while others might feel embarrassed. One thing to be clear about is that if you have adopted a cat, you can’t expect complete privacy; your cat will follow you wherever you go. Love, attention, medical needs, and hunger are priorities for your cat. Read Also kidney disease stages
If you want to reduce your cat’s need to follow you everywhere, you should:
- Provide an automatic feeder to ensure your cat has access to food, reducing their dependency on you.
- Offer a variety of toys, including puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and window perches.
- Schedule regular medical checkups to diagnose any potential diseases.
- Create hidden spots for your cat to sleep comfortably.
- Spend quality time playing with your cat.
Read Also