How To Make Your Cat Less Clingy? (6 Effective Ways!)

Do you have a cat that is very clingy? Does it sometimes wear you out? Cats vary a lot. Some are independent, while others love constant company, and both can be normal.

However, if your cat suddenly becomes much clingier than usual, or the neediness comes with other changes, something may be wrong. A vet visit is the first step to rule out illness.

I know that most cat owners want their cats to become more clingy to them. However, some cat owners, like me, do not want a super needy and clingy cat.

I love cats, but I don't want them to be super clingy, especially when I'm busy and they demand petting or meow nonstop. Extreme clinginess can also be a sign of stress or anxiety.

If your cat is super clingy and you want to make them less needy, keep reading. Below is what has worked for my cats.

First, let’s check the different signs your cat is clingy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29SmIf9Zqmo

7 Signs Your Cat Is Clingy

Below are seven signs your cat is clingy. One sign on its own is usually just normal affection. Several together suggest your cat is very needy.

Follows You Everywhere You Go

If your cat follows you everywhere you go, this is one sign of neediness and clinginess.

Your cat will follow you everywhere, even in the restroom. When you sleep and go into your bedroom, your cat will try to enter inside your bedroom. If you don’t allow them inside your room, your cat will wait outside near the door until you come outside the room again.

This can be annoying, and it can be a tripping hazard. Your cat will follow you even while you are walking and you might kick them accidentally, so watch your step.

Bites You

Nipping can be a bid for attention. If your cat wants petting or play and you keep ignoring them, they may nip at your feet or hands. Even playful nips should be discouraged, since the ASPCA warns that cat bites can easily become infected.

Some cats also bite during or after petting. Often this means the cat has had enough, not that it wants more, so stop petting when you see a twitching tail or flattened ears.

Hearing your cat purr while you pet them may be relaxing for owners and cats. However, when your cat gets used to it, your kitty will always come over at you and will demand to be petted whenever you sit down.

Meows So Much

Constant meowing can be clingy behavior. Cats will meow to get their owner's attention. The ASPCA notes that a cat who meows a lot should be checked by a veterinarian, since excessive meowing can also signal illness, especially in older cats.

Always Jump At You

Another sign your cat is clingy is if he/she is constantly jumping at your lap whenever you watch television or doing something. If your cat can’t jump on your lap, it will jump on your table where you are working.

They will stay there while you are still sitting and doing work at the table. When you leave, they will also evacuate and follow you.

Stay Near You Always

A clingy cat will love to be in your presence all the time. They might not demand to be petted, but will always be there wherever you go. When you go to the bathroom or inside your bedroom, your cat will enter too. But if you don’t allow your cat to enter inside with you, your cat will stay outside the door until you come out.

Always Rubbing At You

If your cat is constantly rubbing at you, this is a sign of clinginess. Rubbing at you sometimes is normal. But if this happens every minute, this is a sign you have a clingy cat.

Not Eating Unless You Are In Their Presence

Another sign that your cat is clingy is not eating or only eats a little when you are not at home. It happens to cats that have separation anxiety. If they do not feel the presence of their owner, they will not eat.

6 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Clingy

Now that we know the signs your cat is clingy, let’s check next the reason why they act like this.

Your Cat Is Feeling Lonely

The first reason why your cat is clingy is that he/she is feeling alone.

They will feel lonely if they don’t have any cat friends, toys, or if you don’t interact with them. Interaction with your cat is essential so that they won’t feel lonely. If they feel alone, they might demand time from you and will often try to get your attention.

Your Cat Is Depressed

Cats can become stressed or withdrawn after illness, injury, a move, or the loss of a companion.

Some stressed cats become clingy and constantly seek your attention. Other warning signs include not eating, hiding, or sleeping much more than usual. These can also be signs of illness, so see your vet.

Your Cat Misses You

If you are always away from the house because you need to go to work or school, your cat will surely miss you, especially if they get so attached to you.

When you go home, your cat will be there to surprise you. Your cat will rub on you, follow you everywhere you go and will demand lots of attention from you! Because you only have limited time in the house, your cat will use all of that limited time to be with you. This is where your cat will act clingy.

Your Cat Doesn’t Feel Your Presence

If you rarely give your cat attention, they may act clingy to get it. Cats need daily interaction and play, so make time for yours.

Your Cat Want Toys

Cats are playful animals. They love toys that will enable their hunting skills. If your cat acts clingy to you, this can mean that your cat wants a toy or your cat wants you to play with him/her.

Your Cat Was Abandoned Before

Cats that were orphaned or weaned early can be clingier as adults. The ASPCA notes that such cats may also never have learned to temper their play, which can lead to rough play with people.

These Are The Ways To Make Your Cat Less Clingy

Now that you already know the signs of a clingy cat and the reason why they are clingy, let’s now check the things you want to know which is the reason why you are here reading my article.

Let’s now check the different ways to make your cat less clingy and needy!

Get A New Friend

Some single cats do well with a feline companion that shares their attention. But not every cat welcomes another cat, and a poor match can add stress. If you try it, introduce the cats slowly over days or weeks, and ask your vet or a behaviorist for advice.

Buy Them Toys

A bored cat often turns to you for entertainment. Toys and puzzle feeders give your cat something else to focus on.

The toy should be a toy where they can practice their hunting skills. When your cat starts to act clingy again to you, try distracting them with their toys by throwing them.

Spend Time With Them

Cats often get clingy when their need for interaction isn't met. Schedule regular play sessions, such as a few short sessions each day, at predictable times.

A routine helps your cat know when attention is coming, so they are less likely to demand it all day.

Show Your Cat You Need Space

You need to show your cat that you need space. How? After playing with them for a certain amount of time, go away. And if they follow you, try to ignore them to show that you also need space. Do this regularly so that your cat will get used to it. Do not over-pamper your cat by spending time with them if they demanded to.

Reward Your Cat

If your cat nips or meows to get your attention, don't respond to it. The ASPCA suggests paying attention to your cat only when she's quiet. Reward calm behavior with attention or treats.

If demanding behavior stops working, most cats do it less over time. Be consistent, and expect it to get a little worse before it gets better.

Be Patient

Don't shout at or punish your cat for clingy behavior. The ASPCA warns that punishment can make a cat fearful of you and rarely stops the behavior.

Related Questions

Why Do Cats Follow You In The Restroom?

Many cats follow their owners into the bathroom. You're sitting still and easy to reach, and a closed door also makes curious cats want to see what's behind it.

Can Cats Get So Much Attached To Their Owners?

Yes. Despite the stereotype that cats are aloof, many cats form strong bonds with their owners and feel more secure when their people are around.

Do Cats Remember Their Owners?

Yes. Cats recognize their owners and remember people, places, and experiences. Many cats also show changes in behavior after losing a companion animal or a family member.

Do Cats Get Depressed?

Cats can show signs that look like depression, such as hiding, sleeping more, and eating less. These signs often point to illness, pain, or stress, so take your cat to the vet if you notice them.

Final Thoughts

Cats become clingy for many reasons, from boredom to stress to illness. Rule out health problems with your vet, then add play, enrichment, and a steady routine. Stay patient, never yell, and reward calm behavior.

Source: thecatisinthebox.com, wagwalking.com, tuftscatnip.com

Sources

• Meowing and Yowling, ASPCA
• Aggression in Cats, ASPCA