“Why is my cat so clingy” — this is a common question we get from cat parents, whether their cat is suddenly clingy or has been clingy for a time. When a cat is clingy, pet parents are often left puzzled because cats are generally known for their independence.
In this guide by Sploot Vets, we provide some of the most common reasons why a cat is being clingy and/or vocal. This behavior may be normal or a sign of issues like stress, illness, separation anxiety, and so on.
1. Clingy Cat Breeds & Personality Nuances
If you’ve compared notes with other cat parents and you realize your cat is more clingy than most, it may be in their genes or just part of their unique personality. This is often true for clingy cat breeds, such as the following:
- Maine Coon
- Ragdoll
- Siamese
- Persian
- Abyssinian
- Burmese
When your cat is predisposed to clinginess, you will observe this behavior often — if not all the time. It’s not a sudden personality change, but rather, something constant.
However, any dramatic increase in your cat’s clinginess or vocalizations (meowing, crying) can be a sign of issues with their health or well-being. For good measure, schedule regular wellness exams for your cat and consult a vet if you observe any dramatic changes in their behavior.
2. Developed Trust
It’s normal for some newly adopted cats to be aloof at first. Over time and as you use techniques to build a bond with your cat (whether intentionally or intuitively), you may achieve what most cat lovers set out to do: earn the cat’s trust.
As you earn the cat’s trust, their true personality may shine through. They may have had a lot of affection to give — they were just waiting to feel safe.
However, though a developed sense of trust is a possibility, clinginess in cats is still a common sign of stress, boredom, illness, and the like. When in doubt, get in touch with a trusted vet.
3. An Effect of Spaying or Neutering
Is your cat suddenly clingy after their spaying or neutering operation? While some cats can go through this surgery without having a marked change in their behavior, some cats may become more clingy. This could mainly be due to two reasons: hormonal changes and/or post-surgical discomfort.
Following spaying or neutering, cats have a reduction of certain hormones which results in decreased territorial behaviors and aggression. They can also become more affectionate towards their human companions.
Another possibility is that your cat may be suddenly clingy due to discomfort. Discomfort typically lasts for a few days or a week after surgery — and should be managed by pain medications prescribed by the vet. If you observe persistent signs of cat pain (e.g. meowing, crying, restlessness, altered posture) or changes to the site of the surgery (e.g. inflammation, bleeding, infection), make sure to contact a vet.
4. Boredom & Attention Seeking
Boredom in cats can significantly impact their behavior, leading to increased clinginess as they seek stimulation and interaction. Cats that lack mental and physical engagement may become restless and look to their owners for entertainment.
This desire for attention can result in them following their owners closely, pawing at them for playtime, or even exhibiting annoying behaviors to prompt a response, making them seem overly needy.
If you suspect that your cat is bored, try enriching their environment with toys and climbing fixtures. You can also dedicate a few minutes in a day to play games with your cat. If the clingy behavior continues, you can reach out to a trusted vet to explore other possible reasons for your cat’s sudden clinginess.
→ Learn more - How to Create an Enriching Environment to Keep Your Cat Happy
5. Separation Anxiety
When there are sudden changes and/or a cat’s previous trauma gets triggered, they can experience separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in cats can manifest in cats as destructive behavior, frequent vocalizations, trying to escape, and excessive grooming while their cat parent is away. Once the cat’s pet parent returns, the cat may show increased excitement followed by sudden clingy behavior.
Separation anxiety can cause the cat to seek constant companionship from their pet parent, displaying behaviors such as vocalizing, pacing, or staying close to their owner to feel safe and reassured when they sense an impending separation.
If you suspect that your cat may have separation anxiety, a trusted vet can confirm it and recommend the next steps needed.
6. Senior Cats Can Be Clingy Cats
Cats are generally considered a senior cat at around 10 years of age. As cats age, they may become more clingy due to various factors, including health issues and changes in their mobility or cognitive function. Older cats may seek security due to discomfort, illness, pain, anxiety, or disorientation. This prompts some cats to stay close to their human companions for a sense of stability and safety.
If your cat is approaching their senior years and displaying clinginess, we recommend getting them checked out by a trusted vet. Senior cats need at least two wellness exams per year and prompt check-ups when they display sudden behavioral changes. Vets can give you tips on managing an aging cat’s issues and keeping them in their best health.
→ Learn more - Caring for Senior or Older Dogs & Cats [A Vet-Approved Guide]
7. Stressful Events or Sudden Changes
Major life changes, such as moving to a new home, changes in work schedules, or the passing of another pet, can trigger sudden clinginess in cats. These events create uncertainty, causing them to seek the comfort of their owners for reassurance.
Even temporary changes, like the excitement of holidays, fireworks, or traveling with a cat and staying away from home for a while can lead to clinginess as cats try to cope with disruptions to their routine. During these times, they may display increased affection-seeking behaviors as they navigate their stress and anxiety.
If you think your cat is suffering from stress or anxiety, a veterinarian can recommend solutions for managing their anxiety, including anxiety medications for cats, which can be helpful in some cases.
8. Illness or Pain
Illness can also cause a cat to become clingy as they seek comfort while they feel unwell or in pain. When feeling unwell, cats may instinctively gravitate toward their human companions for warmth and support. However, this doesn’t apply to all cats, since some may hide to mask their symptoms.
If you suspect that your cat is suffering from an illness or pain, take them to the vet. A vet will diagnose the issue and set your cat on the best path to healing.
→ Learn more - When Should a Cat See the Vet [& How to Tell If Your Cat is Sick]
Final Thoughts on Suddenly Clingy or Vocal Cats
This wraps up our article that answers the question “Why is my cat so clingy?”. If you have further questions or concerns about your feline companion’s health, we’re here to help!
Sploot Vets is your go-to Fear Free vet clinic. Our experienced medical team ensures your cat’s comfort with Fear Free practices and FREE treats from the treat bar. We provide primary, urgent, and emergency vet services under one roof.
We have numerous vet clinics in Denver and Chicago offering all-in-one care, with convenient scheduled, same-day, or drop-off appointment availability. Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
