Cats are often considered unsocial animals, often preferring to spend time alone napping in the sun. But this isn’t always the case and many cat owners find themselves asking why does my cat follow me around everywhere I go?
If you have a cat then you have probably found them ‘under your feet’ at some time or another. Maybe when you are cooking dinner, trying to do washing or just moving from room to room in your house.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?
There are a few reasons why your cat might follow you around and want to spend every moment with you, which we look into in this article.
It could be as simple as they love you and want to spend time with you, to something that stems from their early years in life.
What Is the Mother Kitten Connection?
When a kitten is born it spends the first 8-12 weeks with its mum. They do everything for it, feed it, clean it and generally do those motherly duties.
But once they leave their mother it’s likely that they will miss this attention and seek it elsewhere. They are used to being taken care of and will look for a mother replacement.
So, when they cast their eyes on you and start being loved and fed by you then they begin to follow you around, just like they did their mum.
What Is Imprinting?
You may have heard of animals that have been born and the first person they see they attach themselves to. This is called ‘Imprinting’
Often this happens when you rescue a newborn kitten and you are the first person to help them. They bond to you like they would have bonded to their mum if they were given any time with them.
Imprinting creates such a strong bond with kitten and owner, one that forms an amazing friendship for years to come.
As well as this happening with kittens it often happens with rescue/abandoned cats as they bond with the person that saved them and brought them into their life. If you think about it, then it makes sense that the animal would be very connected to you after you make such a massive change in their life.
Is My Cat Suffering From Separation Anxiety?
As already mentioned people tend to think that cats are not social creatures and they don’t need much company. However many cats can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left too long and/or their routine is changed.
It may be that this causes them to follow you around if there has been a change to the routine as they have missed you and want to spend time with you.
It’s not necessarily something to be concerned about they normally follow you around when you have been out or away for some time. If you are concerned though always contact your vet.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me To The Toilet?
It seems that this is a very common question that cat owners ask all the time and a question that doesn’t have a definitive answer.
Seemingly cat owners across the world find that their cats just don’t want to stay out of the bathroom during their visit.
Explanations include:
- Your cat doesn’t like to be shut out of the bathroom
- They don’t want to miss out on spending time with you
- They like the cool climate that the cold bathroom tiles provide
- Because they can…and that’s the way cats see things!
How Can Pet Sitter Ireland Help?
If you are travelling away and want to maintain your cat’s normal routine then consider using our Cat Sitting service, where we can keep to their exact feeding and playtime routine on a daily basis.
Click to read more about our Cat Sitting Services.
