Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?

Many cat breeds are often described as being “shadows,” following owners from room to room. It can be cute when you want it to be, or somewhat annoying, especially when they take up residence in your bathroom while you’re in there. Here’s why cats follow you and how to deal with a clingy cat.

Why Do Cats Follow You?

You might have signed up for an independent cat, only to get one underfoot all the time. There are a few reasons that cats follow you, including:

• They want your attention. More social breeds might want to be in on the action. They’ll follow you around to show affection or get your attention, or because they’re genuinely curious about what you’re up to.
• They’re hungry. A hungry cat will likely let you know it’s time to be fed, and they will make sure you don’t forget about them by following you.
• They’re curious. Cats love to investigate things, even if it’s just organizing your drawers.
• They’re bored. Cats get bored without enough mental stimulation or places to expend physical energy, like cat runs and cat trees. If they’re bored, they might follow you just to have something to do.
• They’re feeling anxious. Anxiety can lead to clingy behavior. Triggers like new pets, guests, or disruptions in their routine can make a cat stressed.
• There could be a medical issue. If your cat isn’t usually clingy but suddenly becomes so, they could be trying to tell you that something is wrong. Check in with your vet if there are other behaviors present, such as hiding or peeing on the bed, or if they’re more vocal than usual or are eating less.

Why Do Cats Follow You to the Bathroom?

The bathroom is not off-limits for many cats, and they think they have good reasons to follow you in there. Some of those include:

• They appreciate predictability. Pets appreciate routines, and might see a bathroom break as a kind of ritual they want to participate in with you.
• You’re a captive audience. While going about your business, a cat might come over for pets because they know you’re going to stay in place for a period of time.
• It’s an intriguing place. There’s a lot to explore in a bathroom, from scented lotions to showers to faucets.
• Some love water. Some cat breeds adore water and will want to come into the bathroom every opportunity they get to check things out.
• It’s full of your scent. The bathroom is a great place for a cat to be enveloped in your scent, a scent they love.  

Why Are Some Cats Clingy?

Some people have cats that end up superglued to their sides. Here’s why:

1. Their breed: Certain breeds are more affectionate and need human contact. Siamese, Ragdolls, and Abyssinians are some of the most affectionate cat breeds, although this often depends more on their individual personality than their breed.
2. Big changes: Any change in the routine can make a cat clingy, but big changes, like new family members or moving, can make them even more Velcro as they try to figure out what’s going on.
3. Past trauma or rehoming: Stressful experiences like being abandoned or neglected can make a cat more attached to new owners.
4. Health issues: A shadow cat might be the result of a health issue. Things like hyperthyroidism, hearing loss, vision problems, or cognitive decline in senior cats can cause them to want to stay close. If the behavior seems sudden, call your vet.  

How to Deal With a Clingy Cat

While extra affection can be sweet, a clingy cat can be burdensome. If your cat’s constant need for attention is becoming a bit much, try these strategies to correct the behavior: 

• Stick to a routine. Cats thrive on predictability. Feeding them and playing with them at the same time every day can help them feel more secure when you’re there and less anxious when you’re not around.
• Keep them stimulated. A bored cat can be a clingy cat. Some cat enrichment ideas to keep their body and brain engaged while you go about your day include puzzle feeders, interactive games or toys, catnip, and scratching posts. Climbing and jumping activities can keep your cat in good physical shape.
• Give them a cozy spot. Cats should have a dedicated spot where they can go to relax. If you have more than one cat, be sure each one has their own space to avoid territorial aggression.
• Practice separation. If your cat has separation anxiety, it can make leaving very difficult. Start by leaving for short periods when your cat is relaxed and not stressed, and gradually work your way up. Know that some cat breeds don’t deal well with separation overall.
• Get professional help. If your cat’s clingy behavior is new, extreme, or paired with other symptoms, call your vet or a cat behaviorist to help.  

Conclusion

Some cats simply enjoy following their families around. It means that they love and trust you and are curious about what you are up to. There are some steps you can take to help your cat gain a little more independence, such as sticking to a routine and offering them plenty of mental stimulation. If the Velcro cat behavior becomes too much or is sudden, seek professional help.

For more expert tips on caring for your cat, explore our other understanding cats articles.