Super-clingy Cat!!

[Anonymous]

I have an eleven year old Male cat that I adore like crazy.
Actually I have two, but only one of them is clingy.

He always has been my shadow. Lying next to me when I read, sleeping w/me every night & just following me from room to room.
He constantly rubs himself on me and always purrs continuously when I give him my complete attention. (Though what kitty wouldn't??!)

Anyway I left on a trip for ten days and my 24 year old son stayed in my house, taking care of both cats.
He goes to school + works full-time and when he is home, he studies or usually naps.

I am sure he kept up w/the food & water and he kept their litter boxes fresh.
But as for kitty play, he rarely engages.
However I thought his presence at least would keep the cats from becoming too lonely.

Since I have returned, my clingy cat has gotten more clingy if that is even possible. He literally is always by my side.
When I wake up in the morning, he gets up and follows me everywhere.
He stares at me constantly. Even if I lie down on the sofa to read, text or watch television, he is walking all over me.

I love him SO much + acknowledge that there will be a time in the future where I would give my left (and right!) arm to have him by my side, but at the same time I am feeling very smothered.

I feel guilty just admitting this to everyone here, but it's the truth.

Any advice please?
Thx so much in advance.

[Anonymous]

My cat does this and she is only 2 years old. Some days she is more independent but often its a full on day of loving.

Not sure what you can do.

[Anonymous]

You are so lucky not to have the cat that withholds all the cuddles. I am full of jealousy.

[Anonymous]

My cat does the same thing when I travel for more than 2 or 3 days (I travel a fair amount for work, usually shorter trips). DH is home in the evenings and loves on him, but he is "my" cat and just wants my attention.

He goes back to normal after a few days, but it is extremely smothering for awhile. Especially because I've been gone and am trying to get stuff done too.

A few things that work for my particular cat, and knowing every cat is different and ornery in a different way:

- My cat reacts well to being brushed and usually goes and takes a nap after I brush him. If he's underfoot, I'll brush him for 5 - 10 minutes and then he will usually go take a nap. Same room as I'm in, but he isn't in my face.

- He loves to chase treats (he won't eat them if I just hand them to him). I'll throw treats for a little bit and tire him out.

- If I need to take phone calls, I'll shut him out of my office if needed. He usually doesn't cause any issues, but when I've been gone more than a couple days, he is very vocal for a few days. I just head that off at the pass.

- We have a few routines that he likes, I'll put a pillow on my lap and pat it, and then he will jump up to be pet. Doing that proactively instead of waiting for him to get in my face is helpful.

Basically I guess I'm just attentive to the routines I know he responds well to and ride it out for a few days. I was recently gone 2 weeks in a row, with DH also being gone for the last 4 days (we had a neighbor check in on the cat twice daily) and it was almost unbearable when I got back.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I turn the TV on for the cats. So they hear the noise and think I am around.

[Anonymous]

If I go away for a while, sometimes even just a day, my boy kitty will let out a two minute long belly wail.
You can't even talk during it. It's so cute. It's love - what can you do?

[Anonymous]

I also have a cat who is a total mama's boy. He goes through an ultra clingy stage when I leave and come back. You were gone for 10 days. He missed you. Don't worry - he'll be back to attacking your toes and throwing up on the carpet in no time.

[Anonymous]

You're his person. He missed you a lot and needs some time with his person.

Give him some love and maybe do what the above PP suggests, tire him out with some play or throwing of the treats.

He'll find his independent self again once he's sure you're still his human and you won't abandon him. (ten days is a lot for a tiny kitty mind).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I go away for a while, sometimes even just a day, my boy kitty will let out a two minute long belly wail.
You can't even talk during it. It's so cute. It's love - what can you do?

Today the wailing was because of not enough playtime.
So, we played & it was fun. Now I look forward to further affection at 6:00 am.
When a cat loves you it's a special thing - they're not as 'easy' as dogs with the love so it means you're really good with him.
Enjoy him.

[Anonymous]

These stories are so cute.

[Anonymous]

I am cat mama. And mine are spoiled.

[Anonymous]

Mine does this regardless of my travels. It's gotten worse since our other cat died and the dog is not very tolerant of the cuddling. If he gets too annoying I carry him around like a baby for a while and that seems to calm it down.

[Anonymous]

Mine is like this, too. He likes to be held--only when standing--and often is desperate for it. I know he has separation anxiety issues from his life before he was a rescue.

I do find that lots of activity helps, so we play until he drops. When his clinginess was at a peak I was trying to get in 4 play sessions a day!

[Anonymous]

^meant to say 3, not 4

[Anonymous]

I have a male cat exactly like this. Was yours a rescue? Mine has been clingy to the point of annoying since day 1, but he is my baby and I can't imagine it any other way. We have our routines and he is depressed to the point of over grooming and anxiety when I am away for too long.

I have a female cat who is indifferent to us 90% of the time, so feel I lucky to have at least one Velcro cat. Most of the time - maybe when he's not RIGHT in my face with his cat breath. ?