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We love cats for many reasons, from peaceful purring to curling up in your lap when watching a movie. We admire how our cats act and think (most of the time) and stare in awe at their feats of agility and silliness. If you love cats, you also know that many will follow you everywhere you go, including around your house and, if they’re outdoor cats, around your yard and your block!
Why cats do that is a question many pet parents have asked, and the answer, like everything about cats, isn’t always easy to pinpoint. Cats follow their owners around for a variety of reasons. Below, we’ve gathered fascinating information to shed some light on the subject. If you’re curious why your cat follows you everywhere (and when it might indicate a possible health issue), read on, cat fancier!
The 6 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Follows You Everywhere
There are several reasons why your cat might be following you everywhere you go inside or outside your home. Below are the most common reasons, with an explanation as to why they occur.
1. You’ve Adopted a “Velcro Cat”
The nickname “Velcro cat” has been around for several years and refers to a cat that sticks close to you. Although many cats like to follow their owners, Velcro cats form a deep bond with their owners and stay close by no matter where or what they might be doing. Some of the breeds that are anecdotally considered Velcro cats, although it can be any breed of cat really, may include the following:
However, be mindful that older cats, especially those suffering from cognitive decline or dementia, as well as some other health issues, may be more prone to following their owners around all the time, not necessarily showing clearly what it is they want. If you have a senior cat, or this behavior is a new one, it’s best to get your kitty checked out by the vet.
2. Your Cat Is Extra Curious
We all know that cats are curious creatures that will often get into trouble. If your cat is following you closely while you’re doing something, it may just be that they’re curious to find out what it is and that they love spending time with you. This is one of the common reasons a cat will follow you everywhere you go and one that has the least cause for concern.
3. Your Cat Is Bored
A bored cat is the last thing you want in your home because bored cats, like bored dogs, can become frustrated and sometimes even destructive. The best way to prevent this is to give your cat more attention and play with them several times per day. Besides active playtime, it’s important to keep your cat mentally stimulated, through environmental enrichment, using cat trees, perches, scratch posts, interactive games, food puzzles, and many more.
Adopting another cat so your pet has someone to play with might also sound like a good idea, but it isn’t always a guarantee. Cats, as we know, are very complex animals, and may not accept a new cat easily or quickly. There are a lot of requirements for having more than one cat, from extra space and resources, such as bowls, toys, litter boxes, as well as your time, as they will need your attention. Having cats is a great responsibility and it comes with ongoing costs of required veterinary preventative healthcare and necessary treatments, so don’t jump to this one without having thought it through in detail.
However, if you have a kitten or a very young cat that is socialized and may benefit from a companion, after a gradual introduction, and you are ready for extra responsibility, it may help prevent boredom.
4. Your Cat Is Hungry
Another reason your cat will follow you everywhere you go is when they’re hungry. Hunger is one of the main driving forces behind what a cat does all day. Knowing that you are the source of food (especially for an indoor cat), it’s no surprise your cat will follow you until you feed them.
However, certain health issues may cause an increased appetite, and make your cat beg for food more often than usual. If your cat is showing changes in their appetite, drinking or toileting, they are losing weight, or becoming more vocal or confused, it’s important to get them examined by your vet.
5. Your Cat Wants Attention or Wants to Play
Playing with you is something most cats will want to do, but not all cats. If your cat isn’t hungry or curious, wanting to play with you is likely why they’re following you all over the house. If you have the time and energy, it’s best to stop whatever you’re doing and give your precious pet the attention they crave.
6. Your Cat May Be Sick
As we already mentioned, there could be underlying health reasons causing your cat to feel extra hungry or confused, leading to them following you around more than usual. Cats that are stressed, scared, or in pain may also become more clingy, seeking your reassurance and safety.
If your cat has only started exhibiting this behavior and it’s unlike them, or they are showing other changes in their behavior or toileting habits, they are eating more or less, or have started losing or gaining weight, this warrants veterinary attention as soon as possible. If health issues have been ruled out by a vet, then identifying stressors and reducing them is the next step in ensuring the well-being of your cat.
Why Do Cats Follow You Into the Bathroom?
You might have noticed that your cat only seems to follow you in specific areas of your home. The kitchen is kind of a no-brainer since your cat knows where their food is. The bathroom, though, is a little bit more perplexing until you consider what it offers your cat.
First, the bathroom contains interesting items, including running water, rolls of toilet paper, strange-smelling soap, and towels everywhere. There’s standing water in the toilet, and even though most cats don’t show the urge to drink it like some dogs do, they sometimes play with it. Also, since cats love to climb into and nap in small spaces, the bathroom sink is practically irresistible!
Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat Following You Everywhere?
In most cases, a cat that follows you everywhere is no need for concern. However, if your cat has never been clingy but suddenly starts, it might be something to look into. For example, there might be something causing your cat stress or anxiety, like a new dog in the neighbor’s yard. It could also be a sign that your cat has an underlying health issue.
If your cat has never been clingy before and suddenly starts, contact your veterinarian for a full examination. If it is an underlying health issue, the sooner you go to the vet with your cat, the better.
Final Thoughts
Most of the reasons your cat might be following you wherever you go are innocuous and not a cause for concern. Your cat is likely hungry, bored, or wants to spend time with you, all of which can be easily remedied. However, if your pet suddenly begins following you around, make an appointment with your vet to ensure your cat is okay.
Featured Image Credit: Nataliya Derkach, Shutterstock
