When a Cat Is Too Affectionate – The Reasons Behind It and What to Do

Getting affection from your feline friend can be one of the most comforting and beautiful feelings in the world, especially as a cat owner. But sometimes they can get s little too attached. So what is the reason behind it, and what can you do?

There has long been a debate between dog and cat lovers. Dog owners are of the opinion that cats cannot show any form of affection, and that dogs are the more expressive of the animals. But we know that this accusation is grossly inaccurate. While it is true that dogs are more generous with affection, we know that cats have a way of warming up to their owners that is more tender.

The truth is that cats can also be quite passive and indifferent, especially when they are not used to being around a particular person. But there are cats that can be overly affectionate. Too affectionate for your liking. These cats become very attached to their owners in ways that may impede your day to day life.

So how does an overly affectionate cat behave?

Behavior of overly affectionate cats

Here are some of the most outstanding characteristics of excessively affectionate cats.

Needing constant attention

Cats are mostly independent animals that do not need lots of attention to thrive. They are fine sleeping on the couch or at your feet without particularly demanding physical attention. They are happy with it when you offer to stroke them, but it is rare that they demand it.

An extremely affectionate cat will want to sit on your laps all the time, and need you to stroke it constantly. While this may sound nice, it can be a headache when our cat demands too much.

Impeding your movement

An overly affectionate cat likely just wants to sit on your laps all the time. You may get an unfriendly and at times aggressive reaction whenever you try to move. You may also notice your cat following you closely whenever you are walking around the house, and you may trip over them from time to time.

Grabbing and biting at your clothes

Cats often times do this in a playful manner. However, when a cat is too affectionate or attached to you, you may notice this happening a lot more than usual. It is usually a playful gesture, but it can be too much at times.

So why does your cat seem too affectionate?

Genetics

There are cat breeds that are genetically predisposed to be very affectionate. They love physical contact and cuddling, and they thrive on human attention and pampering.

Some of these breeds include the Ragdoll, Siamese, Sphynx, Birman, Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Bombay and Persian cats.

These cats love to be around humans, and they have a tendency to develop a close bond with people they consider family. Your cat just might be one of these breeds that love some good attention.

Anxiety

Anxiety and stress are not entirely limited to humans. Animals also experience them. A cat’s anxiety may be triggered by something like your constant absence. So when you are around, they tend to snuggle up next to you for safety and comfort.

When you are anxious

Yes, you read right. Cats have the ability to tell when you are having a rough time in your life, especially when you are close. You my notice them jump on your lap and purr quietly. This gesture is ideally meant to offer you some form of comfort and even companionship.

Loud noises

Cats generally hate sudden loud noises. Sounds such as loud claps of thunder, over the top music or fireworks could make your cat feel some form of anxiety and discomfort. They may reach out to you for a feeling of safety and consolation if they feel too vulnerable in the noise.

Competition

If your cat notices a change in the amount of affection and attention from you, they might try to win it back. Behavioral changes have been observed in places where there is a new born baby or a new pet. This is because they feel the competition and they know that your attention is split. They may try to win it back by being more affectionate.

Physical pain and discomfort

Cats may not have a specific way of letting you know that they are hurting, especially when the pain is not detectable just by looking at it. Sometimes all they want is a little affection from you, and hoping that you can make them feel better. It would be advisable to pop in to the vet’s to make sure everything is working just fine.

They love you back

You may not know it, but cats know the person that ‘mothers’ them the most. If you are more or less the primary care giver, they associate you with a mother figure. They exhibit extra affection to the person that feeds them more, the one that grooms them tenderly and the one that pets them more often. It is an indication that they associate their comfort with you, and they are simply loving you back.

So, what to do?

The first and probably most imperative thing to do is to have your cat checked by a vet. Have all forms of doubt regarding your cat’s health eliminated.

The second thing is to try and reassure your cat that it is safe. Reciprocate their affection by cuddling and stroking them often, and also try having other people around your home care for them.

Conclusion

Felines are incredibly intelligent creatures, and they have means of communication that do not necessarily involve meowing. Different behaviors may indicate different things, and you need to learn how to interpret what your cat is trying to tell you. All in all, try and love your cat as best you can.