Needy Cat, Needy Cat: It’s Not Your Fault
Of all their endearing qualities, it’s their independence that causes us to fall in love with felines. As a group, cats don’t need their owners in the same way…other popular four-legged friends might (yeah, we’re looking at you, dogs!). But what happens when an otherwise unfettered feline suddenly starts to follow you around, begging for attention? A needy cat may not necessarily set off every alarm, but any swift changes in behavior can definitely signal that something’s amiss.
Night and Day
Perhaps we notice abrupt shifts in feline behavior simply because they’re sort of aloof. That is, when a cat who normally hides or lurks about suddenly shows up on your keyboard or under your feet, we pay close attention.
Display of Dependence
An effective way of communicating with owners is to simply show up – a lot. Cats who don’t feel well may hide, but it’s equally common for them to attach themselves to your side. When Fluffy gets in your face unexpectedly, it may be worth a call to our office or a visit.
Bored Much?
Some cats are alone for the majority of the day and tend to wake up when their owners arrive home after work. This change may be quite obvious by jumping or running around you, meowing incessantly, or by displaying other needy cat behaviors to get your attention.
The Conditioned Response
Conditioned behavior goes both ways. The constant meowing of a needy cat can result in treats or attention (or both). Of course, you want to shower your cat with love and affection, but if you go too far when he or she demands it, you may inadvertently reinforce clingy behavior. Teach your cat the way to behave, and try not to overlook bad behavior.
When your cat meows repeatedly, give a signal, such as a light foot stomp. Only pet your cat or give a treat when he or she stops meowing.
Likewise, you can redirect a needy cat by playing with him or her. Distracting him or her from irritating behavior can reduce it altogether.
New Here
Another reason cats can be clingy has to do with their environment. A feline that has just arrived in a new home or an unfamiliar place may behave in an utterly needy way. After a little time and encouragement, a new cat will feel right at home. Please let us know if your cat is having trouble adjusting; we’re always happy to help. A needy cat may need medical assistance, and we can direct you to solutions for a stress-free home.
A Needy Cat is Still Lovable
Some cats are also just talkers, and their repetitive meows have nothing to do with pain, illness, injury, or other problems. However, if you feel your needy cat could benefit from medical attention, we invite you to schedule an appointment.
Recent Posts
Categories
- Behavior & Training
- Cat Care of Vinings News
- Emergencies & First Aid
- Exercise Nutrition & Obesity
- Fleas Ticks & Heartworm
- Kitten Care
- Pet Dental Care
- Pet Emergencies & First Aid
- Pet Grooming & Style
- Pet Health & Wellness
- Pet Rescue & Adoption
- Pet Safety
- Pet Toxins
- Pet Travel & Boarding
- Pet-Friendly Holidays
- Puppies & Kittens
- Reproductive Health
- Rescue & Adoption
- Seasonal Cat Care
- Seasonal Pet Care
- Senior Pet Care
- The Cat's Meow
- The Great Outdoors
- The Surgical Suite
- Training & Behavior
- Travel & Boarding
- You & Your Cat
- You & Your Pet
Archives
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.