Clinginess in Cats

Studies have shown that dogs are typically clingier than cats; however, recent research has shown that clingy cats, or cats that suffer from separation anxiety, is a genuine concern. Cats that are overly clingy with their owners are ones that want to be petted very often, groom themselves excessively, want to be held seemingly all the time, cry out when they do not receive attention, have the desire to “groom” their owners by licking them, and do not like to be left alone. 

A cat that is overly clingy and suffers from separation anxiety can cause the owner to be at a loss on how to fulfill their cat’s needs. Suffering from separation anxiety can happen due being orphaned or abandoned, weaned too early, or removed from their littermates too early.

Cats that are clingy and have separation anxiety have behavioral signss that are protective and reactive. They do not want to be left alone, and may cry often when they are. When their owners are present, they want to always be in their arms or lap in order to “protect” themselves from being alone. When left alone, they might react with odd behaviors, such as urinating or defecating outside the litter box or hiding in a closet. They may excessively chew or scratch furniture or other household possessions, or may overgroom themselves. Reasons why these behaviors may occur include:

Orphaned or Abandoned

Cats that have lost their mother right after birth do not have the opportunity to bond, making their very early days difficult to adjust. These cats often have clinginess or separation anxiety with their owners due to lack of early nurturing.

Weaned Too Early

Cats that were weaned to early from their mother’s milk may also develop anxiety, which can lead to clingy behavior and separation issues.

Removed From Littermates Too Early

Cats that were abruptly removed from their littermates (without any transition, or gradual weaning) before the age of 8 weeks may be susceptible to emotional issues as they grow up. Cats and their littermates have a very strong bond, and when they are removed too early, they may suffer from separation anxiety and clinginess.

If your cat is showing signs of clinginess and separation anxiety, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Having a complete physical examination will rule out any other health conditions that may be causing some of his symptoms. Once these health conditions are ruled out, your veterinarian will base the diagnosis of separation anxiety on other factors.

Your veterinarian may want to take basic laboratory tests in order to check for health problems. Blood work, urinalysis, and biochemistry profile will check your cat’s organ functions and overall health. The vet will also do a complete physical examination on your cat, and if he notices any signs of illness, he may need to run more tests to get to the root of the problem. You may find that your companion has external parasites, which is why he may be grooming more than normal, or he may have a urinary tract infection or some other illness which may be causing him to urinate outside the litter box, if he is doing so.

Your medical professional will also ask questions pertaining to his behavior. He may want to know how old your kitten was when you adopted him, how long he was being nurtured by his mother, and how long he spent with his littermates. These factors are very important in a cat’s emotional development. The veterinary doctor may also want to know if your cat has had more than one owner, because cats that have been shuffled from owner to owner may have a sense that they will lose you as their owner.

Once your veterinarian gathers more information, he will come to a conclusion about why your cat may have separation anxiety. There are ways to treat this condition. A behavioral therapist may help, or he may give you advice on what you can do to help your cat. For severe cases of clinginess and separation anxiety, there are medications that can be prescribed to help your cat.

In terms of prevention, it is very important that kittens stay with their mother and littermates for as long as possible (at least 8 weeks) before being adopted. The bond kittens have with their mother and each other is very strong, and gradual weaning should be done, starting around six weeks. Weaning should be a very slow process.

There are ways to prevent odd behaviors exhibited by your cat in your absence. You can enrich his environment by including elevated areas, places he can hide, more toys and puzzles to occupy him, and scratching posts located throughout your home. When your cat is by himself, he may feel secure in a more comfortable environment. You may want to consider purchasing a cat tree, which is complete with carpeted areas, scratching posts, and a hideaway area. This may help him feel more at ease.

Discovering ways to praise him when he is acting the way you wish for him to act will help. When he is sitting away from you, you may want to give him a few treats and praise him. Simply rewarding him for appropriate behavior may help him realize what you desire as his owner, or “parent”.

If your cat has a severe case of separation anxiety, you may consider looking into a behavioral therapist. A therapist can come into your home, observe your cat’s behavior, and give you suggestions on ways to eliminate the unwanted actions that your cat is doing. Over time, this will help enhance the relationship between you and your companion.

Separation anxiety can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has separation anxiety or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

If your cat has separation anxiety, there are ways to treat it. Treatment options for separation anxiety begin at approximately $500 for a cat therapist. This will depend on the amount of time your therapist will need to spend with him, as well as any prescribed medications.