Cats are suddenly becoming more affectionate? 9 veterinarian-approved reasons
- NATURAL KITCHEN
- May 23, 2024
- 7 min read
If your cat is suddenly displaying affectionate behavior, you may be wondering what's going on. Cats don't usually change their behavior for no reason unless they're going through a specific change in their lives. Because a few circumstances may cause your cat to be more affectionate than usual, we wanted to provide more details about these circumstances. If you're asking yourself why your cat is suddenly so affectionate, you're in the right place!
Read on to learn more about possible reasons for your cat's sudden affection and how to respond to this change in behavior.
9 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Suddenly Becomes Affectionate
1. Your cat is getting older
As cats age, it's not uncommon for them to experience various changes in their behavior, including becoming more attached. As a cat gets older, it may crave love and attention and become less independent. Often, this happens with older cats, who like to have a certain routine and stay around familiar people. In some ways, cats feel comfortable and protected around you.
How to correct the behavior?
Honestly, this is nothing to worry about, and there isn't a whole lot you can do in this situation. Senior cats may have a number of medical conditions, so the only thing that might help is taking your cat to a veterinarian to see if there are any health risks you should be aware of.
2. Your cat is going through hormonal changes
If you have a female cat, she may suddenly show signs of affection as she goes through hormonal changes. Hormonal changes occur in unspayed cats because they go through these behavioral differences when they are pregnant or in heat. Both of these situations can lead to excessive affection and more affection than usual.
If your cat is in heat, you may notice other signs, including:
- Excessive meowing
- Rubbing things
- Want to go out
Hormones cause behavioral changes: Female cats in heat are more receptive to male mates. Cats in heat are also often more affectionate and affectionate toward their owners.
If your cat is pregnant, she will gradually become more affectionate as the pregnancy progresses. You may also notice other signs of pregnancy, such as:
- Vomiting
- Increased appetite
How to correct the behavior?
If your cat is being more affectionate than usual due to hormonal changes, it's best to determine if she's pregnant or just in heat.
When your cat is in heat, she will allow the male cat to mate and most likely become pregnant. If you do not intend for your female cat to breed, spay or neuter is recommended. Although it may seem harsh to some, spaying your cat is better than bringing unexpected kittens into the planet.
If your cat is pregnant, we recommend taking her to the veterinarian to make sure everything is going well with the pregnancy. As for intimacy during pregnancy, you have to endure it for a while before you give birth to the kittens. Once they come into the world, the cat will worry about and take care of them and stop being attached to you.
3. You or your partner is pregnant
Although cats become affectionate when they are clingy, they may also become affectionate if you or your partner is pregnant. Animals have the ability to sense changes in females, and they will become affectionate and protective of that person.
Your cat may even be able to hear your baby's heartbeat and notice even the slightest changes in your behavior as your belly grows.
How to correct the behavior?
If your cat suddenly becomes affectionate because you're pregnant, he's just trying to support you and protect the new life inside you. Of course, not all cats behave the same, so this won't happen to all cats, although it is typical behavior for many cats.
We recommend simply allowing your cat a little more cuddling during your pregnancy, as you may always have extra time!
4. Your cat may be suffering from stress or anxiety
It is another common occurrence for cats to experience stress and anxiety, which can cause them to rely on you for comfort and peace. Cats have strong feelings, and they can be frightened by a variety of things; fireworks, loud cars, too many people, or simply an unknown guest can all be triggers for your cat to become anxious and overly attached to you.
How to correct the behavior?
If your cat suddenly becomes attached to you because he or she is stressed, anxious, or scared, you should do your best to comfort him or her. After all, it helps if you remember that your cat is not being clingy on purpose and that he or she needs comfort and a safe place to relax. Once the stress subsides, your cat should return to his or her usual behavior.
However, if you notice this often and your cat continues to be clingy for long periods of time without reducing signs of stress, something else may be going on. Often, when you suddenly change the food you give your cat or your overall routine, your cat may have a hard time adjusting to the changes.
We recommend that you identify the sources and triggers of these feelings in your cat and try to address them directly. At the same time, remember that cats can become agitated quickly, especially when a big change is about to happen.
This is why you should introduce anything new gradually and allow your cat to adjust to everything that happens around him.
Anxious companion animal pet parents are familiar with the discomfort their cats experience every day.
5. Your cat is feeling unwell or sick
If your cat suddenly becomes demanding more attention and is being more affectionate than usual, this could be a sign that your cat is feeling unwell or is sick. Of course, this doesn't happen to all cats, as most prefer to hide the fact that they are sick, but it is still possible.
Often, illnesses will include other symptoms in addition to extra intimacy, so make sure to observe your cat and his or her behavior. Doing so may make it easier to spot a problem and help your cat get through it.
How to correct the behavior?
When you feel that your cat is being more affectionate toward you than usual and you have ruled out other possible causes, take your cat to a veterinarian. That way, you can check your cat's health and provide medical treatment if needed.
6. Your cat craves attention
Your cat may be displaying affectionate behavior because he or she is not getting enough attention from you. When a cat wants to remind you of his or her presence, he or she will start to cuddle and approach you more than usual.
Like humans and other animals, cats need love and affection; otherwise, they may start to feel depressed. Also, if you ignore your cat, even if it shows you that it needs more affection, it may become destructive to get your attention and make you realize that there is a problem.
How to correct the behavior?
All you need to do to solve this problem is to love your cat and show it affection. You should play with your cat every day and pet it more often. Make sure you provide your cat with food and clean water and keep its litter box clean as this is something cats appreciate.
7. Your cat is hungry
Cats aren't usually overly affectionate, but they do like to show affection to their owners when they're hungry. If you notice your cat snuggling up to you and following you around at mealtime, it may be trying to let you know it wants food. They are extremely intelligent animals, and they use this to their advantage.
How to correct the behavior?
In this case, all you need to do is make sure your cat's diet is appropriate to maintain a healthy weight. If your cat is underweight, you will need to adjust his diet. Of course, if you don't have much time to spend with your cat, spend some time cuddling and petting as well.
8. Your cat has a competitor
It's not uncommon for cats to display overly affectionate behavior when they have a rival. This applies to new cats, pets, and even new partners and babies. A cat may become jealous and decide that it wants you, which can lead to over-devotion to you.
Cats try to be the center of your attention. Cats like to be the center of everything that happens, and they don't like to be left out, which is why you should give your cat attention even if you have a new family member.
How to correct the behavior?
Try to acclimate your cat to new situations in the household and actively socialize it with new members. This way, your cat will associate new people with positive experiences. When introducing your cat to a new baby, another cat, or a new pet, make sure you are in a safe, comfortable environment and that your cat does not become stressed or anxious.
9. You just adopted a cat
If you have recently adopted your cat and he is still adjusting to you and the environment you live in, he may become quite affectionate. This happens as cats try to form a bond with you and feel a certain comfort around you, especially in a new environment.
How to correct the behavior?
Help your cat through the adoption process; provide plenty of love and affection, play with your cat, and provide plenty of food and water. Also, remember to create a safe and comfortable environment for your cat. Invest in a scratching post and some cat toys, which should help your cat feel at home.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why your cat might suddenly become affectionate. Whenever your cat changes behavior, it's always a good idea to check what's going on. Try to get to the root of the problem while also showing support and love for your feline. If you've ever wondered why your cat suddenly became so affectionate, we hope you've found some answers!
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