- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Do you fondly refer to your cat as your shadow? Maybe they follow you from your bedroom to the kitchen to the bathroom, show up under your feet constantly, and curl up to nap right next to you—or on top of your keyboard! If your cat follows you everywhere, you might wonder what drives their Velcro impression and whether it’s anything to worry about.
Many cat parents find their feline shadows endearing, but this clinginess can have a few downsides. It’s easy to trip over a cat who’s always weaving through your feet, for one thing. You also might not love a face full of cat butt every time you sit down!
Cats are curious and playful by nature, and they might follow you from place to place simply because they find your movements fun or interesting. As a result, you usually don’t need to worry if your cat sticks to you like glue.
That said, most feline behavior happens for a reason, and shadowing is no exception. We asked two veterinarians why a cat might follow you everywhere. They offered nine reasons, plus a few tips on how to handle excessive or concerning clinginess.
Watch this quick video we made with everything you need to know about why your cat might be following you around:
Your Cat Wants Attention
Cats may have a reputation for independence, but they often form close bonds with people—and miss them when they’re not around.
Accordingly, cats often turn to humans for comfort, play, or affection, says Dr. Alex Crow, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon practicing in the UK. “They might follow you around to get your attention for petting, playing, or even just companionship,” he says.
A few other signs your cat wants you to focus on them:
- They’re making lots of noise, whether that’s meowing, purring, or even yowling
- They’re initiating play by pouncing or batting at your feet
- They’re making a lot of physical contact, including jumping on your lap, weaving through your legs, or rubbing against you
- They scratch furniture, knock items off tables, or find other destructive ways to get your attention
If this behavior becomes more aggravating than cute, you handle it by making time in your daily routine to play with, fuss over, and entertain your cat, says Dr. Lizzie Youens, MRCVS, a veterinary advisor for Cats.com.
When you need to do other things, you can offer a toy or treat to keep them occupied or try the radio or music as a distraction, she adds.
Your Cat Loves And Trusts You
“Cats can form strong social bonds and often want to spend all their time with those they are closest to,” says Dr. Youens. If there’s one person they trust more than anyone else, a cat may start following that person around everywhere.
A cat’s breed can also come into play here. Breeds more prone to affectionate clinginess include:
Other signs your cat loves you include purring, rubbing up against you, slow blinking, and exposing their belly.
“Cats who trust their owners often have relaxed, open body language,” says Dr. Crow. “They might walk with their tail high, which is generally a sign of happiness and confidence.”
If you need a little space from your cat’s devoted attention, Dr. Crow recommends establishing a routine, rewarding independent behavior, and providing alternate modes of entertainment for your kitty. It’s also a good idea to give your cat plenty of attention when possible.
When you have to leave home for a while, Dr. Youens recommends offering something with your scent, like a T-shirt or sweatshirt, for comfort.
Your Cat Wants Food
Since you’re the one providing your cat with food and resources, you may find them underfoot when they’re feeling peckish. As meal time approaches, your cat might follow you everywhere, show more affection than usual, or make more noise than usual. Their meows may also sound a lot more demanding!
“A hungry cat might walk to their food bowl, then back to you, repeatedly. This is their way of guiding you to the problem—an empty food bowl,” Dr. Crow says. If you don’t offer food right away, you might notice them pacing or jumping up to get your attention.
To manage this behavior, Dr. Youens recommends:
- Establishing a feeding routine so cats can predict meals and not become stressed about food availability.
- Splitting their daily food ration into smaller multiple meals to keep them satisfied for longer periods of time.
- Trying slow feeders and puzzle toys to stretch out mealtimes and provide enrichment.
As tough as this may seem, Dr. Crow advises against giving in to your cat’s demands for food. Feeding a cat who follows you everywhere will most likely reinforce the behavior.
Important: It’s a good idea to pay attention to your cat as they eat. According to Dr. Crow, cats who eat very quickly, immediately dive into their food, or seem hungry right after a meal, they may not be getting enough to eat.
Your vet can offer more guidance on the right amount of food for your cat.
Your Cat Is Stressed Or Anxious
Stress and anxiety can affect cats in different ways, says Dr. Youens. “Some cats may hide themselves away, whereas others may be clingier.”
A cat who shadows you closely could also have separation anxiety, explains Dr. Crow. “Following you around can provide them with a sense of safety and security.”
If your cat suddenly starts following you everywhere when they never did before, this could point to new stress in their life. Other signs of stress and anxiety in cats include:
- Excessive vocalization or hissing
- Pacing
- Panting
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Changes in appetite
- Increased aggression
- Behavior changes, including hiding more often or new destructive behaviors, like scratching or shredding furniture
“If your cat is following you due to stress or anxiety, the goal should be to alleviate their stress, not just stop them from following you,” Dr. Crow emphasizes.
You can help ease your cat’s stress by:
- Providing a safe environment with plenty of hiding spots
- Sticking to a routine for meals and play
- Limiting sudden household changes when possible and gently easing your cat into necessary changes, like a new kitten or dog
- Trying calming diffusers and sprays, calming beds, or calming treats
- Making time to play with your cat regularly
If these strategies don’t help, your vet can offer more guidance with pinpointing the cause of your cat’s anxiety and helping improve their quality of life.
Your Cat Is Bored
Your cat may spend a lot of their time sleeping, but they can still get bored!
“Cats are active and intelligent, and they require both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration,” Dr. Youens tells us. A restless cat may follow you all over the place just to see if something interesting happens.
Other signs of cat boredom include:
- Trying to get you to play
- Destructive behaviors like scratching, shredding, or knocking things over
- Meowing, yowling, and other vocalizations
- Aggression, including hissing, scratching, or biting
- The best way to deal with a bored cat involves a regular playtime schedule and plenty of other enrichment, like scratching posts, cat trees, and interactive toys.
Your Cat Is Pregnant Or In Heat
A female cat may begin to follow you everywhere if she’s in heat or becomes pregnant.
“This is part of their nesting instinct,” says Dr. Crow, adding that many cats seek out the comfort and companionship of their most trusted human when about to give birth.
Signs of pregnancy in cats include changes in appetite, a swollen belly, and enlarged nipples. If you suspect your cat is pregnant, you’ll want to make an appointment with your vet right away to confirm the pregnancy. They can offer guidance on feeding and caring for a pregnant cat.
Dr. Youens suggests setting up a comfortable resting area for your pregnant cat, with soft bedding and toys in a warm place. Maintaining your regular routine can also help soothe her distress.
Your Cat Has Age-Related Anxiety
Some cats may begin to feel more fragile and vulnerable as they grow older. “As cats age, their interactions with owners and other pets may change,” says Dr. Youens. She explains that while some senior cats will become more distant, others may begin to follow trusted humans for reassurance.
A senior cat seeking security may meow more often and seem confused or disoriented. You may also notice they groom themselves more or less than usual.
To put your senior kitty at ease, try to maintain a routine and spend quality time with them. They may also enjoy a new safe space with plenty of toys and soft bedding. Senior cats also need regular vet checkups to rule out any underlying illnesses—some of which may play a part in sudden clinginess
Your Cat Is Sick
When cats aren’t feeling well, their behavior may change. “Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can cause cats to become more attention-seeking,” Dr. Youens says.
Other signs that may point to health concerns include:
- Changes in appetite or drinking habits
- Grooming more or less often
- Changes in their usual sleep patterns
- Litter box issues, including frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or eliminating outside the litter box
- Unusual aggression
- Changes in physical appearance, like sudden weight loss, new lumps or bumps, abdominal bloating, or difficulty moving around
If you notice any of the above signs, you’ll want to make an appointment with your vet right away. They can help by diagnosing and treating any health concerns causing your cat’s behavior changes.
Your Cat Is Just Extra Curious
“Cats are naturally curious creatures, and their curiosity extends to their human companions,” Dr. Crow says. “They want to know what you’re doing, where you’re going, and if it involves them in any way.”
To put it simply, a cat who seems captivated by your every move may just be, well, acting like a cat. This feline curiosity often shows up with relaxed body language: ears perked up, tail held high, and relaxed pupils.
Cats may also express their innate curiosity by investigating every corner of their surroundings. For instance, you might notice them knocking items off ledges, poking their noses into closets and refrigerators, or tunneling into drawers.
No matter how cute you find this behavior, it can sometimes become inconvenient. In some cases, it could also pose a threat to your cat’s safety—but other forms of entertainment may help satisfy their curiosity! You might try out a new wand toy, for example, and set up a new scratching post or cat tree (or both!). Puzzles and interactive toys can also help keep even the most curious cats happy.
