Although no definitive explanation has been found, we have put forward some hypotheses to try to understand why our cats follow us everywhere (including the toilet or bathroom). Some cats are real clingy companions, and they wouldn't leave us alone for 5 minutes for anything in the world. Sometimes, they can even make us trip by sneaking between our legs.
Why does my cat follow me everywhere?
A natural behavior in cats
If your cat follows you everywhere, rest assured. This behavior is common and perfectly natural, even if sometimes it becomes annoying.
However, if your cat emits harsh meows, suddenly changes behavior, or seems unwell, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian. These can be signs of distress. Your whiskered friend may be trying to tell you something is wrong.
The main reasons why your cat follows you
He is happy to see you again
A day without seeing you is long for your little companion. If he follows you everywhere, it may simply be to get your attention and hope to get some petting or a play session. It’s his way of showing his joy at seeing you again!
You are in his territory
If your cat tends to rub against furniture corners and your legs, it is certainly to mark his territory. Indeed, pheromones released by the facial glands are used for territorial and social recognition (it’s a familiarization marking on living beings). And when he follows you all around the house, it’s to keep an eye on his "territory." By the way, remember that you live in your cat’s house, not the other way around.
Note that if your cat follows you to the toilet, it’s to watch you but also to beg for some petting. Yes, when we’re sitting on the throne, there’s nothing better to do than to cuddle that little being at our feet. Clever! 😺
It’s part of his routine
And above all, he knows yours by heart! Your cat is smart — for example, he knows it’s in the kitchen that you store his Ziggy cat pâtés. He won’t hesitate to follow you there as soon as he can, hoping for an extra portion. Likewise, if he waits for you on your bed in the evening, it’s because he knows it’s time for you to go to sleep.
Because he’s curious
Our cats need to be aware of all our comings and goings; they are true little gossips on paws. That’s why they don’t hesitate to accompany you from room to room, afraid you might hide something from them (like petting another cat, for example?!).
If he follows you into the bathroom and watches you in the shower, it’s not to admire your dream body (well, maybe!). Our cats are actually fascinated by running water, the sound of water flowing, and splashing drops. Some cats even wait for our shower to end to lick the stagnant water in the tub. And finally, the steam would warm them up. They’d be making their own little home hammam. 😺
He’s bored or lacks stimulation
If your cat follows you everywhere when you return home, it may be because he lacks mental and physical stimulation. Boredom in cats is real!
If he doesn’t have access to the outdoors, be sure to provide him with a stimulating environment with cat toys or even a playful cat bowl. Finally, don’t forget to disconnect from your screens for a few minutes and share playtime with him. Your relationship will be all the richer.
He is overly attached or suffers from separation anxiety
Contrary to popular belief, some cats are very attached to their human parents and do not handle solitude well! This is especially true for cats separated too early from their mother, well before 8 weeks of age. They behave like true "dog-cats," following their human everywhere. Some humans also maintain an almost maternal relationship with their cat, and the cat feels it this way: you are his whole world.
He is stressed or feels vulnerable
Being constantly in need to follow his human everywhere can be a sign of anxiety. In some cases, stress may also be associated with excessive grooming, constant meowing, changes in food intake... If you have any doubts, ask your veterinarian for advice.
To help your cat relax, you can provide hiding spots, toys, valerian, or even leave clothes with a naturally soothing scent.
My cat follows me everywhere because he wants his Ziggy kibble and pâtés!
If your cat is hungry, he won’t hesitate to follow (or even harass) you from room to room. It’s his way of making you understand that you need to hurry up and serve him his grain-free, high-quality protein Ziggy kibble and pâtés. Thanks to our pâtés, your cat stays fuller longer, and you get a few extra hours of sleep! A win-win at Ziggy.
What to do if your cat follows you everywhere?
Never scold or push your cat away
The first thing to do is definitely not to scold him. As mentioned above, this behavior is perfectly natural in cats, especially if your whiskered friend is very attached to you and considers you as his mom or dad. If you scold or push him away, he could suffer from great emotional distress.
Offer a stimulating and reassuring environment
Offer your little or big clingy cat a stimulating environment (toys, hiding places, etc.) so he can keep busy when you are away. For cats suffering from hyper-attachment, don’t hesitate to leave him a little comfort object with your scent to reassure him.
Wet food for the little gluttons
If your whiskered friend constantly demands food, we recommend prioritizing wet cat food. This cat food has many benefits for your little glutton. Wet food is moist and on average 4 times less caloric than dry kibble (for equivalent amounts); it allows the cat to eat sufficient quantities and satisfy his appetite.
It is also very rich in water, adding volume in the stomach while meeting your feline’s hydration needs. It allows the cat to consume water and, in the end, drink 50% more than when eating dry kibble alone! This helps produce less concentrated urine and thus reduce the risk of urinary problems in cats.
A cat mainly fed with wet food is also less likely to develop diabetes, overweight, and obesity.
Consult a professional
If your cat’s behavior suddenly changes or he seems unwell, consult your veterinarian. As mentioned above, this attitude can be a sign of distress.
Don’t hesitate to talk to a feline behavior specialist. They can give you personalized advice to improve your relationship with your whiskered friend.
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