10 signs of a clingy cat or velcro kitty

Updated 24/09/2024

Are you worried you may be the pet parent or carer to a clingy cat? Felines are often stereotyped as independent creatures who lie by their own rules, but this isn’t always true. A velcro cat or clingy kitty can be anything from a pain in the fluff to a concern. Some kitties are born to be overly affectionate cats, others may spontaneously decide they’re needy cats, but some may flit between being cuddly and aloof.

So, what’s normal and what’s considered clingy cat behavior? Here are 10 signs of a clingy cat, why this may be happening, and how to help prevent it. Let’s unstick this conundrum together…

10 signs of a clingy cat

1. They’re your new furry shadow

As the phrase ‘clingy cat’ suggests, these kitties will not leave your side. In some cases, they become your shadow following you everywhere around the home. They stick to you like glue, hence the alternative name ‘velcro cat’.

2. Feeding time can’t happen without you

This is an important sign of a clingy cat which stands out from normal feline behavior. When it comes to food time, if you put their meal in front of them, they often start to tuck in. However, a needy kitty will halt all eating the second you leave the room. They’ll often follow you and meow at you until you walk back to their food bowl with them. Once you’re in their eyeline, they’ll start to chow down again.

3. A tendency to dig their claws in

Whether you have or know a lap cat, have you ever tried to gently remove them and found they dug their claws in? Yep, this is another clingy kitty symptom. The same goes for cats sitting near or next to you who you try to move - they stick their claws in and will not let go. 

4. Where you sleep, they sleep

It’s normal for cats to enjoy sleeping on their humans or a family member - we’re quiet and warm when we’re asleep, kind of ideal for a cat nap. But, if they seem incapable of settling down without your presence, or they are insistently vocal until you let them into the bedroom, you may have a needy kitty in your home.

5. They knead your attention

Like the claws-in-don’t-move-me method, kneading or pummeling behaviors when sat on or next to you is another indication they want you to stay put. Kneading simulates how kittens get more milk to flow from their mom, it’s the cat equivalent of sucking your thumb, so it’s a comfort. Pummeling your leg, tummy, chest, or neck is a regressive or kitten behavior, meaning they only feel safe with you. 

6. Meowing constantly when you’re not home

Separation anxiety can affect cats at any point in their lives, but it’s often a learned behavior from when they were kittens. If they’re used to having you at home most of the time, when you’re suddenly not home this can be distressing for them. Yowling or meowing constantly is their only way of feeling in control of the situation.

7. Meowing constantly when you are home

Seriously, a clingy cat can be both a vocal local when you’re away and when you’re at home. Constant meowing throughout the day means they want constant attention. They need to know where you are and you need to know they want pets, play, food, or any kind of attention possible. Over-vocalization occurs when your attention is elsewhere or when they can’t find you.

8. Insist on being in the same room as you

Like their need to sleep on or near you all the time, a clingy cat hates being shut out of the same room as you. Doesn’t matter if it’s the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, they will not stop yowling, scratching, or clawing until you let them into that room, regardless of what you’re doing!

9. Strangers initiate velcro behaviors

New people to the home mean nothing to the Velcro cat. They’ll make no effort to meet and greet, nor will they grace them with the honor of touching them. Instead, they will cling to you, the pet parent. Extra leg rubs, sitting between your legs, attempting to jump onto you, glaring or staring down these visitors, yeah they will make your guests feel royally unwelcome.

10. They hate goodbyes

Humans generally follow a similar pattern of noises and behaviors when they’re preparing to leave the home. Keys rattling, coats shuffling, shoes stamping, cats will always be able to pick up on this, especially the needy cat. If they sense you’re about to escape they will be on you like, well, velcro. Leg rubs, mewing, scratching, blocking your way, attacking shoes, they’ll try anything to convince you to stay.

Why is my cat so clingy?

We all know the cat brain is one of life’s greatest mysteries - we’ll probably never completely understand how they think or do what they do. However, there are some common, generalized reasons why your cat is clingy:

• Lack of mental stimulation
• Stress or anxiety from an environmental change
• Separation anxiety
• Health problems
• It’s part of their paw-sonality or breed traits (it’s all-natural, honey!)

Again, these are only a few reasons behind clingy cat behavior. If you want expert advice, contact their vet.

How to reduce signs of clinginess

While some of these symptoms could indicate you have a Velcro cat, it’s also worth bearing in mind that cats show love in different ways. Basically, a few moments of affection throughout the day or week are completely normal. However, if you suddenly find yourself with an overly affectionate cat or there’s a sudden behavior change, this could be the sign of something else.

First off, if you’re concerned about a change in your kitty, take them to the vet. While it may be something anxiety-related - like a change to their litter box, moving furniture around, or a new animal in the home - it could be a symptom of underlying health problems. It’s always better to have a check-up than to leave it.

If everything appears to be a-okay with their furry bodies, it’s time to help their floofy brains. Clingy cat behavior is usually stress-related, therefore it’s best to stick to their routine as much as possible. Provide plenty of enrichment with toys, playtime, and scratch posts, keep familiar smells around them, and reward quiet good behaviors. 

You could also consider calming pheromones in their environment. If you’re still struggling with your cat, then try speaking to a qualified pet behaviorist for help.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Do you have a velcro cat? Or are you a pet parent who has some great tips on how to help a needy kitty? Start the cat chat on our Community Forum with our global community of pet lovers. You don’t even need to be a member to jump in! But, if you are curious about becoming a full-time member, have a look at our different membership options - see which one suits you best and we’ll look forward to seeing you again soon.