Why Does My Cat Follow Me? 15 Reasons You Didn’t Know
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Do you have a furry feline shadow that trails after your every move? If so, you may be intrigued to know more about why your cat likes to follow you around.
It’s a myth that they are independent and aloof. As any cat lover knows, cats can be affectionate, sociable, and form close bonds with both people and other pets.
Sometimes they are so bonded they follow us everywhere – but that’s not the only reason they do it.
In this article, I’ll highlight 15 possible reasons why your cat may be following you and explore the many motivations behind the behavior.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me?
#1. It’s A Sign Of Affection
Cats show signs of affection in a number of different ways.
Common signs include purring, head-butting, increased vocalization, gentle kneading, slow blinking, sleeping next to you, rubbing around your legs, grooming you by licking you with their barbed tongue – or, indeed, following you.
So when your kitty follows you around the house or yard, it can be another way for him to feel close to you and show his affection – especially if he parks himself on your lap when you sit down.
#2. He Wants Attention
As I said, It’s a myth that cats are solitary and aloof. Many of them are highly social animals who like to seek out interaction with their favorite person.
So following you to different rooms as you move around your home may be a way for your cat to get your undivided attention. He may meow, rub against you, or even gently paw at you to initiate play or interaction.
If he’s rewarded with petting, a fun game, or verbal praise (or treats!), he’s likely to carry on following you – because his behavior is being rewarded.
#3. You Have A Strong Mutual Bond
Cats can form strong bonds with their owners, often more intense than the bonds they share with other cats or pets.
In this instance, following you around may simply be a way for your cat to seek out your company and spend some quality time with you.
A study of over 6,000 cat owners found that 44.5% of them said they had an “emotional investment” in their pet cat – meaning that they genuinely cared about their feline companions (Ines et al., 2021).
No surprises there really! But many of the cats also appeared to have a general need for “owner proximity.”
These cats tended to have a more exclusive relationship with their owner and a lower acceptance of others.
In other words, the cats wanted to be near their pet parents – ideally with no one else around to cramp their style.
#4. He Sees You As A Mother Figure
Imprinting occurs when a baby animal is born and immediately feels a strong connection to the first thing they see moving (usually their mother). They follow her around and want to be close to her to keep them safe.
Some animals, like birds and some mammals, are born already able to walk and follow their mothers right away.
Other animals, like kittens, puppies, and human babies, take more time to grow and develop. Throughout that time, they need constant care and nurturing, and strong social attachments are formed.
Case Study: Mini Me – Orphan Kitten Imprinted On Human
We found Mini Me as a tiny kitten in a Dubai parking lot. The poor little thing was completely alone, scared, and trying to survive as best she could. We took her home and fed her up and nursed her back to health.
Forever more she thought I was her mother. She slept in the crook of my arm under the duvet, followed me around, and came running when I called her. It was adorable.
So if you rescue an orphan kitten who has been separated from her mom at a very young age, you may find that she imprints on you instead!
#5. He Wants Something
Your cat may be following you because he wants something.
So if he follows you to the kitchen, he may be hungry and want food or even just try his luck. If he follows you to the door, he may want to go outside – or through the bathroom door with you whenever you go in there!
I’m sure I’m not alone in getting up and down 100 times a day to let one of our cats outside and then, five minutes later, back indoors again. And when I open the door first thing in the morning to let the dogs out, there’s a queue of cats following me all trying to get first in line.
They know what they want and they know how to get it!
They know what they want and they know how to get it!
#6. He Likes Being With You
Your cat may also follow you from room to room because he likes being near you and feels safe and secure in your presence.
It’s a sign that he trusts you and sees you as a source of comfort and companionship.
So take it as a compliment!
#7. He Has Positive Associations With Being With You
Cats often have positive associations with being around their owners.
For example, your cat may follow you because he knows you are the one who feeds him and provides him with treats.
He may also follow you because he associates your presence with getting attention, petting, and playtime.
In other words, he associates you with all the things he loves and enjoys.
Case Study: Jasmine – Trained To Come When Called
Our cat Jasmine is a prime example. She is very affectionate and loves attention so often runs around the house after me. She also knows that when I go to the kitchen it’s entirely likely I’ll open the “special drawer” where the cat treats live.
I used this to my advantage and trained her to respond to her name and come when called. She was already running after me anyway, so all I did was add the verbal cue, “Jasmine, come back!”
This came in handy last summer when she used to go wandering off in the forest for several days at a time. Whenever I went out looking for her, she would respond when I called her and come running straight to me.
#8. He’s Bored
Sometimes your feline friend may just be bored and looking for something to do.
If he doesn’t have enough toys, scratching posts, vertical space, hiding places, chasing games, or other outlets for his natural behaviors to keep him entertained, he may seek out your company in the hopes of finding something interesting to do.
#9. Learned Behavior
I already alluded to this when I talked about how Jasmine follows me to the kitchen. She’s learned that when she follows me, good things happen!
So if your cat has been positively reinforced for following you (i.e. rewarded with attention or treats), he will probably continue to do so in the future.
Over time, the behavior can become a habit because your kitty has learned that following you leads to rewards or positive outcomes.
#10. Curiosity
Cats are naturally curious beings, so this may be another reason why kitty follows you around.
He may be interested in what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what’s happening in his environment.
Cats also love to investigate new objects, people, and places, and following you around is a great way for them to explore their surroundings.
Ever had your cat make a beeline for the grocery bags as you bring them inside?
He will have been drawn to all of the interesting scents emanating from the bags – and probably wanted to see what was inside too.
#11. Fear
Maybe your cat is scared for some reason.
Perhaps you’ve just adopted a new cat and he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings.
A new home can be overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for cats to feel frightened and seek comfort from their owners.
This is especially true for kittens who have just been separated from their mother and littermates.
It’s important to be patient with your kitty and give him plenty of reassurance during this time.
Additionally, be mindful of any potential triggers that could make him feel even more scared, such as loud noises or enthusiastic pet dogs.
If you’re not sure how to recognize signs of fear in your cat, this video from Fear Free Happy Homes will help:
#12. Separation Anxiety
As cat lovers, we already know that cats can form a close bond with their human caregivers.
So perhaps it’s not surprising that cats can suffer from separation anxiety when apart from their owners, just as dogs can.
While following you around, wanting to be near you, feeling upset when you’re separated, and being happy when you’re reunited are normal signs of attachment, they can also be signs your cat is struggling with separation anxiety if taken to the extreme.
In which case, you may see other signs of separation anxiety, including*:
- Restlessness
- Excessive vocalization
- Being more startled than normal
- Refusing food
- Hiding
- Toileting outside of the litter tray
- Excessive scratching
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Inappropriate urination or defecation (often on personal items like clothing or the bed)
- Excessive grooming
- Destructiveness
- Exuberant greetings upon return
- Hyper-attachment to their caregiver (this could include following you around)
- Carrying a favorite toy while vocalizing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Destroying things (more common in male cats)
- Excessive grooming (more common in female cats)
*Sources: Cats Protection, PetMD, & Fear Free Happy Homes
Secure vs. Insecure Attachment
Research shows that adult cats form distinct attachment styles with their owners, which can be classified as “secure” and “insecure.” According to the research, the distribution of attachment styles in adult cats is 65.8% secure and 34.2% insecure (Vitale et al. 2019).
Secure Attachment
When your cat has a secure attachment to you, he feels comfortable and relaxed when you are there.
He’ll explore his surroundings and play or cuddle with you. When you leave and then return, he’ll be happy to see you and greet you calmly.
Insecure Attachment
When your cat has an insecure attachment to you, however, he doesn’t feel quite as comfortable or relaxed.
He may follow you around a lot, and when you leave, get upset and meow a lot or try to find you.
When you return, he may act conflicted – like he wants attention, but he’s also fearful, skittish, or uncertain.
If your cat is excessively clingy and you think he may have separation anxiety, the best thing is to consult with a certified feline behavior professional who can help you put a plan in place to make him feel more relaxed when apart from you.
#13. Stress
Cats get stressed for a variety of reasons, including changes in their environment, social interactions with other resident cats, or sudden changes in their daily routine.
By following you around, your cat may simply be seeking comfort and security from stressors in his environment.
However, he may just be prone to stress by nature.
The way a cat’s body responds to stress starts developing before they are even born. If their mother is stressed during pregnancy, it can affect the kitten’s stress response too.
Kittens who don’t have the chance to explore and experience different things in their environment may also struggle with stress as they get older (International Cat Care, 2018).
So it may just be how your kitty is wired.
FOMO
At least four of our Dubai street cats over the years get really stressed when we leave for our dog walks if we don’t let them come with us. Don’t get me wrong, I love to have them come along, but it’s not always safe.
In a rural environment, it’s fine. But if there’s traffic around then obviously we don’t want them anywhere near us.
In which case they get uber-stressed if we shut them in the house till we come back and can’t be a part of it.
Sorry guys but it’s in your best interests! Who knew cats also get FOMO?
#14. Pain
If your cat is following you more than usual, it could be a sign that he is in pain.
Excessive meowing, limping, or avoiding certain movements (like jumping up onto things, a reluctance to jump down from high places, or difficulty accessing the litter box) may also indicate that your kitty is experiencing discomfort.
Cats are experts at hiding their pain so it’s best to take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior or possible signs of pain.
#15. Illness
In the same way, your cat may start to follow you if he has an underlying medical condition and just doesn’t feel well, or he wants reassurance.
Again, if you notice your kitty following you excessively or displaying other unusual behavior, it’s important to check with the vet to rule out any underlying medical issues.
How Do I Stop My Cat From Following Me?
If you like having your cat follow you around, that’s great. But if you want to prevent him from following you, the first step is to identify the reason behind the behavior.
If your cat seems fearful, stressed or anxious, you will need to take steps to reduce his anxiety and promote a calmer environment.
If his behavior is more of an affectionate gesture, you can interrupt it by providing a distraction.
For example, when he starts following you, direct his attention elsewhere by throwing a favorite toy for him to chase or scattering some tasty treats for him to find.
This will reward him for breaking the habit of following you around.
Let’s explore some of the ways you can set up your cat’s environment to alleviate stress, provide outlets for natural behaviors, and promote mental and physical well-being.
Environmental Enrichment
Environmental enrichment involves providing your feline companion with outlets for his natural curiosity.
This can be achieved by creating hiding spots, elevated perches, cat trees, and adding scent enrichment through catnip or silvervine.
Mental Stimulation
Cats require mental stimulation to stay alert and focused.
Activities such as interactive toys or a food puzzle toy, and simple games like a paper bag filled with treats can stimulate their “seeking” system, linked to exploratory behavior.
This leads to a release of the hormone dopamine, making your cat feel good and elevating his overall mood state.
Play
Playtime with your cat strengthens your bond, helps counter fearfulness and anxiety, and provides physical exercise, which can reduce stress levels.
Tailor playtime activities to your cat’s preferences, such as chasing string or a feather wand toy, throwing a bouncy ball or scrunched-up ball of paper, or dissecting toilet paper rolls with a tasty snack stuffed inside.
This will provide an outlet for his predatory instincts and promote both confidence and relaxation.
Calming Aids
- Feliway, an artificial pheromone, is a plug-in diffuser to reduce anxiety levels.
- Rescue Remedy®, a herbal remedy, can also help reduce stress by adding a few drops to your cat’s food or water.
- Cat Calming Music – playing calming music designed for cats, or classical music, can also reduce stress levels and excessive meowing.
- Nature’s Miracle Calming Spray aims to promote relaxation and reduces hyper activity in stressful situations
Clicker Training
Yes, that’s right! Why not do a spot of training with your cat? It’s another great way to provide mental stimulation, keep him entertained, boost his confidence, and help him feel more relaxed.
Clicker training is a positive reinforcement technique that rewards desirable behaviors with a small mechanical device called a clicker and a treat.
This type of training focuses on what the cat does correctly and is a great way to teach alternative behaviors, including not following you around as much.
The Knocking Cups Game
A great example of a game you can train your cat to play is the “Knocking Cups” game:
Go To Mat
Another handy option is to train your cat to go to his mat. We do this a lot for dogs and there’s no reason why we can’t use it for our cats too:
Routine
Cats are creatures of habit so establishing a routine for your cat that includes a regular breakfast and dinner time, attention, and play sessions can provide structure and consistency, reduce stress, and make him feel more in control of his environment.
Consider offering smaller meals throughout the day to mimic a more natural hunting and eating pattern.
A routine means fewer surprises, less anxiety, and potentially less following behavior from your cat.
Key Takeaways
- Cats are complex creatures and it’s not always easy to understand why they do what they do – including following behavior.
- If your cat is following you a lot, first consider any environmental or social changes, hyper attachment, fear, stress, pain, or illness as possible causes. If so, take the appropriate measures to address them.
- If it’s none of these things, then just enjoy all that quality time you get to spend with your furry friend!
- If you’re still searching for answers, check with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you more insight into why your kitty may be following you around.
- Once you’ve ruled out any possible medical causes, I’d recommend consulting with a certified feline behavior specialist to get to the root of the behavior. Such professionals can provide valuable advice on how to deal with your cat’s excessive following and help you create a happy and harmonious home for both you and your kitty!
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Resources
- Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans – Kristyn R. Vitale, Alexandra C. Behnke, and Monique A.R. Udell
- Bored Cat? Play this KNOCKING CUPS game! [Video] – Cat School Clicker Training
- Can Cats Have Separation Anxiety? – Krista A. Sirois
- Cat Body Language 101 [Video] – Fear Free Happy Homes
- Does my cat have separation anxiety? – Cats Protection
- Every Cat Should Learn This Skill (Mat Training) [Video] – Cat School Clicker Training
- My Cat and Me—A Study of Cat Owner Perceptions of Their Bond and Relationship – Mauro Ines, Claire Ricci-Bonot, & Daniel S. Mills
- Number Of Dogs And Cats Kept As Pets Worldwide in 2018 – Emma Bedford/Statista
- Stress in cats – International Cat Care
- The Human-Cat Relationship – Dennis C. Turner
- They’re Not Loners: Cats Can Have Separation Anxiety, Too – Ramona Marek
NEED HELP FROM A CAT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST? If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a certified feline behavior consultant. They will be able to offer you tailored advice for your cat(s) and situation. Good places to start are: - International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers - American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
