Whatever you do at home, your cat is on your heels.
The fact that a cat follows its master in the house is normal, if this behavior is occasional.
However, if it is frequent, even constant, it may be a sign that the animal is suffering or has specific needs.
Several criteria must then be taken into account to distinguish the reasons for this behavior and act appropriately.
Why does my cat follow me everywhere?
This type of behavior can have several origins.
First, your cat may just be hungry or thirsty.
By following you, he hopes that you head for the kitchen, where his croquettes are... Unless he hopes for a change of litter?
Your cat also knows your habits and loves these rituals.
He likes to accompany you at bedtime, hoping perhaps to sleep with you, for example.
Certain breeds of cat, naturally more affectionate than others, can also follow their master everywhere.
In the first weeks, a young cat can also follow its master everywhere out of curiosity.
But one of the most common causes of this behavior, if it happens daily, is
hyperattachment
.
It occurs when a kitten has been badly weaned or suffered a trauma in the first weeks of its existence.
However, this behavior can also be linked to a health problem.
Your cat may follow you around because he is sick or stressed and wants your attention.
Read alsoHow to understand cat body language?
How do I react when my cat follows me?
Listening to the animal and its needs is essential.
If your cat follows you everywhere, try to determine the cause of this habit.
First check that his food and water bowls are full or that his litter box is clean.
Your cat can follow you everywhere simply to indicate its needs.
These needs can also concern caresses, moments of tenderness or moments of play.
If he follows you a lot more than usual but lacks appetite, seems weaker, or is more anxious than usual, these may be symptoms of an illness.
Also check if he is not injured.
The ideal is to take him to the veterinarian in order to obtain an appropriate treatment.
Hyperattachment of the cat: how to make it autonomous?
Cat hyperattachment is a special case.
Unlike other situations, helping the animal will take longer, as this attachment is often caused by premature weaning.
Some hyperattached cats find it difficult to be alone.
Read also10 ideas to make your cat happy while you are away
Making the animal more independent goes through several stages to gradually accustom it to separation.
First of all, leave at the disposal of the cat a garment impregnated with your odor.
Like a child's comforter, this familiar smell will reassure him during your absences.
You can also sprinkle a few drops of pheromones throughout your home.
They will encourage your cat to explore and keep it busy for a few hours.
However, if your cat continues to follow you everywhere, it is recommended to consult a behavioral veterinarian.
