Contrary to what some people think, cats can be extremely affectionate and many love being close to their human parents. Some cats like to clamber onto our laps the moment we sit down, others may sit by our side, and some may just want to be in the same room as us.
So, why do some cats follow us? Well, this could be for a specific reason or a combination of a few reasons. Explanations of why our cat might follow us can include:
- Companionship — some cats just love human company!
- Feeding time — most cat parents notice their fur baby appear near feeding time, and, if this food does not materialise when the cat expects it, then they will be intent on following you until it does appear!
- Curiosity — cats are very curious creature by nature, and it could just be that they are following you because they are interested about what you are doing, or what you are about to do.
- Attention — some cats follow their owners as a means of getting their attention — this particular behaviour would often be accompanied by a miaow or two!
We have to be careful as cat owners that our cats are not following us around because they are becoming over-attached to us. This is what can sometimes happen when a cat is feeling insecure, such as when you’ve returned from a holiday, and the cat will simply not leave your side. If this is the case, it is important that you do not reinforce this insecure behaviour by petting him or offering him a tasty treat; otherwise this insecure and needy behaviour will become the norm.
Personally, I like to think that when one of my cats follows me around the house and then curls up on my keyboard while I’m trying to work, it’s a sign of affection and that my cat holds me in high regard!