A clingy cat wants to be with their owner constantly. My older cat Mollie is like this. She follows me around the house, sleeps in my bed, meows when it’s time for me to get up, meows when she wants to be fed, meows when she wants to be pet or brushed. She almost tells me what she wants. Some cats that are over dependent on their owners get distressed when they leave the house. Luckily Mollie is not like this. Some cats may even may lose their appetites or vomit when their owners leave the house. In extreme cases, they develop neurotic symptoms such as:

• scratching on furniture
• sucking on wool or fabric
• pulling out their fur
• spraying, urinating or defecating outside their litter box.

If this separation anxiety occurs suddenly, take your cat to the vet for a check up. It could be a physical condition that’s causing the problem.

Here are some tips in reducing your cats stress when you’re not around.

• Leave the radio or television on when you go out to provide the illusion of company and masks frightening noises
• Don’t take a long time to say goodbye when you leave the house.
• Have your keys ready or in the door so you can exit quickly.
• When you come home, ignore your cat for five or ten minutes,  especially if she’s demanding attention. Give her affection when she calms down.
• Don’t yell at your cat if she’s done something destructive when you’re not home.
• Always provide a comfortable place for her to sleep while you’re out.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing if your cat is a bit clingy. Dogs are needy all the time. At least you know that she loves you.

Remember, your pets count!