Many people think of cats as being aloof, picky, and generally lacking in affection compared to dogs. However, there are some cats that rival a love-struck pooch when it comes to showing and showering affection.
Why Is My Cat So Cuddly and Affectionate?
Sociability in cats varies a lot, meaning there are some cats that are aloof—but others love to show affection to their family members, other feline housemates, and even the family dog. Sometimes cat parents even talk about how their clingy cats won’t leave them alone.
Cats can be affectionate and cuddly toward the people they’re bonded to. Through experience, cats learn that being close to their humans feels good—being petted, given a treat, or even just talked to bring pleasure.
How Do Cats Show Affection?
Cats show affection in a few different ways:
With their body language; they will arch against your hands or rub against your legs
Meowing, purring, or trilling
Placing their front paws on you to solicit physical attention
Following you around the house
Sitting next to you on the couch
Sleeping next to (or on top of) you at night
Headbutting you
Are Some Cats More Affectionate Than Others?
Your cat’s affection may be partially attributed to the close human-animal bond, but part may be due to genetics. A study found that kittens with a friendly father grow up to be cats that are friendlier toward people compared to cats with a non-friendly father. But cats with a friendly father that also received socialization were friendlier compared to cats with a friendly father that were not socialized.
Single cats may also seek their pet parents’ attention more often because they do not have a feline companion for social interactions and play.
Clingy Cat Breeds
Some cat breeds have a reputation for being affectionate and clingy. These cats were specifically selected for certain desirable physical and behavioral characteristics that people find appealing—one of which is their desire to seek attention from people.
Some more “clingy” cat breeds are:
Siamese
Balinese
Tonkinese
Persians
Ragdolls
Himalayans
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Affectionate?
There are several reasons why a cat may suddenly become more affectionate than usual.
1. You’ve Returned Home
If you were away for a while, your cat may exhibit more affection toward you for the next several days after you’ve returned home. For example, they may follow you around and vocalize to seek attention.
2. It’s Dinner Time
Some cats express a lot of affection around mealtimes. They are hungry and have learned that meowing and rubbing against you are behaviors that likely get them fed around that time every day.
3. Your Cat Is in Heat
Unspayed female cats will exhibit more affectionate behavior when they go into heat. Sometimes the behavior can be directed toward you or other pets in the household.
Should You Worry About an Overly Affectionate Cat?
A sudden increase in some affectionate behaviors, such as vocalizations or asking for attention, are reasons to take your cat to the vet for an exam.
For instance, some cats that develop hyperthyroidism become more active and affectionate. Cats that initially develop diabetes mellitus may also be more affectionate and vocal because they are hungry all the time and are not getting the energy they need from their diet.
Older cats may suddenly become more affectionate and vocal as they age and potentially develop hypertension or cognitive dysfunction.
It’s best to talk to your vet about any sudden changes in your cat’s behavior, as there could be a medical cause.
Clingy Cats FAQs
Are cuddly cats normal?
Yes, it’s normal for some cats to be cuddly. Some cats form deep attachment to their pet parents and express their love physically.
Why is my cat so needy at night?
Your cat may want to cuddle and seek attention from the you later in the evening, especially if they live in a single-cat household. It may also be related to human behavior; most people are sedentary after dinner. This is the perfect time for our cats to get extra attention, when you’re not running around the house engaged in other activities.
Why is my cat so clingy after being spayed?
If your cat appears clingy right after being spayed, it may be that they are in pain and uncomfortable following surgery and want to be comforted by you. They may also need additional pain medication and should be examined by their veterinarian to make sure they have adequate pain control.
WRITTEN BY
Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB
Veterinarian
Dr. Wailani Sung has a passion for helping owners prevent or effectively manage behavior problems in companion animals, enabling them to...
FAQs
Cats can be affectionate and cuddly toward the people they're bonded to. Through experience, cats learn that being close to their humans feels good—being petted, given a treat, or even just talked to bring pleasure.
Why does my cat like to cuddle too much? ›
If your cat has suddenly become a lot more clingy, this can be a sign of stress or illness so a checkup with a veterinarian is recommended. If your cat loves a snuggle, it is probably down to a love of warmth and security, and their innate affectionate nature.
Why is my cat so clingy all the time? ›
Cats can experience stress or anxiety from changes in their routine or environment, other cats or pets in the household, another animal in their area, or any loud occurrences, such as a storm, firework display or nearby construction work. In these situations, your cat may be clingy to seek reassurance.
Are affectionate cats rare? ›
There are plenty of affectionate cat breeds that show tons of love and attention to their owners, though. For example, Ragdoll cats, Scottish folds, and Maine coons all tend to enjoy social interaction with their human companions. Here are ten affectionate cat breeds for those who want a day-and-night cuddler.
Why does my cat cuddle with me and not my husband? ›
It's very common for cats to choose one member of the household as a "favorite." Cats often gravitate toward the person who spends the most time with them, and the one that feeds, plays, and cuddles them.
Why is my cat being more affectionate than usual? ›
While there are a handful of potential reasons, one common trigger is a change in their environment or routine, which can send their world into a tailspin. Cats can also become more clingy opens in a new tab when they're experiencing pain, discomfort, illness, stress, or anxiety.
How to tell if your cat is imprinted on you? ›
Signs Your Cat Imprinted On You
- Purring and Kneading: A Display of Trust and Contentment. ...
- Following You: A Sign of Security and Attachment. ...
- Head Butting and Cheeking: Affectionate Gestures. ...
- Sleeping Near You: Indicating Trust and Comfort. ...
- Grooming: A Sign of Deep Affection and Bonding.
A cat may be too clingy if he acts extra upset when you're not around, refuses to eat or meows excessively. If your cat has a sudden personality change—such as always being independent and suddenly becoming clingy—see a veterinarian, as this can be a subtle sign that something is wrong.
Why does my cat constantly want to be held? ›
Your cat might be clingy simply because they aren't getting enough mental and physical stimulation, says Petbucket. Taking breaks to play with your cat and providing interactive toys to help keep them active and entertained throughout the day can help in these cases.
Can cats sense illness in humans? ›
There are lots of ways cats can sense illness in humans, be it by smelling chemical changes in the body causing a shift in pheromones, or recognizing subtle changes in body language, facial expression, or even body temperature.
Most cats were described by their owners as bold and friendly. When comparing the cats by coat color, gray cats had the highest scores for shyness, aloofness and intolerance, while orange cats had the highest scores for trainability, friendliness and calmness.
Do cats prefer female owners? ›
According to a new study, cats experience the greatest fondness for female owners. Cats attach to your veterinary clients—your female clients in particular—as social partners and it's not just because they want to be fed, according to research in the journal Behavioral Processes.
Should you let cats sleep in your bed? ›
Whether or not you let your cat sleep in your bed is your choice and depends on your personal preference and your cat's behaviour, and there are many pros and cons either way. While sleeping on your bed is part of how cats show affection and love, there's also the risk of your cat disrupting your sleep at night.
What does it mean when my cat only cuddles with me? ›
Cuddling: Cats are selective about who they cuddle with. If your cat snuggles up to you, it's a clear sign they trust and feel safe with you. For example, imagine coming home from a long day to find your cat curled up on your lap, purring contentedly. That's their way of saying, "I love you, and I feel safe with you."
Why does my cat love being held so much? ›
Key Takeaways. Some cats love being carried by their owners, and this might be related to cats' instinctive desire to be high up like their wildcat relatives. Certain breeds and cats that received positive early socialization experiences might be more likely to enjoy being carried.
Why do cats snuggle up to you in bed? ›
They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
Do cats get more affectionate with age? ›
Of course while some cats get more affectionate as they age, this is not true for all cats and can depend on a number of different factors such as personality, environment, breed and more. Age also comes with physical effects that often cause cats to decrease activity and become less playful.
Does cuddling make cats happy? ›
Many of these little furballs are very emotional, and can get quite anxious if they feel isolated or ignored. By cuddling your cat, you're also helping reassure Fluffy that she is loved and safe, which will only strengthen the bond between you.
