Cat Affectionate All of a Sudden? Here are Possible Reasons Why

If your cat suddenly acts affectionate, you probably wonder what’s happening. Unfortunately, cats don’t commonly change their behavior unless it’s experiencing specific changes in its life. We’ll unpack the possible causes of sudden kitty affection and how to deal with this behavioral change.

Your Cat Might Suffer from Stress or Anxiety

Another thing that’s common for cats is they can experience stress and anxiety, leading them to lean on you for reassurance. Cats have strong senses and can get scared by an array of things; fireworks, loud cars, too many people, or simply an unknown guest could all trigger your cat to feel anxious and become overly attached to you.

What to do about it

If your cat is suddenly attached to you because it feels stressed, anxious, or scared, you should try to comfort her in any way you can. After all, it would help if you remembered that your cat is not being clingy on purpose and that she needs reassurance and a safe place to relax. Your cat should return to her usual behavior after the stress disappears.

Your Cat Is Unwell or Sick

If your cat suddenly becomes needy and craves more attention than usual, it could signify your feline feeling sick or unwell. Of course, this doesn’t happen to all cats, as most prefer to hide that they’re sick, but it’s still possible. Sickness commonly includes other symptoms besides the extra affection, so ensure you observe your cat and how she acts.

What to do about it

When you feel like your cat is more affectionate towards you and you’ve already ruled out other possible reasons, take your cat to the vet. You can check your cat’s health and provide medication if needed.

Your Cat Is Experiencing Hormonal Changes

If you have a female cat, she could show sudden signs of affection when experiencing hormonal changes. The hormonal changes occur in non-neutered cats, who can experience these behavioral differences when pregnant or in heat. Both could lead to excessive clinginess and more affection than usual.

If your cat is in heat, you’ll also notice other signs, including:
• Excessive meowing
• Rubbing against things
• Trying to go outside

If pregnant, your cat will gradually start to show more and more affection as the pregnancy develops. You can also notice other signs of pregnancy similar to humans, such as vomiting and increased appetite.

What to do about it

If your cat is more affectionate than normal due to hormonal changes, it’s good to determine if it is pregnant or just in heat.

When your cat is in heat and comes in contact with a male cat, she will likely become pregnant. Therefore, spaying is recommended if you are not planning to breed your female cat. Although this might seem harsh to some, it’s better to spay your cat than to bring unexpected kittens into the world. If your cat is pregnant, we suggest taking her to the vet to ensure everything is okay with the pregnancy.

Your Cat Is Hungry

Cats are typically not overly affectionate but love showing affection to their owners when hungry. So if you notice your feline cuddling with you and following you around mealtimes, she could be trying to let you know it wants food. They are extremely smart animals, and they use it to their advantage.

What to do about it

In such situations, all you need to do is make sure your cat’s diet is suitable to keep it in a healthy body condition. If your cat is underweight, you will need to adjust her diet. If your cat is overweight and still begging for food, try using a Cat Treat Dispenser Ball and put her breakfast and dinner inside. It will provide physical and intellectual stimulation and draw out meal time.

You or Your Partner are Pregnant

While cats become affectionate when they’re clingy, they can also become affectionate if you or your partner are pregnant. This is because animals can sense the changes in a woman, and they tend to become loving and protective of that person.

Your cat might even be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat and notice even the slightest changes in your behavior as your belly becomes larger.

What to do about it

If your cat becomes suddenly affectionate due to your pregnancy, she’s simply trying to support you and protect the new life inside of you. But, of course, not all cats act the same, so this won’t happen to all felines, although it’s typical behavior for many cats. Therefore, we suggest simply allowing your cat the extra cuddles for the time you’re pregnant, as you might have extra time on your hands anyway!

Your Cat Has Competition

It’s not unusual for a cat to act overly affectionate when she has competition. This applies to new cats, pets, partners, and babies. Cats can become jealous and decide they want you for themselves, which may lead to excessive devotion toward you.

What to do about it

Try to include your cat in the new circumstances inside your household and positively socialize her with the new member. That way, your cat can associate the newcomer with a positive experience. For example, when introducing your cat to a new baby, another cat, or a new pet, ensure you’re in a safe, comfortable environment where your cat won’t be stressed or anxious and always has a clear exit from the situation.

Your Cat Is Aging

As cat age, it’s common to notice various changes in their behavior, including becoming clingier. When your cat ages, she can feel an urge for love and attention and become less independent.

Typically, this happens as old cats prefer to have some routine and stick to people they’re familiar with. She craves the comfort and protection she feels around you; how beautiful is that?

What to do about it

This is nothing to worry about, and you cannot do much in this situation. However, it’s not uncommon for an old cat to have some sickness or disease, so the one thing that might be helpful is taking your cat to the vet to verify if there are no health risks you should know about.

It’s always a good idea to check what’s happening whenever your cat changes behavior. Then, try to get to the root of the issue while showing support and love for your feline. Cats communicate uniquely, and paying attention to their needs can foster a strong and loving bond with your furry companion.