How big is a problem clingy behavior in cats is? It is one of the most common questions asked by cat owners. It’s easy to understand why this question arises. A cat with clingy behaviors can be annoying, especially when your cat hangs from your clothes as you’re getting dressed or sleeps on your pillow right next to your face. Also, some clingy cats are downright scary, like the cat that growled at my neighbor as she walked past.
Why is my cat so clingy?
When a cat is clingy, he may seem to lack confidence in himself. He does not feel secure in his environment and will constantly seek reassurance from his owners that they are present and paying attention.
The following suggestions may help your clingy cat enjoy life more:
- Set up a daily schedule for your cat that includes feeding, playtime, and cuddling (belly rubs are especially nice). Stick with this schedule whenever possible.
- Try to keep your cat’s environment relatively unchanged when you are away from home. This includes not rearranging furniture or moving household objects like plants around too much.
- Never physically punish your cat for being clingy. This will only cause him to have a negative association with you. You may even frighten your cat and create an even more clingy kitty!
- Ask amateur cat behaviorists on the Internet what they think you should do without spending too much money on their worthless opinions.
- Make sure that anyone who comes into contact with your cat or feeds him is using the same techniques that you are. For example, if your cat is used to being fed at 9 am and 4 pm every day, make sure whoever is feeding him sticks to this schedule.
- If possible, give your cat some space when he’s clingy. You can do this by walking away from him, going behind a closed door for a few minutes, or even hiding in the other room.
- Don’t give your cat attention when he is near you and clingy. The easiest way to do this is to turn around and walk away from him simply–don’t say anything and don’t look at him either (looking at a cat and not responding is a sign of aggression).
- Play with your cat using wand toys, laser pointers, or fishing pole-type toys. Make sure the toys you use are safe for cats.
- When your cat follows you around and is annoying, try ignoring him until he leaves the room/area you’re in.
How to solve it?
It is important to remember that for any training method to be effective with cats, you must do the following:
- Be consistent, clear, and patient. Whatever approach you choose with your clingy cat, make sure everyone in the house knows how to handle him too. If you are not consistent with your actions, it will confuse your cats, and you will not see results with your training.
- Have patience! Training is slow going when it comes to cats. They often do not learn as quickly as dogs, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to complete a task like getting your cat to stop climbing on the counter. However, just remember that before dogs were domesticated, they were wild animals. Cats have been living with humans for a lot longer and are not as quick to change. Don’t be so hard on yourself or your cat!
- Never try to punish or show your cat who is boss by forcing him into a situation that frightens him. Again, this will only make things worse and result in a cat that is even more clingy.
- Be consistent! Make sure everyone in the house knows how to handle your cat and stick with one training method, as suggested above.
- Do not give up! Training takes time and if you want to be successful, keep at it. If your first method does not work, try another. It may take a few tries, but it will be worth it!
Conclusion
Training your cat is not an easy task. It takes time, patience, and consistency. If you are unsure of how to handle your clingy cat or need help with any specific situations, ask an amateur cat trainer on the Internet for assistance.
Tags: cat care, cat so clingy
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