Why Does My Cat Follow Me Around?

If you are the pet parent of a “Velcro cat,” you already know that felines don’t always live up to their fiercely independent reputation. When your cat follows you from room to room as you go about your day, it can be difficult to know if they’re trying to tell you something or just enjoying your company. 

What’s really behind this sometimes-endearing, sometimes-annoying behavior? Here are the likely reasons why your cat may follow you and what it can reveal about your bond, their needs, and their instincts.

The Cat + Human Bond

Cats are more social than they’re often given credit for. While they aren’t likely to seek out the company of other cats who are non-relatives, they do form deep connections with their humans. 

Meowing offers some proof that cats come to view their human caregivers as surrogate parents — in the feline world, meowing is almost exclusively a way for kittens to communicate with their mothers. Adult cats who solicit their humans’ attention through behaviors like meowing and shadowing may express that they see you as a safe, reliable companion. 

A Clingy Cat May Need Your Help

Like humans, cats may seek out the help of those they trust when something doesn’t feel right. Following may be your cat’s way of letting you know that they’re in need.

If your pet’s clinginess is out of character or accompanied by other worrying symptoms, don’t ignore this behavior change. 

Illness or Discomfort

Cats tend to mask their pain, but if they suddenly won’t let you out of their sight, they could be signaling that they are uncomfortable, anxious, or ill. Especially when following is accompanied by increased vocalizations, lethargy, or changes to their appetite or bathroom habits, visit your vet to rule out medical issues. 

Unmet Needs

On the other hand, shadowing can also be a practical reminder that you’ve fallen behind on your chores. Cats rely on their owners to maintain their essentials, and an empty food or water bowl or a dirty litter box can all prompt them to follow you as a way of bringing your attention to the issue. 

If your cat seems out of sorts, take a moment to make sure all their basic needs are met. 

Your Cat May Feel That You Need Help

Cats have incredibly keen senses, and some experts believe they may pick up on changes in their owner’s emotional or physical state. Their olfactory abilities and acute awareness of body temperature allow them to detect subtle changes that may actually prompt them to come to your aid. 

Interestingly, a cat’s purring, often associated with relaxation and contentment, may have real healing benefits. The frequency of a cat’s purr (between 25-150 Hz) is used in some human medical therapies to promote the healing of bones and tissues. If your cat gets clingy when you’re under the weather, they may be trying to speed up your recovery. 

Seeking Attention or Affection

If your cat is craving interaction, they may follow you to ask for pets or playtime.

While it may be harder to convince an older cat to chase a laser pointer than a rambunctious kitten, cats of all ages crave engagement with their humans. Make sure you are setting aside at least a few minutes each day for play and affection to satisfy those social and physical needs. 

Curiosity 

What’s the deal with cats and closed doors? Cats are naturally curious, and their drive to explore can motivate them to follow you around the house. 

As highly observant creatures, cats have an awareness of your routines and habits — and they notice when something is unusual. Following you may simply be their way of investigating what you’re up to and checking out anything new or interesting. This can be especially true if you’re traveling or you’ve recently moved to a new home. Your presence may make them feel more secure as they get to know their surroundings. 

Once you’ve safely ruled out emotional or medical issues, take your cat’s insistence on following you in stride. This communication tool is often a sign of a strong bond and an invitation to connect.