Why Does Your Cat Follow You?
If you are reading this article most likely your feline furry friend likes to follow you wherever you are and check on whatever you are doing. You must love this or sometimes could be a little annoying to you. At the same time, you are curious about this fact and want to know the reasons why your cat shows this behavior. Keep in mind that this article doesn’t mention the obvious reason for some cats to follow their owner everywhere because they are food-driven cats this behavior is pretty obvious, and it’s usually accompanied by meows. This article provides you with 7 theories why cats follow their owners, other than food.
1. Your cat follows you because he considers you as his human “mommy”
If your cat follows you everywhere he sees you as his mom so he will be following like a kitten following his feline mother in nature. One of the theories says that cats follow people because they are like eternal kittens and they see you as an adoptive protective mother. Think about it. You provide him with food, take care of his litter box, and teach him what to do and what not, pretty much like mother cats in nature. That’s why your cat follows you as he would follow his mom around the house, to the outside, and even to the bathroom!
2. You are your cat’s play partner
If you are the only one in the house that takes time to play with the cat he will always follow you because you are his play buddy. By playing games with your cat you develop a special bond that will keep your cat close to you often. When you engage with your cat in a fun playtime, you are not only providing your feline friend with a way to spend energy. You are also providing an enriching mental stimulation that keeps his instincts alive. That’s why your cat trusts you because you provide all that. When you trust someone and makes you feel confident you appreciate the companionship of that person, right?
3. Separation Anxiety
If you are back from a trip and suddenly your cat behaves differently, following you more and sleeping with you it may be a sign of for feline experiencing separation anxiety. Your pet was used to being with you and experiencing a period without you may have created this symptom. Usually, cats that have been rescued experience separation anxiety, especially if they have spent their kittenhood in a shelter. According to MetroVetChicago, to help with your cat anxiety you can start leaving your cat alone for shorter periods in the beginning. Also, a good idea is to try to avoid the announcement of your departure to your cat. So the “kitty, mommy is leaving” should be avoided, just leave quietly. Leave the TV on and provide your feline with plenty of toys, ideally treat toy dispensers to keep his hunting instincts alive.
Watch a cat following his owner everywhere
4. Cats are curious beings and we are their entertainment, let’s face it!
If a cat is bored and has nothing to do, what better than following its human to check on what he or she is doing? After all, cats are the most curious creatures and in their eyes, we the human, are pretty strange, so strange that we are worth to be observed. When cats don’t have much to do, if they are not sleeping, they are looking for things that call their curiosity, new things. If you provide that to your cat with whatever you are doing, he will feel enticed to follow you around. Sometimes they make up a game with things you would never even think of. Let’s say you are reorganizing your clothes or your jewels, that’s a whole new world for your feline.
5. Cats are changing, they are more sociable
Have you read about cats that behave like dogs? Several cat breeds behave like dogs, such as the Egyptian cat, the Abyssinian, Ragdoll, Turkish Angora, Burmese, Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Maine Coon, for example.
It seems like there is a tendency in cats’ behavior to be more sociable and integrated into their owner’s life. This could be a natural adaptation of cats due to their indoor life that is completely different from their ancestor’s wildlife. The mentioned breeds love to be close to their humans, they want to be petted and cuddle. And of course, they like to follow their owners everywhere to feel their presence and companionship. With breeding techniques and the natural adaptation of domestic felines, they are adopting more each time behavior that is natural in dogs.
6. Cats follow their owners when they do their daily routine because they also have their routine
Cats, like most animals, are creatures of routine. In the wild, cats do a daily routine of activities, such as marking the territory, walking, jumping, and chasing when hunting. Our indoor cats don’t do much of these activities because we provide all that they need, so they look for alternative activities and adopt them also as part of their routine. One of those daily activities is following us around the house from one room to the other as if they are patrolling their territory.
7. Cats are not as independent and aloof as they have been portrayed. They follow us because they need our company and affection
Whether breed or mixed-breed, cats are loving animals that are not aloof as they have been portrayed for quite a long time (if you have a cat you know your kitty needs your love). In the past people used to have cats in villages or farms to hunt and keep rats at bay, they usually would live on the streets, in sheds, or half indoors. These cats had a very independent life, but now things are not the same.
Now the relationship between humans and cats is not based on a rat exterminating function, but on companionship and entertainment. We spend way more time with our cats, we train them, love them with no limits, and treat them as a member of the family. All in all, the more time we spend with our cat and the more love we give it, the closer it’ll be to us. This is the main reason for them to follow us, it’s simply love and friendship.
Why your cat follows you everywhere in a nutshell
The reasons why your cat follows you even to the bathroom are all represented on this list:
You are like his mama cat who takes care of his needs.
You have become his play buddy who bonded with him through daily games.
Your cat misses you when he is alone for too long.
Your cat added your routine as a part of his daily routine.
He finds you a curious being who is fun to watch.
Your kitty has social needs just as you do.
Your feline friend is not as independent as you think, he evolved as a companion animal.
All this means your cat relies on you as a very important part of his life, and that’s a beautiful thing. However, if your cat’s obsession worries you, there are ways to try to help your cat to be more independent.
How to Help Your Cat To Be More Independent
Before trying to make your cat enjoy his independence, you need to make sure to discard any medical issues first. Sometimes excessive following and vocalization could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Enrich your cat’s environment
Interactive and refillable toys, climbing towers, or jumping platforms can keep your cat entertained while stimulating them physically and mentally. The idea is to encourage your cat to play and be entertained without relying on you.
Encourage exploration
While you may worry about your cat getting into trouble, it’s important to avoid overprotecting and isolating them. Cats are naturally curious creatures, so it’s crucial to encourage your furry friend to explore their surroundings independently. This will help them gain confidence and self-assurance. To prevent accidents, consider installing window and patio protectors or using a harness to prevent escape if you allow outdoor access.
Don’t ignore your cat
Many people try to reduce their cats’ dependency by ignoring them and avoiding physical contact. This can actually increase the animal’s anxiety. It’s important to establish a healthy relationship with your furry friend, playing with him, and showing him affection. By doing this, he knows he can rely on you when needed while also teaching him, with patience, that he can’t always get what he wants.
Avoid any form of punishment
Never yell or scold your cat if he shows signs of anxiety or dependence on you, following you everywhere. Remember, this problem causes him significant emotional distress that he can’t control on his own, so the last thing he needs is to be punished for expressing himself. Try to understand your furry friend, and if necessary, seek professional help.
Use stress-reducing products
Some products like cat pheromones or catnip can chill out cats and help them handle stress, as long as you follow some behavior tips. If your cat needs meds, make sure you get them from your vet or animal behaviorist.
Thank you for this article. It makes sense. I also believe cats follow us out of love.
You are right Lee! And some breeds or type of cats personalities are more social than others. My cat doesn’t like to be alone for too long.
I have 2 cats and they’re very strange at times. One is a mixed forest cat and he won’t leave me alone in the kitchen. It’s not food he’s looking for because I keep their bowl full all the time. When I’m done in the kitchen he runs for the living room couch and then it’s at least half an hour of constant petting.
Awww such a cutie. Your cat loves you and can’t wait for you to pet him. He knows your routine so he is waiting for you to be done in the kitchen for him to get your attention.
Mine too
Hi Ladies, I’m a cat mom whose ONE yr and 3 mnths old cat ran a carwash that was LITERALLY not even a 1/2 block from our apts. When he ran I was lax because I take him out SUPERVISED by our apts so I assumed he ran home. BUT when I got home maybe 10 minutes after he ran he WASN’T here!!!! So back to the article, he follows me around our lil apt 90% of the time. I’m not gone long hrs working, and it’s only me and him. So, my question I’d like an opinion on is, with Lynx (his name) was THA TF attached to me when I’m out looking do you think he’d come to me when I’m searching? I take the treats when I’m searching and everything with no luck!! HELLLPPP PLEASE! A VERY SAD CAT MOM!!
Leave a cage out by where he got out. Do not put food in there! It could attract wild animals. You can put some water in there. Leave a toy and/a shirt or blanket that smells like you or that he liked. Check several times a day to make sure he doesn’t get left in there too long.
I just read this. Did Lynx ? Come home?
I have and indoor out door can’t he comes home and leaves when he wants he left for 2 4 days at time but always came home. I did have a black cat with a white spot on his chest and he was like 8 or 9 and he was a indoor cant he was never out side with out us like yours and he left one day and never came back we still hear broken but I heard cat leave to be alone when it’s there time to go I hope your kitty comes home
I gave a stray cat that has been walking with me and my Pitt Suriik for a Lil over 2 yes. She has been picked up and fixed and brought back. When it snowed here in austin the lastvtwo years ..i made her a safe house. I can pet her and pick her up. I’m just mot sure hiw to aclamate her inside . My Pitt ok. My 4 lb Yorkie not soo much.. not another cat is taken over her things and sleeping in her bed. Ugh. Lol. I don’t even have a cat!!! Lol
Thanks, Mic, for taking care of a stray cat, I really appreciate it.
my cat june bug follows me everywhere she can be asleep ND if I get up to leave a room she get up every time ND iz right by my side it’s funny cuz she act’s like a dog she will even run to the door when she hears a knock or the doorbell another thing I find weird iz she loves her belly messaged ND will wiggle her body down to the edge of the bed or couch ND will hang half her limp body off the edge it’s so cute ND i always kno when it’s belly time she will walk up next to me ND her body will just go limp ND fall into my side… she’s a amazing cat she brings much joy in my life nd she knows it….lol
My cats both do that. They’ll just plop down in front of me and I’m expected to get down and rub their belly. And I gladly oblige.
I go over to my daughters house to visit. She has this male orange cat named “Tiger”. Once I enter the house he is at my side, wanting me to take him outside. Once outside he follows me every where. Then when he is ready to go back to the house, He meows at me to take him back. So I say to him, “Okay Tiger lets go to the house.” He will then run in front of me, stopping to check if I am following him back to the house.
He does not do this with anyone but me. When I leave, he jumps up on the back of my daughters couch for me to pet him good-bye.
I go through this every time I go to my daughters house.
That’s so cute. He wants you to spoil him by letting him out to spend some time with you in privacy :)
I forgot to thank you, for the info contained here in about why cats follow you.
I came here looking for information about why cats follow you and found the information to be excellent!
Thank you again, for posting this information about cats!
Tiger is a mess!
I love writing about cats, I am a cat owner and a passionate animal lover. I hope Tiger keeps loving you as he does and shows to you. Hugs!
My cat is an Exotic Shorthair. A persian breed. Just shorter hair and more flat face. Anyways she is more like a dog this breed should be listed as “behave more like a dog” she plays tug of war with this string shes obsessed with, she follows me around and sits quietly sometimes next to me and sometimes just in tge same room and watches. The females are said to be more “aloof” and I see that. However I believe the reason she follows me is because I got her as a kitten and right as she was growing up I had to take care of something and was gone for 2 years of her growing life. I was told she acted out while I was gone a lot. And my family has chihuahuas so sadly she wasnt given much special attention while I was gone. So now i believe she has some seperation anxiety , but either way I adore her and she makes me smile every day! I love this breed the money was absouletly worth it !
Aww my cat also has suffered separation anxiety but it gets over it in about a week. Just give her lots of love when you are with her. Hugs.
Thank you. Now I know why ny cat sleeps with me, when I go downstairs, it will follow me. When I go upstairs it will follow me. In fact follow me almost everywhere in the house.
Thank you for this information now it makes sense. It’s my first time adopting a kitten so I was searching why he follows me everywhere. This article was very helpful thanks once again.
You’re welcome Diana :)
My cat is a mixed breed stray that a friend gave me.she seems to follow me around the house I can’t go anywhere in the house with out her. She even sits in her cat tree while I cook. The longest I leave her is for 8 hours to work. Why would she be doing this?
There are several reasons why but most likely she really loves you and wants to be with you when you are home. She really is crazy about you!
My cousin has a neighbor that like in a housing complex and the people us stairs cat had kittens and kicked them out side my cousin took a couple in and one snuck in and wouldn’t leave so I went over there one day and the kitten keep following me around her house purring to I brought him home and now i cant do anything with out him right there even use the bathroom or shower my husband had went thro cancer and hes still haveing problems and i found out in October i had colon cancer and just had surgery and both of my cats sleep with almost every night he evens followed my husband it’s so cute cut he loves getting lots of love.
That’s so interesting Heather, it seems like cats provide comfort and healing energies to people with health conditions. It’s almost like that cat was destined for your household. God bless your family and restore your health.
My kitten well almost cat was abandoned she she was maybe 2 days old, apparently she laid in the street for 2 days when some little girls found her and brought her to me and asked me to help her. Her eyes were full of puss, she was a mess, I didn’t think she would live. Fed her with a kitty bottle and kitty milk. She has some strange habits, she follows me everywhere even in the nite to the bathroom. She seems to be a 1 person cat, a little unusual I think, she sleeps with me, if she’s done something wrong and she knows it she makes a bee line for wherever I am to get loved, she also has a habit of licking or cleaning me I guess. Just curious what all this means. I know she loves me and she loves my French bull dog those 2 play forever
Hi Annie, your cat is traumatized for what she had to endure when she was a kitten. She developed separation anxiety due to this and it’s emotionally dependent of you. She only needs lots of love and reinforcement about her life. Try to get some pheromone spray and spray in the areas she hangs out the most. Get her entertained and mentally stimulated with interactive cat toys. And gives her lots of love, but I am sure you already do this :)
Bombay catI’ve had him for about a year he follows me everywhere he hast to be right up against me and see what I’m doing he always follows me in the bathroom since on the tub beside me and watches me when I FaceTime P and he tries to lean over and see where the P is going suddenly my cat started peeing in the toilet himself I thought to myself this is great I can save money on kitty litter and I can get rid of the smell right away but even when I give him hours of attention he still follows me everywhere I love him but it’s kind of annoying because he gets in the way in a trip what is he looking for
Hello, Kathleen all I can say is that your cat simply adores you! He even learned how to use the toilet. You are like his mommy and he will display this behavior because of it. It can be annoying at times but he really loves you and he’s showing it. What I suggest you, try to keep your cat distracted with interactive toys or putting birds or mice videos on your tv. Your cat’s obsession to observe you can be redirected to something else. Hope that helps!
I just adopted a 3-year-old cat from the animal shelter 2 weeks ago and she will not leave my side for one minute.
Yes, cats that have been in shelters usually develop anxiety, they never forget, but they can get confidence with lots of love and proper set up of their territory.
My cat keeps following my new kitten .My kitten been here for like 2 weeks now and out of nowhere she just started following her sniffing her and like treating her like it’s her kid and is now overprotective of it.
Awww that’s so cute. Se probably adopted her a her baby :)
I recently adopted my second turkish angora from a shelter(lucky, right?) the first one many years ago. She used to pull my hair with her mouth if I pressed snooze on my alarm, not wanting me to get that extra 5 minutes of sleep! New kitty shows the same angora intelligence. Dog like? She’s offended- says she’s intelligent in her own right😀
Yeah, your beautiful smart Turkish Angora certainly doesn’t want to look like a dog hahahaha.
Ps- constant following! Gotta love it! But what to do when foot is numb from being kitty’s pillow as I type?🤔
Hahahaha I know the feeling
We have three cats and I love to garden. I love it when they come out with me and :”help” me in the garden. They just sit somewhere comfortable and watch. I tell them that they can dig a patch for me if they like but they only want to watch. Years ago (maybe 30 years) we had two cats. I was down the back garden and I decided to trim back the cat mint which had become long and scraggy and untidy. I was cutting it back to almost ground level because then it grows fresh and new. Those two cats were nowhere near me. They were way around the other side of the house or maybe inside or even in a neighbour’s garden. The minute I started cutting the cat mint they both came running from different directions. They tried desperately to stop me. They kept grabbing at my hands and pouncing on the bits I cut off. Eventually they just spread themselves out all over the pieces I had cut off and glared at me. I was so amazed at how they both instantly knew I was cutting their cat mint. They must have smelled it from maybe 80 metres away.
That’s a cute and funny story. Your cats love to watch you gardening and that’s why they follow you. You are fun for them. That’s all our cats need, things that call their curiosity.
My orange kitty and I are like buddies but I also see myself as his mommy figure and mentor. He always wants to be by my side unless he is feeling a bit rebellious. He will almost tease me at times when I call for him he glares at me and turns his nose trying to make me jealous and then I say “come here and lay with mama.” Then he comes running to me. I think sometimes it’s our little game. Other times he smothers me with love, licks and purrs.
He definitely gets a lot of attention and we also have 3 other cat’s in the house and they are all very close bonded. If he isn’t cuddling me he’s cuddling his brother or the alfa male cat of the house. There is plenty of entertainment in the house as well as relationships to maintain. I think cat’s try to keep their bond strong with who ever is taking care of them or is supporting them. All in all it’s their way of knowing you are giving to them. They will give back to you what they will show appreciation in their own way. They look up to you of course they will follow you around.
My cat’s always have a supply of food available to them. They are not overweight either but if the feeder runs out of food you can definitely see the demeanor change and the way they vocalize it.
If you spend the time to understand what your cat is saying they will take the time to understand you as well.
If your cat is following you around and you know why then you are doing a great job as a kitty master parent. If you don’t know why, then that just means you guys are still trying to figure each other out and the needs to one another but I believe it’s definitely a good thing and a beginning to a wonderful relationship.
Just remember not all cat’s are vocal sometimes they express themselves with their bodies just like we do. So pay attention to body language just as much as they would vocalize to you. Your cat is always trying to bond with you. Keep an open mind and a loving heart.
Hello Jacquelyn, thanks for your beautiful comment. I am so happy you have such a great relationship with your feline friends.
My neighbor has an outdoor cat, Frankie (Lynx Point Siamese.)He follows me around from house to house when I’m gardening other people’s yards. He’s come to my door on rainy or snowy days meowing so loudly that I let him. Now it’s daily. Sometimes he comes calling because he wants me to come out and start gardening. Frankie follows me EVERYWHERE. He waits for me on my porch. At night when the neighbors are home they ring a bell. He goes home for dinner inside. Then he returns ( 10 pm) at my bedroom window. Recently, I was down the street at my friend Jen’s house and Frankie found me by my voice as I conversed w Jen. He wouldn’t come to backyard but meowed incessantly trying to get me to come home. He waited for me and as I walked home began following me down the street as I drove my car! I love Frankie. The neighbors were looking for Frankie once my husband said to them, “He’s probably at our house.” The man said he better not be! I’ll get a restraining order.” Am I Frankie’s, Mommy, friend or human?” Can I get in trouble for letting him follow me or in my house. He loves my other cats.
Hi Jenine, that’s such a great story! I would love to have a cat like Frankie. My cat Sophie doesn’t really follow me that much anymore, she is now an adult full-grown cat and she loves her independence :)
My twin sister found two, two week old kittens locked in her friends shed. They were severally dehydrated, covered in poop and ants and mom obviously was unable to get back in to take care of them. They were not going to live much longer so we took them in. Two boys. Sugar (he was white and looked like a Himalayan) and his brother Spice (main coon). It was basically taking care of newborn babies. My mom would get up every few hours in the middle of the night to bottle feed them. My sister and I were 12 so we couldn’t do that. We had to give them baths when they would get poop on them. We had to keep them warm. We had to liter box train them. My sister and I did the day feedings and helped as much as we could. My mom was a trooper and never complained. Sugar unfortunately passed away from a tumor about 4 years ago but Spice is still here! He’s 15 years old! He adopted me as his “mommy” when he was a baby. Ever since then he’s loved to be with me. He sleeps on me at night and gets up whenever I do to follow me! He gets upset when I’m not home at night. I recently had spinal surgery and I was in the hospital for 3 nights. My dad said he got NO sleep because he was walking around the house crying and looking for me. I found this article because I was curious about why he follows me and now I know. Thank you!
Thanks for such a beautiful story of love. I hope Spice gets to enjoy many more sunrises and sunsets next to you.
Hi, about 5 months ago I had a tom cat come out the woods behind my house he was really mean and anytime I would try to touch him he always slapped at me….but yet he still followed me everywhere but I could not touch him…this went on for about 3 months..then one night I was in my she shed sitting on floor cleaning with door open and he came in and just climbed in my lap and I finally pet him! And now he is a sometimes house pet that comes and goes as he pleases but I am the only person who can hold him or touch him…he sleeps on top of me on his back with his feet straight up in air. He leaves alot and stays gone sometimes for a week or more and he just come home tonight and he is all cut up and has what looks like a stick in his eye he want let me touch it. I’m worried I can not tell if its through his eye or if its just a peice of bark off a tree…he is so beat up but looks like he rolled in sand to cover his wounds..is that normal? I will take him to vet tomorrow and while I’m there I’m going to check about getting him neutered …will that keep him from leaving? Is he already to old to have that done?
Hi Julie, taking that cat to the Vet is the best you can do, although you need to be careful when handling it. The Vet will tell you how old the cat is and if it’s possible to neuter him. Good luck!
I have a good friend who adoped an adult Tabby recently. The male orange cat follows him everywhere. Some good points made in your article and I’ll pass them on. Thanks. 😸
You are very welcome, Ron. And thanks for sharing that cute story with us :)
I have a 10 month old kitten I had him since he was 3 weeks he a house cat and only cat he follaows me everywhere I have no alone time when I close the bedroom fire he cries till I come out.
He loves you so much and feels good when he’s with you. Try to entertain your kitten with interactive toys and see how he reacts. Here’s a list of toys and interactive toys, some of them have worked really well with my cat https://youtu.be/GmLFIYIjFHM. Hope that helps.