My Cat Won’t Leave Me Alone All Of A Sudden [What Can It Mean?]

If you are a cat owner, then nothing will bring you more joy than seeing your cat comfortable and content. They may decide to follow you around the house from time to time and get up to cuddle with you when you’re on the couch or in bed. But what if your cat has suddenly become very attached; beyond what they are typically like? What can it mean, what should you do, and is there anything you will need to consider? Having observed this in my own cat, I decided to spend some time researching to find out the cause and how to approach it.

So, if you are similarly wondering why my cat won’t leave me alone all of a sudden, here is why.

Cats can become very attached to their owners suddenly and not willing to leave them alone for both innocent and more concerning reasons. It could be that they are looking for company and attention, or it could mean they are hungry, stressed, anxious, or suffering from an illness or injury.

It is therefore imperative that you look at any recent changes to your home and environment, and observe your cat closely for any other potential behaviors that could indicate an issue.

There’s a difference between your cat following you around normally and them clinging to you, not leaving you alone.

Sometimes if your cats are following you around there’s nothing to be worried about at all, they just want your company.

At the same time, you want your cat to be independent enough to spend time by themselves as well.

It’s all about the balance, but we do have to consider our own circumstances and try to think objectively as to why our cats may feel the need to do this.

For example, it’s only natural for new cats and young kittens to follow their owners around until they get more confident in their new home and environment.

Nevertheless, it’s not feasible or even desirable to have your cat with you all the time; there are things you need to do, and there comes a point where it can go from cute to concerning, to annoying and frustrating.

Let us now take a closer look at the reasons why a cat may cling to its owner, what it can mean and some practical strategies to giving you both more space; so that the time you enjoy together is much more special.

So, be sure to keep reading to the end to get all the information you need!

Possible Reasons Why your Cat Won’t Leave You Alone All Of A Sudden

Hunger

If your cat feels that it’s not getting enough food, or if it’s feeding time, it may follow you around and display attention-seeking behavior.

Cats often associate their owners with food, which is why they might become extra affectionate around meal times.

Make sure your cat is getting a balanced diet and is fed at consistent times each day.

Loneliness

Cats, though generally perceived as solitary animals, can sometimes get lonely, especially if they are the only pet or if their human family is often away.

If your cat has been alone for a long period, it may seek your company more often.

Boredom

Cats need mental and physical stimulation.

Lack of engaging activities can lead to boredom, and your cat may react by being clingy.

Anxiety

Changes like a new pet, a new family member, moving to a new place, or even changes in your routine can cause anxiety in cats.

Your cat may become clingy as a response to this stress.

Health Issues

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so an increase in attention-seeking behavior could be their way of showing something is wrong.

It’s important to look out for other signs of illness like changes in appetite, grooming behavior, or litter box usage, and consult a vet if you notice anything unusual.

Environmental Changes

Cats are creatures of habit and are sensitive to changes in their environment.

Even minor alterations like rearranging furniture, changing their litter brand, or loud noises can stress your cat out and result in them seeking comfort from you.

How Can I Get My Cat to Leave Me Alone?

Why would you want your cat to leave you alone?! I know, I know, we’re talking about clingy cats here and not just cuddly cats.

I’m the type of person who loves to cuddle with my cats and I have been extremely lucky to have cats that have loved to cuddle right back.

However, not everyone wants to cuddle with their cats all the time, nor are they able to, so they do need to teach their cats some independence. And I admit, I also have my own limits as well.

If The Issue Is Medical

As I mentioned above, if you believe your cat is following you around due to a medical issue, taking them to a vet can make all the difference.

Hopefully, after being treated your cat will be back to its old self sooner rather than later.

If The Issue Is Boredom

For boredom issues, it could be as simple as tiring your cat out, both physically and mentally.

Play with your cat and give them some mentally stimulating toys and games to play with as well.

This particular toy that I got off Amazon was a game-changer for me. Many other cat owners swear by it too, and it keeps a cat entertained for hours!

By tiring your cat, they will more than likely go somewhere quiet to curl up and nap instead of bothering you.

If The Issue Is Hunger

Much like tiring your cat out with play, feeding them can tire them out too.

Plus, if they’re following you around due to hunger, feeding them may be the only thing to keep them happy and to solve the underlying cause.

Cats tend to like to sleep for quite a bit after having a big meal, so you should have some time to yourself afterward.

If The Issue Is Anxiety

Aside from eliminating the underlying cause, did you know CBD products can be very effective at removing a cat’s anxiety?

If The Issue Is Confidence

Otherwise, it may be as simple as just creating some space for yourself. Without neglecting the needs of your cat, you could simply close a door, or take them outside.

So long as your cat has all of its needs met, they are not in any discomfort or are exhibiting any major signs of stress and anxiety, you should be able to confidently leave them for a period of time.

Just be sure to check back on them after a while and see how they are faring.

What Do You Do If Your Cat Won’t Leave Your House?

There’s no need to panic if your cat will not leave your house. There are plenty of indoor cats that never go outside, and they grow up to be just fine.

In fact, they have a much lower risk of getting many infections and diseases that outdoor cats often catch.

If your cat is an indoor cat, just ensure that they have access to a clean litter box.

Also, make sure that they don’t get locked inside a room where they are unable to access said litter box or their food and water.

If you would like them to go outside and leave your house, begin by going outside with them and standing by their side as they wander your yard.

If they are not willing to do this on their own accord, you may need to pick them up.

If they appear to be overly stressed about being outside, then you should bring them inside. You should never force them to go out if they are not fully confident in doing so.

Nevertheless, if you do not notice any immediate concerns, you can start to lengthen the amount of time you stay outside.

This way they will get more used to it, to the point where you may even be able to go back into the house on your own. In time, they may start going out on their own.

While it may take some time and consistency, cats do like to explore and are curious by nature.

This should mean that they are willing and able to go outside, but may just need that gentle push to get them started.

If you have not already, consider installing a cat flap into an appropriate door. This will enable your cat to go and come as they please, and this can make all the difference.

It also takes the onus off you to physically let them in and out as and when they may require it.

Either way, you may find that your cat may never leave your property – much preferring to stay closer to home. Even if they end up being more of an outdoor cat.

This actually comes with its own benefits as you know where they are at all times, and you also know what they are exposed to and can call them in if needs be.

If you are going to let your cat go outside at all, it comes highly advised that you visit a veterinarian ahead of time.

They will be able to provide your cat with all of the required shots, vaccinations, and any other medicine that will help to protect them from fleas, ticks, and anything else that could harm them.

Final Thoughts

Everyone loves to cuddle with their cat.

Saying that we all have our limits too and do need some breathing space at times!

If your cat has suddenly become a lot more clingily or is not willing to leave your side, consider that this could be down to a number of different reasons, causes, or factors.

Some of these are purely innocent, such as wanting to be in your presence, whereas others could be a cause for concern and may even require veterinary assistance.

Some of the most common reasons why a cat does not usually leave their owner all of a sudden, and some good first areas to look into include:

• Newness (either to you or living location)
• Stress and Anxiety
• Hunger
• Injury or Illness
• Attention Seeking
• Boredom or Loneliness

The good news is that each one of these issues can be worked on.

You can help your cat overcome each one and be less dependent on you and more confident on their own.

And while this may sound harsh, it is actually beneficial for you and your cat alike.

You can both begin to have much better quality time with one another.

While some people may attempt to let their cat out of the house for some space, not all cats want to go outside and this should never be forced.

Thankfully, indoor cats can lead perfectly healthy lives so there is no need to panic if they are not so enthused by it.

Ultimately, you want to be patient with your cat if you discover that they are being somewhat clingy and you want them to leave you alone.

Look for the underlying factors and work with them to eliminate the issues and help them gain the confidence they may need.

In the end, take it as a compliment. They love and trust your complicity, or otherwise, they wouldn’t be so willing to spend so much time in your company!

Other related guides you may want to check out:

• Why Is My Cat Clingy When I’m On My Period?
• My Cat Follows Me Everywhere But Won’t Cuddle [Why & What To Do]
• My Cat Guards Me When I Poop [Why & What To Do]
• My Cat Guards Me When I Pee [Why & What To Do]