Why does my cat follow me?

If you’ve got a feline follower, you’re certainly not the only one. But what are the reasons behind this common cat behaviour?

---

For most owners, having a cat-shaped shadow isn’t too much of an issue. In fact, many see it as an endearing and enjoyable part of cat ownership – even when being followed into the bathroom.

But why might our cats be trailing after us – and what can you do if you’d like to gently discourage the habit?

Why does my cat follow me everywhere?

There are many reasons why cat owners might often have their pet on their heels around the home.

Curiosity

Cats are famous for their curiosity. They often follow their owners around to find out what’s going on – and whether it offers new opportunities for play, food or expanding their territory. When your cat dives between the clean sheets you’re putting on the bed or chaperones you into the shed, it may just be a sign of their inquisitive nature.

Attention

Lots of cats crave human attention. Being scratched or stroked around the scent glands on their cheeks, chin, head and neck is particularly pleasurable for cats. If they can get this attention by winding around your legs or jumping up on your laptop, then that’s what they’re going to do.

Attachment

Chances are, you are your cat’s favourite individual. One of the ways they let you know this is by rubbing their head against you (called ‘bunting’) to mark you with their scent and show they feel relaxed in your company. When you move around, they want to bunt your shins and calves.

Food

Your cat can’t get their own food or water, so if they’re hungry or thirsty, they need to let you know. Following you around and getting in your way is usually a pretty effective way to do this – sometimes with insistent meowing to really get the message across.

Some cats may lead you to their bowls, too. Having multiple water and food bowls or feeding enrichment puzzles spaced out around the home can help cats to be more independent in getting their own food and water (provided that these are refreshed regularly).

Companionship

Some cats just love company. Certain breeds, including Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinian and Bengal cats, are especially sociable – so don’t be surprised if they try to join you on a video call, or even in the shower.

Territory

As highly territorial animals, many cats hate having part of their turf blocked by a closed door. If you’re wondering why your cat follows you or stands in the doorway when you’re leaving the house, it might be because they’re trying to maintain maximum access to their entire domain. It’s a security thing, so they know where all the entry and exit points are.

Routine

Cats are creatures of habit and quickly learn to expect food, play or outdoor access at a particular time. Your cat may suddenly appear when they think it’s time for tea or for you to unlock the door.

Insecurity

Many people think of cats as being fiercely independent, but they often enjoy a close bond with their owners and can feel insecure if this is disrupted, even temporarily.

Your cat may want to be closer to you when they’re anxious or unsettled, perhaps because you’ve moved home, introduced someone new to the household or there’s a new cat in the neighbourhood. That’s why your cat may escort you everywhere if you’ve just returned from holiday, for example – or even when they see the suitcase that they associate with you going away. However, their intense attachment should subside as they start to feel more at ease.

Age

Age-related anxiety can also be an issue, as some cats feel more vulnerable as they get older. They might need reassurance from their trusted human, so be sure to stick to a regular routine and spend quality time together.

Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?

There’s nothing like a closed door to get a cat’s attention – and that’s why your cat might follow you to the bathroom. It’s not that they’re interested in your bodily functions, but more that their natural curiosity wants to find out what’s behind the locked door that closes off part of their territory.

If you find this becoming a problem, leave the door open slightly when in the toilet so that the room has less allure.

How to stop a cat from following you

If you’re looking to stop your cat from following you, the key is finding something else to focus their attention on. Try these suggestions.

Avoid reinforcing risky behaviour

If you stroke your cat on the staircase or give them tidbits when you’re cooking, your cat will associate these inconvenient times with attention. Instead, practise positive reinforcement: give them affection or food at a more convenient and safe time. Alternatively, try ignoring your cat at times when you don’t want them shadowing you.

Break awkward associations

If your cat links you coming down the stairs in the morning with being fed, try feeding them slightly later, such as after you’ve finished your breakfast. You can also set up a timed feeder to give your cat their breakfast before you get up if they can’t wait.

Don’t shout

Speak calmly and positively with your cat. Avoid shouting or using aversion techniques such as water sprays to change their behaviour. Not only is this ineffective, it’s also likely to make your cat stressed, which could lead to behavioural problems.

Enrich their environment

If your cat is scratching at doors to get close to you when you’re apart, ensure they have access to plenty of scratching posts and hidey-holes.

Likewise, playing with your cat every day is one of the most important things you can do to help them burn off excess energy and to feel connected to you. Especially for cats who like attention, a short burst of play will distract them from following you around.

Having a predictable daily schedule for play sessions can help your cat to be less demanding, as they’ll know when attention and play is coming. Experiment with wand toys and balls to find out which your cat likes best.

Try regular grooming sessions

This bonding activity is the perfect opportunity to devote your attention to your cat and keep their fur in good condition. Pick a time during the day to groom them and try to keep to it for consistency – cats love routine!

Feed little and often

If you think your cat has been following you to beg for more food, this slight change to their feeding times could be the solution.

Check their food packaging to ensure you’re feeding your cat the correct amount of food, then try spreading meals throughout the day. This is a good way to ensure your cat is eating enough – without overeating. You can also speak to your vet about different types of food that can help your cat to feel fuller, if appropriate.

Relieve boredom

Your cat may be following you around simply because they’re bored! Give them something new to do by hiding treats or some of their daily food allowance in a puzzle feeder, and having regular fuss, play and grooming sessions.

If it’s safe to do so, you could also let your cat outside to explore. If this is your first time doing so, follow these tips to ensure their safety.

How to stop a stray cat from following you

If a cat outside your home follows you, try to find out if the cat is a stray or someone else’s pet just enjoying some extra attention.

Check if they’re wearing a collar with contact details of the owner. If you’ve seen the cat a few times and you suspect they might be a stray, try and get them to a local vet or rescue centre where they can check the cat’s microchip details and contact the owners.

Don’t bring them home with you, as their owner might be desperately searching for them. It’s always best to have their microchip scanned first. If that’s not possible or you discover they don’t have a chip, contact your local rescue centre for advice.

When to consult your vet

If your cat is constantly following you while portraying any of the following symptoms, this could be a sign of an underlying health problem or a behavioural problem, such as separation anxiety.

Look out for your cat:

• Seeming constantly nervous
• Being overly-attached to you
• Toileting outside of their litter tray
• Having increased aggression
• Starting to over or under-groom
• Changing their eating and drinking habits
• Being slow to get up after resting or changes in their gait

If you notice some of these symptoms, be sure to get your cat checked over by a vet to see what might be causing it. If you have Petplan cat insurance, you can also utilise our Pet Expert Chat to ask any non-urgent questions. Simply log into your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area to access.