Last Updated: 9 months ago
Do you know the signs that your cat needs more attention?
We often think of cats as being aloof and independent, but they get lonely, too.
Sometimes we forget that, or maybe we just get too busy with other demands on our time and don’t realize that we’re ignoring our kitty.
Since animals cannot talk, you must pay attention to the signs they give. Let’s take a look at five signs your cat wants attention.
Signs your cat Wants attention
The signs your cat wants attention can range from simple vocalizations to downright destructive behavior.
Let’s take a look at the five most common signs your cat wants attention:
1. Cat Meowing
It’s not uncommon for people to “meow” at their cats and have them meow back.
We feel very proud of having this special connection with our furry animal, but things can often go out of hand.
While meowing is common among kittens, adult cats typically don’t meow unless they want to talk to you.
Although they may still meow on and off, excessive meowing can be a sign of your cat feeling lonely and asking for attention.
Generally speaking, meowing should not be a point of concern unless it turns into howling or excessive meowing.
Some experts also believe that cats who feel lonely or anxious are more likely to meow early in the morning or late at night, when most of us are struggling to sleep.
The next time you hear your furry friend meowing a little more than usual, it might be time to exchange some hugs.
2. Breaking Things
We’ve lost a few of our belongings due to our cat going haywire, and we’re sure your case isn’t very different either.
This may sound odd to some, but a cat’s decision to break or knock stuff is often well thought out.
Cats are curious creatures, and some even believe they enjoy knocking things down. It’s also normal for cats to break something while trying to understand how it works.
However, at times, they may do so only to gain your affection. Cats know they can get your attention by breaking things. These cute creatures have a lot of tricks up their sleeves.
They appear to blackmail you; they would simply run around things we love, threatening to tear them apart.
So the next time you see your pet trying to break things just as she sees you, it might be time to play together.
3. Follows You Around
The cat in question has been with its owner for a number of years. At one point, the feline used to follow the owner everywhere they went, but eventually, it became more independent.
Nowadays, the cat only follows the owner when it wants attention. This could involve waiting outside the door, circling around the owner’s chair, or tracking their footsteps.
Initially, the owner found this behavior cute, but they soon realized that it was the cat’s way of communicating its needs.
Interestingly, the cat enjoys sitting on the owner’s laptop while they work, which used to be an annoyance.
However, the owner now recognizes it as a bonding opportunity and takes a few minutes to cuddle with the feline before getting back to work.
Cats want to be the most important thing in your life, and they will often take steps to remind you of their importance.
A lot of people think cats love sitting on laptops because they’re warm, but research suggests otherwise.
“The laptop is on your lap, which is prime kitty territory,” says Amy Shojai, an animal behavioral consultant. “You stare at it constantly, and the cat would prefer you direct your attention to them, so it gets in between you and the screen.”
So the next time you see your pet circling around you, pick her up and spend a few minutes together.
4. Scratching Things
Cats love to scratch, and it’s generally considered a normal behavior, but inappropriate scratching can be a sign that your cat is asking for your love and attention.
They also often claw to mark their territory with pheromones. This marking helps them leave information for other cats.
However, clawing can be bad if your cat begins to scratch your furniture or clothes.
While scratching is generally not a sign of the cat asking for love, once the animal realizes this behavior can gain your attention, she may begin to indulge in this habit just to catch your attention.
5. Cat Paws At You
There are few things as cute as your cat wanting to hold your hand or give you a hug.
These little creatures also often stand on their hind legs, but it’s not a circus trick; they simply want your affection.
It equals your cat going, “Hey, human, gimme love.”
Some cats actually take it a step further; they even give you the ‘puppy eyes’. It’s hard to resist them when they do it.
Cats will usually paw at your leg or arm but some may even try to grab your hair and paw at your face.
John Bradshaw, a well-known anthrozoologist studying cat behavior, believes cats look at humans as big, useless cats and may paw at them to show and ask for love.
Wrap-Up
While these signs are usually an indication of the cat feeling a little lonely and less loved, they may often be a sign of something more serious, such as an illness.
If you see any of these signs your cat needs attention and they don’t go away despite a lot more cuddles and snuggling, it might be time for a visit to the vet.
Have you seen any of these signs your cat wants attention from you? Share in the comments below!
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