7 Subtle Signs Your Cat Wants Attention
Cats are known for being rather independent creatures; but, in fact, they love and crave attention from their people.
Is he trying to tell you something? Cats can be very tricky when it comes to communicating their needs. Look for these subtle signs that indicate your cat wants attention and you’ll be able to give your feline friend the love he’s craving.
None of us set out to neglect our furbabies. We get busy, life gets crazy. Kitty gets fed and watered and the litter box is clean. But what about the enrichment, grooming, training, and cuddles Kitty is used to getting?
Maybe we aren’t playing as much because we’re busy. We’re working a lot of overtime or studying for finals. Maybe we aren’t taking our leash-trained cats out for walks because the weather’s been bad; but we haven’t replaced those walks with different enrichment options.Maybe we’re enjoying the summer-y weather and are out and about while Kitty stays home alone all day.Â
My show season just ended and I can see my traveling and showing cats are missing the structure and interaction of a road trip while I try to catch up at home and work.
Related Post: Sensory Enrichment for Indoor Cats
It is also important to note that each cat is unique and requires different levels of attention. Some breeds of cats are more independent and require less attention, while others may crave constant interaction and stimulation.
Even with rescue cats, some are extremely independent and are happy with regular meals, a clean litter box, and the chance to sleep in your bed. Then there are others who want to be by your side 24/7.
If you are a cat guardian, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs that your feline friend is in need of some extra love and attention. If Kitty is demonstrating any of the following behaviors, it could be an indicator he needs more attention. They could also be symptoms of medical problems so start with a vet visit. Especially if she hasn’t had one in a while.
Related Post: Cats are Not Low Maintenance
Attention Seeking Behavior
When cats are feeling neglected or not getting enough attention, they may exhibit various attention-seeking behaviors. These behaviors can range from mild to extreme and can be frustrating for their humans. Some of the most common attention-seeking behaviors that cats display:
Excessive Meowing
After kittenhood, cats don’t meow to each other. Meowing is a way that our furbabies communicate with us. Kitty may literally be crying out for attention if she’s meowing to you more than normal.
Kitty is driving you crazy crying at night? Does she have food and water? Is he in pain? Is she lonely and calling a friend? If her physical needs are met then it’s time to look at her emotional needs. Are you extra busy at work right now and have been skipping your evening playtime with Kitty? Has the weather kept Kitty inside? He still needs exercise and enrichment.
Try adding a 20 minute interactive playtime before. Set an alarm if you need it but make it happen. If you’ve added that and it doesn’t help, then it is probably time to take Kitty to the vet. Crying at night can also be an indicator of kitty dementia.
Pawing, Nudging, and Headbutting
How does your small human get your attention? If the mom, mom, mom or daddy, daddy, daddy thing doesn’t work, they are going to reach out and pull on your sleeve or tap on your shoulder.
Kitty does the same thing. She’ll paw at your arm while you’re working or reading or climb up your leg while you’re cooking. Or maybe climb in your lap while you’re in the bathroom. Yes, she knows you’re a captive audience.Â
Treeno does it to me in the early morning when he’s ready for breakfast and I’m still sleeping. He’ll come up, curl up by my face and then keep patting me and purring until it is too annoying to sleep through. Caramel chews on my hair. It drives me crazy and they definitely get whatever they want.
Just like with the little kid that’s poking you, you eventually have to respond to all the pawing or nudging Kitty’s doing.
Getting in the Middle of Your Activities
Cats follow their owners around the house and stare at them to get attention. If Kitty is tracking you and rubbing on your ankles, this behavior is a clear sign that your cat is seeking attention and wants to spend more time with you.Â
Is Kitty sitting on your laptop? Lying on that book your reading? Playing with your pencils and pens while you try and work? She knows you can’t ignore her when she’s in the middle of whatever it is you are doing. She’s not just asking more attention, she’s demanding it.
Attacking Your Feet
Ever get up in the middle of the night and have a kitten grab your feet from under the bed? It’s a shock even if you know she’s down there. And you walk through the house and suddenly your cat comes around the corner and wraps himself around your ankles. That’s something you really don’t want if he has claws and teeth engaged.
Stalking and catching prey is natural behavior for a cat. Stalking you is Kitty’s way of telling you he needs more prey-style play. Get out your wand toys and let him play with you in a more appropriate way. Give him a chance to chase and catch fetch type toys.
Fifteen to 30 minutes of species appropriate play should take the edge off the attention seeking behavior.
Destructive Behavior
This sort of destructive behavior patterns is what makes people label cats as vengeful or spiteful. In actuality, as smart as they are, our furry friends don’t have the capacity to plan like that. They’re frontal lobes aren’t developed enough for that.
What we see as destructive and spiteful is just Kitty’s natural behaviors. He’s just trying to communicate his need for more attention to you.
Breaking and Knocking Things Over
Cats are curious critters. So Kitty may just be testing her environment when she’s pushing things off the counter. Maybe she’s making toys out of things to make up for not having anything else to do.
If getting up on the counter is sure to get our attention, even if that attention is negative, then an attention-seeking cat quickly learns to get up there and knock around with our stuff. So if your cat is breaking things or knocking things over, it may be a sign that they are feeling neglected and need attention for more positive behavior choices.
Inappropriate Scratching
Scratching is one way cats work off their stress, mark their territory, maintain their claws, and get a workout. They scratch because it feels good. If Kitty is scratching more than usual something could be bothering him.
Determining why Kitty is scratching is the first step in helping him stop. Providing appropriate alternatives is a start. Changing how much you interact with Kitty is another. Plenty of toys and playtime will keep his mind occupied.
Related Post: Help! My Cat is Scratching Up My House
Inappropriate Elimination
Inappropriate elimination is another common sign that a cat is not receiving enough attention. Peeing or pooping outside the box or spraying to mark territory is a sign that Kitty might have a medical issue, excessive stress or anxiety, or litter boxes that aren’t kept properly clean.
A visit to the vet may be necessary to rule out any medical issues. Cat guardians should ensure that Kitty’s litter box is clean, big enough, set up properly, and easily accessible. It is important to have enough litter boxes for the number of cats in the family.
Related Post: Why is My Cat Peeing Outside the Box
Overall, cat guardians need to provide their cats with enough attention and stimulation to prevent destructive behavior
Signs of Neglect
If a cat is not receiving enough attention, it can lead to negative consequences for both the cat and the owner. Here are some signs that your cat may be feeling neglected:
She Hasn’t Been to the Vet in Over a Year
Regular vet check-ups are important for a cat’s health and well-being. If it has been over a year since Kitty’s last vet visit, it may be a sign that your cat needs attention. Regular check-ups can help catch health problems early and ensure that your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations.
Related Post: How to Reduce Stress at the Vet
You Haven’t Replaced Her Toys Recently
Cats need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. She needs to play. If you haven’t replaced your cat’s toys in a while, she may be feeling neglected.
Toys that are left out after play are “dead” and boring. If Kitty isn’t playing as much as usual it could be a sign that your cat wants attention. Providing new toys or rotating toys can help keep your cat entertained and engaged.
Over- or Underweight
Neglecting a cat’s diet can lead to either over- and underweight issues. If your cat is not receiving enough attention, you may not be monitoring her food intake or providing enough exercise. This can lead to weight gain or loss, which can have negative effects on your cat’s health.
Lack of Grooming
Cats are known for their grooming habits, but if your cat is depressed she may start to neglect her grooming routine. This can lead to matted fur, skin problems, and other health issues. Poor coat condition can be a sign of medical problems or it can be one of the signs your cat wants attention. Regular grooming, including brushing and nail trimming, can help keep your cat healthy and happy.
Overall, it is important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and health. If you notice any signs of neglect, it may be time to provide more attention and care to your furry friend.
Conclusion
Neglecting Kitty’s need for attention can lead to behavioral problems, health issues, and a decrease in their overall quality of life.
By recognizing the signs that a cat wants attention, we can take proactive steps to improve their cat’s well-being. This includes spending more time playing with them, grooming them regularly, and giving them plenty of affection. That extra attention can go a long way in improving the bond between a cat and their owner.
