Cats can be quite attentive creatures, always aware of what’s going on around them. So when their human companion gets sick, it’s no surprise cats often become extra clingy and cuddly. If you’re wondering why your cat won’t leave your side when you’re under the weather, read on to uncover the reasons behind this common feline behavior.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Cats become clingy when owners get sick because they can sense the changes in behavior and chemistry, they feel protective, and they miss the attention they usually receive.
Cats Sense Changes
Behavioral Changes
When humans fall ill, cats can detect subtle differences in our behavior and patterns. Their sharp sense of observation allows felines to notice small changes like altered sleeping schedules, less frequent trips out of the house, extended stays in bed, or lack of energy for playtime.
As highly intuitive creatures, cats may demonstrate their awareness of human sickness through affectionate nuzzling, loud meowing when we don’t wake at the usual time, or sticking closer by our side instead of roaming around.
Some cats even go so far as attempting to “nurse” their owners back to health through gentle paw kneading or head bumps.
Chemical Changes
Beyond behavioral shifts, cats can literally sniff out physiological changes associated with human illnesses. With a powerful sense of smell 14 times stronger than humans, felines detect differences in our breath, sweat, and skin that signal compromised health.
When the chemical composition of our bodies changes due to inflammation, infection, or metabolic issues, cats notice right away. The scent cues prompt them to investigate through enthusiastic sniffing.
So next time your cat strangely shoves its nose in your face, it may just be gathering intel to determine if you are feeling under the weather!
Some experts even believe cats can literally smell cancer in humans before symptoms manifest. Anecdotal reports of pets obsessively sniffing or licking specific areas on an owner’s body have prompted further research into pets’ early detection abilities when it comes to serious diseases.
Cats Feel Protective
Pack Mentality
Cats may exhibit clingy behavior when their human is sick because of their natural pack mentality. In the wild, cats live in colonies where they depend on each other for survival. This instinct doesn’t disappear when they become domesticated.
When a cat senses that a member of its “pack” is weak or vulnerable, it will want to stay close to protect them. Just like their wild relatives, domestic cats still have strong survival instincts that tell them to defend and care for members of their social group who are ill or injured.
Cats see their human families as part of their social group or “pack.” So when their human companion is feeling under the weather, a cat’s natural reaction is to stay near them and offer comfort or protection.
They perceive the human as more vulnerable when sick, so they may follow them everywhere, sleep next to them, or lay on them more often. This closeness helps the cat feel that the vulnerable human is safe.
Some experts believe cats may even release pheromones or energies that aid healing when they cuddle up to their sick human.
Nurturing Instinct
Another reason for clingy behavior when a human is sick is a cat’s natural nurturing instinct. In the wild, female cats display very maternal behaviors with kittens, teaching them survival skills and protecting them fiercely. Spayed/neutered or male cats have this nurturing instinct as well.
When they sense a human family member is weak or ill, this protective maternal instinct kicks in and they try to comfort or nurse them back to health.
For example, some cats will groom their human more often when sick, licking their hair or face. This mimics how mother cats clean their kittens. The nurturing cat is trying to care for the ill human as if one of her own kittens.
A cat may also be more intent on making sure their human eats, bringing them “gifts” of food or treats. Or they may try to snuggle and purr more frequently, as the vibrations of purring have healing properties.
These increased caretaking behaviors are all driven by the cat’s natural impulse to nurse vulnerable individuals back to strength.
Cats Crave Attention
Less Active Owners
Cats are social creatures who require daily interaction and affection from their owners. When owners become less active due to illness or injury, cats notice the change right away. With less playtime, petting, and overall attention, cats can become distressed and anxious.
This may cause them to act out with increased vocalization, destructive behaviors, or by becoming clingy and needy. Cats only have their owners as a source of food, shelter, and companionship. So when owners suddenly shift routines and interact less, cats fear their needs won’t be met.
Clinginess is their way of demanding the attention they crave and eliciting care from owners.
Studies have found that the amount of care, play, and affection owners provide is directly linked to cat behavior and wellbeing. Cats with attentive owners who interact frequently tend to be more sociable, confident, and better problem-solvers.
But cats with aloof or inactive owners can become insecure and demonstrate problematic clinging behaviors and aggression. So when owners get sick and interact less, cats feel the loss immediately. Their needs are no longer being met at previous levels.
One survey found over 54% of cats slept more, vocalized excessively, or followed owners from room to room when owners were sick. Their clinginess aims to recapture former levels of interaction.
Less Playtime and Affection
Another reason cats get clingy when owners are sick is simply because they receive less playtime and affection. Cats thrive on regular play sessions, petting, treats, and attention from their favorite humans.
So when sick owners have less energy and patience for cat interactions, cats miss that enrichment. One study found cats engaged in 77% less play when owners were sick. With fewer interactive toys, less opportunity to pounce and chase, and diminished positive contact, cats understandably get needy for attention.
Additionally, cats often sleep near or snuggle up to their owners to receive warmth, comfort, and affection. This close contact and petting strengthens social bonds. When owners are sick in bed or resting more, cats have fewer opportunities to enjoy this tactile affection.
So they may cling, knead, purr loudly, or try to sit on owners’ laps more often to soak up the attention and petting they crave. Increased clinginess is their way of saying “I miss our snuggle sessions – please love on me!”
How to Manage a Clingy Sick Cat
Give Plenty of Affection
When cats don’t feel well, they tend to seek comfort and affection. Make sure to provide your sick kitty with plenty of gentle pets, cuddles, and reassurance. Speak to your cat in a soothing voice and try to maintain a calm environment.
Extra snuggles and petting sessions can help relieve a clingy cat’s anxiety. Just be careful not to over-stimulate or irritate sensitive skin.
Provide Distractions
Try providing some distracting toys or activities for your clingy cat when you can’t lavish them with attention. Place a toy mouse or ball near their bed so they can play on their own. Let them watch videos for cats or listen to calming cat music.
These distractions can help shift their focus from feeling needy. Just keep the volume low to avoid sensory overload.
Stick to Routines
Cats find routine comforting. Try to stick to your cat’s regular feeding, play, and sleep schedules as much as possible. Maintaining their typical rhythms and rituals will help provide a sense of normalcy. Cats also relax through grooming, so provide easy access to their favorite brushes.
A predictable schedule helps minimize stress for clingy, unwell kitties.
Conclusion
In summary, cats tend to become clingy when their owners get sick for several natural reasons. By understanding the causes, you can better address your clingy cat’s needs and ensure they feel comfortable while you recover.
With some extra patience and affection, your constant feline companion can be managed during your downtime. Focus on listening to your body and your cat’s signals, and you’ll both get through a sick period smoothly.