Cats show their love by blinking slowly, laying on you, etc.
If your cat’s suddenly laying on you, they’re either expressing their affection, looking for cuddles and attention or finally trusting you, which is amazing.
Moreover, sick, older and anxious cats become more clingy, so keep that in mind.
In today’s article, I will discuss possible reasons for this sudden change in your cat’s behavior, so let’s dive right in.
Why Does My Cat Lay On Me?
There’s probably a good reason for your cat’s sudden change in behavior. Let’s look at possible reasons why your cat’s suddenly laying on you.
1. Showing Affection
Many people see cats as cold and distant creatures. However, if you’re a cat owner, you probably know they’re affectionate animals who show their love in unique ways, such as slowly blinking, laying on you, following you around the home, etc.
However, you should earn your cat’s trust first. If you build a strong connection with your feline, you will discover how cuddly cats can be.
Remember that some cats need more time to connect with their humans. Therefore, if you’ve recently adopted a new kitten, take it slow. It will be a while until your feline trusts you and sees you as family.
Some cats have PTSD from their previous owners and need more time to adjust to new people and develop connections.
If your new kitten is suddenly laying on you, head-butting you, and constantly purring in your presence, they’re expressing their love for you. So, make sure you return the favor with cuddles and playtime.
2. Your Cat Feels Safe With You
Cats take time to feel comfortable with new people and homes.
In fact, before your cat trusts you and feels safe in your household, they will explore every corner of your home. Cats also mark objects around the house, including their owners. So, if your cat walks between your legs, they’re marking you.
Moreover, you should remember that each cat’s unique. Therefore, your cat can like or dislike certain types of handlings.
Studies suggest cats must associate their owners with positive experiences instead of punishment for allowing physical contact and establishing a better connection.
So, if you’re constantly meeting your cat’s needs, providing a positive environment, and expressing affection, you’re slowly gaining your cat’s trust. Consequently, your kitten will start seeking cuddles so that they can feel safe.
Moreover, they can start laying on you, sleeping in your bed, or even kneading your clothes when you leave the house. Therefore, if your cat becomes more clingy, they likely feel safe in your presence.
3. They’re Feeling Cold
When it’s hot outside, cats usually keep their distance and find cold resting spots in their house. However, they prefer sleeping or relaxing in your lap once the weather changes, as they feel chilly.
Don’t get me wrong. Your cat’s behavior still signifies love, but kittens love warmth and comfort, and your lap provides those things.
Moreover, felines try harder to keep their normal body temperature (101.0- 102.5°F or38.3 to 39.2°C, higher than the normal human temperature (98.6°F or 37°C).
Cats can regulate their body temperature through thermoregulation, but cats differ in coat, activity level, body fat stores, and overall health. These factors affect their cold tolerance, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. (*)
In other words, your cat might have a long coat but can still look for a warm place, like your lap, where they can relax.
4. You’re Feeling Unwell
Cats can sense the emotions of their owners.
Studies show cats merge visual and auditory signals to recognize human emotions. Consequently, they alter their behavior based on what they see and hear. (*)
So, whenever you’re feeling stressed or sick, your cat’s aware of your emotions and lays on you or purrs in your presence to help you relax.
My cat usually sits on my lap or seeks cuddles whenever I feel depressed, anxious, or sick. Moreover, their purring has healing powers. (*) So, if your cat purrs while laying on you and you’re feeling sick, perhaps they’re trying to heal you.
5. You’re Pregnant
Cats can easily detect changes in their favorite humans. They just know when their owners experience unusual things, especially if they affect their routine.
Although there’s no scientific proof that cats can actually sense pregnancy, cat owners believe their cat knows if they’re pregnant and act more clingy as a response.
So, if you’re pregnant and your cat’s laying on you, they sense your pregnancy.
If you’re spending more time getting ready for the arrival of your child and less time with your cat, they’re aware of the lack of attention. As a result, they cat more clingy and seek cuddles more often.
Lastly, your feline might even feel jealous of your baby after delivery, so make sure you give your kitten enough attention. Otherwise, they might feel abandoned, lonely, and confused.
See more: Do cats get clingy when you’re pregnant?
6. Your Cat’s Pregnant or in Heat
If you’re dealing with a clingy cat, but you’re not pregnant, perhaps she is, and she’s looking for affection and attention. If your kitten isn’t pregnant, but she’s not spayed, maybe she’s in heat.
Studies say that you can determine if your feline is in heat by their behavior. (*)
When in heat, most cats become affectionate and even demanding. They constantly rub against their favorite humans or objects around the home, such as furniture.
Also, remember that some cats become loving during their pregnancy, while others act aggressively. Therefore, if your cat acts more clingy than usual, they’re either in heat or pregnant and seeking attention. (*)
Schedule a vet appointment if you’re unsure if your cat’s pregnant. If she’s in heat, I suggest you wait until her heat cycle passes before you spay her. (*)
7. They’re Looking for Attention
It’s also possible that you’ve caused your cat’s clingy behavior.
If you’ve recently been out of the house for longer hours or worked extra hours, your feline could feel lonely, neglected, and depressed.
In this case, kittens that weren’t previously fans of cuddling and spending time with their owners could start seeking company and attention. If your cat isn’t getting their usual dose of love, that’s why they’re laying on you more often.
You should consider yourself lucky if your feline’s acting clingy because some cats start acting in destructive ways when they lack attention.
For instance, if you spend more time with another pet or family member, your kitten might start peeing in your bed or the other pet’s bed, scratching their litter box, etc.
Therefore, if your cat’s acting clingy suddenly because they lack attention, don’t just ignore your cat. Instead, find out why your cat feels neglected and spend more time together.
Extra tip: Some cats experience changes in their behavior and seek attention after a change in their diet. If you’ve recently changed your cat’s diet, consider restoring their previous diet.
Studies discovered that felines on a diet showed more affection even after just one month of dieting. (*)
Simply put, if your feline acts more clingy than usual, they might dislike their food. If this is the case with your cat, consult your vet for cat food recommendations.
8. Your Cat’s Marking You
Cats love marking places, objects, and even their owners as territorial creatures.
You’ve probably heard of urine marking, but studies say that cheek running or scratching has a marking purpose.
Your kitten’s footpads have glands that produce a smell. And your feline leaves their scent all around your home and yourself.
So, if your cat’s laying on you suddenly and kneading occasionally, they’re marking you with their scent. Cats sometimes mark their humans when they feel threatened by another home pet.
If you don’t have other pets at home, your cat’s probably marking their territory for stress relief and safety.
Other possible reasons for clingy behavior include changing daily routines, a new living location, and other social and environmental changes.
9. They’re Anxious
If your cat feels stressed or anxious, they will look for different ways to reduce their frustration and handle the source of their stress.
However, what’s most important is that your cat will seek safety, and usually, in your cat’s mind, you’re the one who can provide protection.
Therefore, if your feline recently experienced changes in their routine, like moving to a new location, adopting a new pet, or changing their food, they might become more clingy than usual.
However, if your feline’s laying on you suddenly or expressing affection more often, and you suspect your kitten’s anxious, look for other signs. (*)
Studies suggest that psychogenic alopecia or behavioral overgrooming can relieve stress in cats. On the contrary, a poorly-maintained coat can also signify stress. (*)
Moreover, if you notice your feline scratching your furniture more than usual, maybe they’re stressed. Additionally, some cats eat less and have low energy, while others act aggressively and become more vocal when stressed.
If you notice these signs in your cat, try to determine what’s causing their stress.
Schedule a vet appointment immediately if you suspect it’s a health issue. Your vet can quickly determine what’s causing your cat’s mental distress.
10. Insecure Attachment Cats
Most people see cats as independent creatures. However, that doesn’t mean kittens can’t or don’t establish a close relationship with their favorite humans.
In fact, studies found that felines can build secure and insecure attachments to their owners the same way kids and dogs do. (*)
Most cats in the study (about 65%) built secure attachments to their human. So, it’s unlikely your feline formed a troubling attachment to you.
However, they might have separation anxiety if they’re more affectionate than usual. PetMD says routine changes can trigger separation anxiety.
As I already stated above, routine changes that can cause stress in your cat include changes in your schedule, moving houses, or certain life events.
If you think recent changes in your life have triggered your cat’s separation anxiety or made it worse, consult your vet for advice.
Why do Cats Have Separation Anxiety in the First Place?
Separation anxiety happens in weaned early or orphaned kittens. However, if yours has started being more clingy than usual, it’s probably a recent behavior caused by your cat’s home, other pets, or your behavior.
If you suspect your kitty has separation anxiety, it’s best to have a predictable daily routine. Make sure you feed your cat at the same time every day, play with your cat at the same time every day, etc.
That’s what PDSA suggests for cats with separation anxiety, so I suggest you listen to their advice.
In short, make your home as cat friendly as possible. However, don’t forget to spend more time with your feline. Give your cat cuddles and attention. And I’m certain your feline’s separation anxiety will fade with time.
11. Old Age
Cats age and become more affectionate as they grow older. So, if you have a senior kitten, they might act clingy because of their age.
However, getting old doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s more likely that your pet has gradually become more clingy, a change that most cat parents overlook.
In some cases, felines become more clingy overnight, as they’re experiencing a feline cognitive decline, which occurs in 50% of kitties between 11 and 15 years of age. So, it’s best to take your feline to the vet as soon as possible.
Other possible signs of a feline cognitive decline besides a cat laying on owners include occasional disorientation and confusion.
For instance, cats with feline cognitive decline forget to eat or drink water. They can also forget the location of their litter box and pee or poop on your carpet.
If this happens in the future, don’t blame your cat; they’re not guilty of this behavior, so cut your cat some slack and schedule a vet appointment asap.
However, even if you don’t see any significant changes in your feline’s behavior and they’re laying on you more than usual, I would still suggest visiting the vet to ensure everything’s fine, especially if it’s a senior cat.
Remember that older cats can develop different health conditions and illnesses. So, they need more regular vet checkups.
12. Illness
Cat owners have difficulty determining if their cat’s feeling unwell because cats can hide their pain.
They’re good at hiding signs of illness or pain, but you can still pick up on subtle cues, such as lack of appetite, weight loss, clingy behavior, etc.
Moreover, studies suggest that sick cats become withdrawn.
Is your cat sleeping more than usual? If so, observe your cat’s sleeping patterns. That way, you can determine if your cat sleeps more than normal.
However, while some sick cats hide and act aggressively, others demand attention, depending on the cat’s personality.
So, if your feline’s laying on you suddenly, don’t panic immediately. Instead, watch for other signs of illness, like lack of appetite, lethargy, and restlessness.
If you suspect your cat’s affectionate behavior isn’t normal and something’s wrong, visit your local vet clinic as soon as possible, especially if it’s a senior cat.
Why Does My Cat Always Lay On Me?
If you’ve ruled out behavioral and health problems for your cat’s changed behavior, don’t worry. Your cat’s probably expressing love or finally trusts you completely.
Moreover, it’s one of the ways cats communicate with pet owners.
If you didn’t know, cats lay and run their faces on their owners to release pheromones and oils, express comfort, and mark their territory.
Also, they’re familiar with your smell, so they feel secure and comfortable laying on you. So, stop worrying about your cat’s recent behavior, as it’s likely positive.
Additionally, before looking for issues in your cat, consider your own, as most times, your behavior affects your feline’s behavior positively and negatively.
Therefore, make sure you’re feeling and acting well.
Do Cats Reflect Their Owners’ Behavior?
Studies say that cats sometimes mimic their owners’ behavior. In other words, your behavior can change how your cat behaves. (*)
Felines can take behavioral cues from their humans.
For instance, the study has shown that cats of extroverted or neurotic owners acted similarly to their humans. So, do with that information what you will.
Why is my cat suddenly sleeping on me? What’s happening?
If your cat sleeps on you frequently, perhaps you taught your feline this behavior; there’s nothing wrong with that. Many cats sleep on their owners or in their beds.
Also, having a loving cat is much better than dealing with a distant cat.
Getting extra attention from your kitty and having them sleep or lay on you could be because you finally earned their trust.
However, you know your cat better than anyone else. So, if your inner voice is telling you something’s wrong with your feline, schedule a vet appointment asap.
Why has my cat suddenly started sitting on my lap?
There’s a broad range of reasons for a change in your kitty’s behavior, even if it’s as simple as laying on you suddenly.
Your cat could be anxious, seeking attention, suffering separation anxiety, sick, or expressing affection. However, remember that sudden behavior changes shouldn’t go unchecked by your vet, especially if your cat is getting older, as senior cats can develop illnesses.
So, if you think there’s something wrong with your feline companion, ask for veterinary advice immediately.
If your vet confirms your feline’s perfectly fine, then enjoy this sudden expression of affection.
See more: Cat Sitting in Litter Box Doing Nothing
*image by vershinin.photo/depositphotos