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Cats/A very needy cat

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Expert: - 9/14/2011


Question
We have two cats, one about a year old and one about 7yrs old. Just recently, within the past couple of months, the older cat has become very needy. In that I mean that he wants to be pet all the time, and always at the worst possible time...like when we're eating.
My wife says that during the day he acts pretty normal, but when I get home, as soon as I get home, he starts getting needy towards both of us. We never abuse the cat, and wouldn't dream of hurting him. But we cannot figure out why the change in behavior in general, or why when I come home.
He has gained a bit of weight in the last year that is yet, unexplained. He has never been a very bold cat, quite timid actually. But he has gotten so needy that it is nearly irritating because of his actions when he gets this way.
I feel like we need to get "into his head" somehow, because if we can't it's almost to the point of needing to find him another home. But being as insecure as he seems to be, we're afraid that would be hard on him too.

What to do?

Thanks!

Answer
Darrin,

Given that this behavioral change is fairly recent and your kitty's behavior is so out of character for  him I would strongly suggest having him evaluated for possible medical issues as soon as possible. Generally sudden and dramatic behavioral changes in cats happen as a result of medical issues or he may be reacting to changes within his environment. I think that it's reasonable to try and determine what might be happening with your kitty before making any decisions about potentially re-homing him. If you have any further cat related questions ur concerns please feel free to contact me again at any time, I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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