How Much Attention Do Cats Need: Signs & Care Tips
Cats have been curious creatures for as long as they’ve been domesticated. Cat lovers everywhere have often wondered about their strange behavior. Some cats are aloof and come out only to use the litter box and eat, while others climb up in their pet parent’s laps and sleep the day away.
For most cat owners, this makes you wonder if your cat really craves attention at all. Does the cat need attention, or does it do just fine without it?
According to the experts, even an aloof cat craves attention, meaning you should work hard to give your cat at least 15 to 30 minutes of attention every day to keep it healthy and happy. While it may seem like your cat could care less if you interact with it in any way except to feed it, cats bond with their owners and need attention.
We’ll talk more about how much attention your cat might need and more below.
Signs Your Cat Needs More Attention
In most cases, a cat will have no problem telling you when it wants your attention. If you’re unsure whether your cat is seeking attention, you can look for the telltale signs below.
- Pawing or nudging you
- Waiting outside of your door
- Destructive behavior
- Meowing
- Lying on top of your book or work
These are all signs that your cat is craving your attention, whatever the reason might be. It’s best to listen, put down what you’re doing, and give your feline what it wants.
Signs Your Cat Is a Little Too Clingy
While it may be hard for most cat owners to believe, some cats constantly want attention. These are clingy cats that can’t be away from their owners for very long without becoming needy and possibly destructive. Here are a few signs that your cat is a bit too clingy.
- Refuses to eat when you’re away
- Meows loudly and constantly
- Follows you all around the house
- Demands attention even when you’re busy
- Getting excited when you come home from work, or anytime you walk in the door
Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?
If your cat is usually a bit clingy, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. However, if your cat is usually one of the aloof pets in your house and suddenly becomes clingy, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Cats can’t tell us when they’re in pain or sick, so the signs above in a usually aloof cat could be the cat’s way of telling you that something is wrong. For your own peace of mind and the safety of your cat, make an appointment with your vet for a checkup.
How Can I Give My Cat More Attention?
First, you should never feel guilty about not giving your cat enough attention because maybe you are. You’re not the first cat parent to think cats don’t like human interaction as dogs do. There are plenty of ways for you to give your cat attention. Petting and talking gently to your cat is an excellent, low-impact way to interact with your kitty. You can also get cat toys, such as feather teasers, laser pointers, and balls that allow you to join your pet’s playtime.
Playing with your feline is one of the best ways to pay the cat more attention and establish a stronger bond with your pet. It’s also vital for keeping your feline healthy.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Happy, Safe, and Healthy
As cat parents, we want our cats to be as happy, safe, and healthy as possible. Now that you know cats need attention, you can give your pet the physical and mental stimulation it needs by playing and bonding with it just as you would your dog.
There are harnesses and leashes made for cats now that you can use to take your cat for walks, and although you may spend several weeks with training, your pet should eventually get used to the harness and enjoy the experience.
As with all pets, make sure you take your cat to the vet for checkups, spend time with it daily, and feed it high-quality protein-filled meals and fresh water.
Wrapping Up
Many cat owners are surprised that their felines need 15 to 30 minutes of attention from them a day. While cats can be aloof and are certainly independent, they bond with their pet parents and crave attention. There are many signs that your cat needs attention and a few that show the cat is too clingy. Give your cat the attention it needs and see how much the bond between you grows. You’ll be happy you did, and your feline will also be.
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
