It's nice to feel wanted by your cat but if they get too attached, this can make getting housework done very challenging, or leave you feeling guilty every time you head out and leave them on their own.
If you have invested in all the very best equipment for your kitty, such as the best kitten food or the best cat toys, yet your cat still looks anxious and upset when he's left to his own devices, then you'll be glad to hear what this animal behaviorist recommends.
How can you tell if you have a dependent kitten on your hands? A certified cat trainer and animal behaviorist from Rosie's Southside Animal Shelter that goes by the name catztrainer99 on Tiktok sums this up, "Dependent cats are often described as dog-like, they rush to greet their owners, they follow their owners from room to room and they demand attention verbally or physically."
They add that dependent cats are also typically the type of cats that would suffer from separation anxiety. But the good news is, there are things cat owners can do to alleviate this behavior if it becomes too problematic.
Watch this cat trainer share how you can make your cat less dependent and anxious
@catztrainer99 ♬ Just a Cloud Away - Pharrell Williams
Instead of worrying about your cat crying for you all day while you're at work or following your every step when you need privacy such as when you need the toilet, you should try to delegate some time to distract them from their neediness.
The trainers at Southside Animal Shelter explain, "Providing more environmental stimulation and providing mentally stimulating toys will help keep cats occupied".
Whether or not you have an outdoor or indoor cat, letting them experience time exploring outside will be helpful. Playing in an outdoor environment allows cats to express natural behaviors such as scratching, clawing, and playing. If you don't like the idea of your kitty running off outside and losing them, then you should read about the different types of cat harnesses so that you can keep your cat safe and happy playing outside.
Plus, you don't have to do the thinking when it comes to creating mentally stimulating games for your kitten. You can simply look through our guide to the best interactive cat toys and decide what you think would provide the best stimulation and distraction to your cat. Not only can some of these toys keep your cat busy for you whilst you aren't home, but they are a great way to keep your cat healthy with exercise and deter problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety.
If you want to find out more about common cat behaviors, we've got answers on anxiety in cats and how to combat this or let's get to the bottom of the question, why does my cat bite me?
