Wat te doen als u een klittenbandkat hebt

Does your cat do any of the following?

• Following you everywhere you go (yes, even to the bathroom).
• Sulking, meowing or slinking away while you are getting ready to leave the house.
• Crying or meowing when you have left the house or even when you're out of sight, (like when you're sleeping or taking a shower).
• Not eating when left home alone.
• Eliminating at the front door, on your clothing, or bedding.
• Destructive behaviour.
• Extremely positive greetings when you return home.

If you said yes to one or more of these points - you probably have yourself a velcro kitty. But we're pretty sure you already know that because it's always very obvious!

Some cat owners enjoy having a cat as their constant companion and find the dependence charming and very flattering - which is OK if you spend a lot of time at home. However, for owners who perhaps work 9-5 or are away a lot, it can be really difficult to deal with and at least makes you feel guilty. If you have a velcro cat, keep a close eye on their behaviour because your cat could easily develop separation anxiety - which is not pleasant for them to experience and will more than likely require some professional medical assistance. Possible reasons why your cat is stuck to you like velcro

• A naturally timid and insecure cat may feel a real desire for attention and reassurance from their owner.
• Boredom
• Emotional or physical discomfort - if the clingy behaviour has come on suddenly, visit your vet to eliminate any sinister health conditions.
• Neglegted as a kitten.
• Naturally more interactive and demanding.

Another possible reason may be due to not enough training or assertiveness. While it's lovely to have a cat depend on you and enjoy your company, the cat shouldn't have you trained - it should be the other way around!

How to help a velcro cat become less attached

• If you think the cause is due to separation anxiety or an underlying health condition, visit your vet.
• If you think it's because you are too lenient, start implementing some basic training or at  least, be more assertive - don't give in to cuddles in the middle of the night (stay strong!)
• Change your routine: If you hang around while your cat is eating or playing - stop doing it, so they get used to eating and playing on their own.
• If your cat is bored, check out these handy solutions here.
• Get another cat. This could work wonders, particularly if your cat is lonely or anxious.

At the end of the day if you feel happy and content with your loving and affectionate, velcro kitty then that's great, however if it's becoming a problem not just for yourself but for your cat then there are ways to fix the situation.

Javier V. uit Visalia, Californië