Cats. Mysterious, moody, majestic – and occasionally a bit stalkerish. If you’ve ever caught your kitty tailing you from room to room, you’ve likely wondered: why is my cat following me everywhere? It’s one of the most searched questions among cat parents in New Zealand, right up there with How do I know if my cat imprinted on me? And the universal curiosity: can cats love you?
Kitty affection isn’t always loud or obvious. In this article, we cover the quirks and clues that make up your cat’s emotional vocabulary.
We’ll also explore some of the more unexpected questions cat parents are asking online. Some might surprise you – even make you laugh. But all of them reveal just how deeply we care about understanding the furkids who share (or better yet, rule over) our homes.
Let’s start with the big one…
In this article
Why is my cat following me everywhere?
We all know that cats are always in charge! So why is yours following you around all the time? Turns out, the answer is complex. There could be a variety of causes, and it could be more than one.
1. Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?!
Believe it or not, you’re fascinating to your cat.
Cats, with their superior intelligence and sharp instincts, crave regular stimulation – and sometimes you’re the best show in town. Watching you brush your teeth, fold towels, or open mysterious cabinets is like live theatre for your feline.
Sure, purring in a sunbeam is relaxing, but even that gets boring. Why nap alone when they can follow their favourite human and observe the strange rituals of the hairless species?
So, if you’re asking, why does my cat follow me to the bathroom? The answer might be simple: you’re their entertainment, and they don’t want to miss a second of it.
2. You’re strong and brave (kind of)
Although they may not like to admit it, cats know their humans are useful – especially when there are so many weird or worrying things around. Like that humming cold box in the kitchen. Or the giant, noisy vacuum monster. Or even a stranger walking in with unfamiliar smells.
Life can be full of tiny ouchies, and when things feel risky, your cat sticks to you like Velcro. You’re their comfort, their shield, their soft and squishy bodyguard.
And just like they rely on you for comfort and care, you can rely on PD when ouchies happen to kitty.
Depending on the cat insurance plan you choose, we can help protect your finances after accidents, injuries, and unexpected illnesses. Because being strong and brave as a pet parent doesn’t mean going it alone. We’re here to provide soft landings for those precious paws.
3. You feed them (obviously)
Kitty, as you know, is a fussy eater, and knows you go on long, life-threatening treks away from home to bring back bags of yum and cans of delicious. And sometimes actual fishy bits.
So, when your cat trails around after you and it’s not boredom (because the feather toy was ignored) and it’s not fear (because you picked them up and they purred) then it might be HUNGER.
Need help deciding what to dish up? Read this article on what to feed your cat: Dry Cat Food vs Wet: Which One?
4. You know the vet’s number
Cats hardly ever make a sound if they’re suffering – unless, of course, it’s a very sudden and extreme suffering, like a door slamming a tail or getting bit in a cat fight – but they do let you know they’re not feeling well in other ways.
Not eating their food or drinking any water is a big sign and important to respond to immediately. Another way is to follow you around forlornly.
Their heads may be drooping, their eyes may be darting, and their gait may be jittery. They’re hoping that you’ll find it odd and investigate.
But don’t prod too hard. If they have a wound you hadn’t seen they might bite you in pain. So easy does it … It may even be an invisible issue like a fractured bone, in which case it’d be safer (for both of you) to let the vet investigate.
5. You’re being stalked
Your jeans? Fair game. Your ankles? Also fair game. Cats aren’t being cruel – they’re keeping their hunter skills sharp, and you just happen to be nearby.
Consider yourself a trusted practise-mate. They don’t really mean to hurt or eat you, but they need to keep up their skills in case, you know, you don’t deliver the meals or prove not to be as brave as they expect you to be.
How do I know if my cat imprinted on me?
“Imprinting” isn’t just for ducklings or Twilight fans. In feline behaviour, it refers to a deep emotional connection and recognition of one person as “theirs.”
So, how do you know if your cat has imprinted? Here are some signs to look for:
- They follow you from room to room
- They nap on your clothes or belongings
- They groom you with gentle licks
- They initiate eye contact and slow blinks
Oregon State University research found that felines form attachments with their caregivers; so, if your cat chooses to be near you constantly, it’s a strong sign of imprinting.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to know if your cat imprinted on you, it’s in the way they keep choosing you, again and again.
Can cats love you?
Most of us have had the thought, usually while refilling the kibble bowl or being kneaded awake at 3am: does this cat actually love me, or am I just a warm, snack-dispensing beanbag with opposable thumbs?
It’s a fair question, and one with more depth than it first seems. According to a research study, cats can form secure attachments to their people, much like children do with parents.
That slow, deliberate blink your cat gives you from across the room? Behavioural science suggests it’s their version of a warm hug, or at least a civil nod of respect in their world.
So, if you’re wondering can cats love you? – the answer is unequivocally yes. They just show it differently: tail flicks, headbutts, a good knead on your chest.
You’ll know that your cat imprinted on you if they display these subtle, affectionate behaviours that show trust and emotional connection.
If your cat’s behaviour still has you curious, you’re not alone. Here’s more to explore:
- Why Do Cats Lick You? Here’s the Top 4 Reasons
- The Cat Purr: Everything You Need to Know
- Do You Know About These Scents Cats Like?
- Why Do Cats Knead (Do They Like Fresh Bread)?
- Why Do Cats Love Catnip – We Explain
- How to Talk to Cats
Cat FAQ! More of your burning questions, answered
Cat lovers have been asking Google some, let’s say, intriguing questions. Here are the most fascinating ones, answered.
It’s not a competition. Cats show affection on their own terms.
Research published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that cats are emotionally attached to their owners, though they express it differently than dogs.
No tail-wagging, perhaps, but a head bump or a strategic nap on your laptop speaks volumes.
Not in a human sense, but in their own language, absolutely. They can interpret tone, consistency and body language. The more you respond to their cues with care, the more they mirror that trust.
So, if your cat curls up beside you without prompting, slow blinks from across the room, or simply chooses your lap over an empty sofa, chances are they know they’re loved, and love you back, in turn.
Kind of – its referred to as toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis), often found in cat litter. Toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic parasite, has been linked in some studies to subtle behavioural changes in humans, ranging from reduced fear response to increased sociability.
We’ve got an expert breakdown on this topic in our PD Pet Care Vlog below, hosted by Kiwi vet Dr Cath Watson.
Looking to protect your happily imprinted feline?
With twice the feet and twice the energy, it’s no wonder our pets get into scrapes. And when they do, you’ll want to focus on love – not logistics. That’s where pet insurance comes in.
Pet insurance is a way of caring not just for today, but for all your pet’s tomorrows. With PD, you’ll get hassle-free cover with flexible payment plans. PLUS, you could get 1 MONTH FREE* insurance when you sign up. Click below to get a quote in minutes.