Cats are known for their independence, but there are also some cat behaviors that are just downright confusing. One of these is a sudden burst of affection toward its owner. This can happen at any time, and it may seem like the cat is suddenly in love with you. This post will show you why your cat might be suddenly affectionate towards you and what to do about it.
So, why is my cat affectionate all of a sudden? Likely reasons why your cat is suddenly being more affectionate are that it has become more comfortable around you, a change in the way you interact with it or something was causing it to be anxious.
Your cat might be showing you affection suddenly for a number of reasons and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider when figuring out the main cause.
Reasons why your cat is affectionate all of a sudden
Below are likely reasons why your cat is suddenly affectionate and what would make them more likely.
It has become more comfortable around you
If your cat has started showing you affection and you recently got your cat in the last few months, the cause might be that your cat has started to become more comfortable around you. This would be more likely if it was initially hiding a lot but it has started to interact with you a lot more.
Something has gone away
Another cause could be that something that was causing it to be fearful has gone away. This would be more likely if your cat has started being more affectionate since a dog went away or since you moved homes.
Something has been causing it to be anxious
It might also be the case that something that was causing your cat to be anxious has gone away. This would be more likely if it has started doing it since a change in its environment such as since you started letting it stay in a different room away from other people and animals.
A change in the way you interact with it
The reason might also be that you have started interacting with it differently. If you were petting it strongly or being loud around it and you now are gentle and quieter with it, it will have likely become more comfortable around you.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.
What else happened when your cat started being more affectionate
It would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started being affectionate since an event might have caused it to start. For example, if it started being more affectionate since you started letting it stay in your room, it might be the case that it feels safer in your room with you.
What is different when your cat becomes affectionate
If there is a certain time that your cat has been being more affectionate, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if it has been being more affectionate when a certain dog is not around, it might be the case that the dog has been causing it to be anxious.
What to do about your cat being affectionate suddenly
It is likely that your cat has started being affectionate because it has become more comfortable around you. However, below are some things to do about your cat suddenly being more affectionate.
Limit reasons why it might be anxious
If your cat seems to be more affectionate at a certain time, it would help to limit reasons why it might not be affectionate at other times. It would help to make sure that it has access to a safe part of the house, that is quiet, water, and the litter box.
Reward it
It would also help to encourage it to continue being affectionate by rewarding it when it does show you affection.
Let it do it
If your cat has started being affectionate because it has become more comfortable around you, the easiest thing to do would be to allow it to continue being affectionate.