Are Cat Clingy After Giving Birth?

Cats are known to be independent creatures, but after giving birth, many cats become clingy and overly attached to their owners.

This behavior is caused by several factors, including hormonal changes, instinctual behaviors, and stressful situations.

Understanding why cats act this way can help you provide the best possible care for your feline friend.

Are Cat Clingy After Giving Birth?

Yes, cats can be clingy after giving birth.

However, this is normal behavior in most cases. Many cats feel insecure after giving birth and never get over it.

Other cats become clingy after giving birth because they become dependent on the care they received from their owners during labor. They feel more secure when they know where their owners are and what they’re doing.

Cats can be clingy after giving birth for up to a year, but it usually doesn’t last that long.

Why Is Your Cat So Clingy After Giving Birth?

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy and after giving birth, a cat’s hormones change drastically.

These hormonal changes can cause a cat to become more needy and clingy than usual.

This is especially true if the cat has not been spayed or neutered, as the hormones can make them more prone to seeking out attention from their owners.

Instinctual Behavior

When cats give birth, they instinctively want to protect their young and ensure they are safe and healthy.

This instinctual behavior can lead to cats becoming extra clingy as they seek out extra love and attention from their owners in order to feel secure in their environment.

Socializing with Other Cats

Cats that have not been socialized with other cats may be more likely to be clingy after giving birth due to a lack of trust or a fear of unfamiliar animals.

Lack of socialization can lead to increased anxiety and fearfulness in cats, which can make them act out in ways that make them seem clingy when around other animals or people.

Stressful Situations

Moving homes, loud noises, or changes in routine can all be very stressful for cats, causing them to become more clingy than usual as they seek comfort from their owners.

Comfort seeking behavior is natural for cats, and it is usually seen when they are feeling stressed or anxious about something new or different in their environment.

Lack of Attention

Cats also tend to become more clingy when they are not receiving enough attention from their owners or other humans in the household.

If your cat does not have enough opportunities for playtime or cuddle time, she may start seeking out extra affection from you, which could make her seem clingy at times.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is another common issue among cats that can cause them to become overly attached and dependent on their owners when left alone for long periods of time.

Signs that your cat may be suffering from separation anxiety include excessive meowing, scratching furniture, urinating outside the litter box, pacing around constantly, hiding away all day, or refusing food/water when left alone.

How To Reduce Cat’s Clinginess After Giving Birth?

After giving birth, your cat will be feeling sleepy and hungry and will want to spend time cuddling with you.

When your feline friend clings on to you and wants to play, let her! It’ll help both of you bond and keep you both happy.

Also, the two of you can encourage each other to exercise and move around more. Here are six tips that can help both of you enjoy each other’s company after giving birth.

Switch to a different location

After giving birth, your cat’s first instinct will be to snuggle with you. However, this can lead to discomfort and tiredness for you, especially if your cat is sleeping on your lap all day.

So, why not switch locations, and cuddle with your feline friend on the bed? You can also move your cat to your bedroom so that the two of you can spend more time together.

Play with her

Your feline friend is a playful animal. She will enjoy playing and engaging in simple games like chasing a toy or playing with a feather.

You can also turn your bed into a cat jungle gym by hanging toys around it. Playing with her will help keep her from feeling clingy and bored.

Exercise with her

Sign up for a 30-minute session with a trainer or do some yoga at home. Having an active lifestyle will help both of you bond better and help you both stay in shape.

Pet her

Cats love to cuddle, so give your cat a nice long belly rub or groom her fur when the two of you are cuddling. She will love having her fur brushed, and it will be a good way to keep each other entertained.

Take her for walks

Your cat will love going outside; however, she needs to exercise and socialize to keep her healthy and happy.

Take your cat on short walks around the neighborhood to let her socialize more and burn off some energy.

Offer her treats

When your cat is playful, she is more likely to let go of her clinginess. Offer her treats or food when she is playing well or getting along well with your other pets.

Are Cats More Affectionate After Giving Birth?

Cats are known to be very affectionate animals.

However, it’s common for cats to be less affectionate after giving birth. This is because cats often experience postpartum depression called “kitten blues.”

Kitten blues can last for two weeks to six months and are characterized by a lack of appetite, depression, and lethargy. If your cat becomes depressed after giving birth, it’s very important to provide plenty of love and affection to help it recover.

If your cat doesn’t show signs of recovery after two weeks, you may have to consider taking it to see a veterinarian.

Also Read: Cat Growling After Giving Birth: Is It Normal?