Cuddly Cat Conundrum: Why Does My Cat Love Affection?

Cats are often thought of as independent and standoffish, but many cats are, in fact, very affectionate and love to cuddle. There are many reasons why your cat might want to cuddle, from seeking warmth and safety to showing affection and bonding with you.

Cats also have scent glands all over their faces, and they use these to mark their favourite people and objects. So, if your cat is cuddling up to your face, it's likely that they're treating you as a close companion.

However, if your cat is being overly affectionate, it could be a sign of anxiety or cognitive dysfunction, and you should consult your veterinarian.

Cats may cuddle to seek warmth

Cats have scent glands all over their faces. They use these to mark their favorite things and people. When your cat rubs its face against yours, it is confirming that you are part of its group of special friends. Your kitty may transfer the sense of well-being it got from its mother's warmth against her face onto you, and your warm breath against its face.

Cats also have over 200 million scent receptor cells, well-developed vomeronasal organs, and heat receptors, all on, in, or near their noses. They use these to orient themselves toward their mothers in early kittenhood, when their lives depend on her warmth and milk. Your cat may be seeking this sense of warmth and comfort from you.

Cats are also highly social creatures with complex social structures. They will cuddle to reinforce their social bonds or create a shared scent with their group.

Cuddling is a way for cats to feel safe

Cats also seek warmth when they cuddle. Maintaining body temperature requires energy, and cats will look for efficient ways to stay warm. Snuggling up to their owner is an ideal way to do this, and it also provides the added benefit of safety. This behaviour can be traced back to their early days as kittens, when they would sleep together in a bundle to keep warm and safe.

Cuddling is also a way for cats to bond with their owners. They rely on their owners for food, warmth and shelter, and they may cuddle to show their love and appreciation. This is also a way for cats to strengthen their social bond with their owners, as physical touch can promote the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone", in both cats and humans.

In addition to seeking safety, warmth and bonding, cats may also cuddle to gain attention. Some cats have a strong desire for attention, and they will cuddle as a way to get their owner's focus. This can be especially true if the owner has been busy and hasn't been able to give their cat much attention throughout the day. By cuddling, the cat ensures that their owner pays attention to them.

Your cat may be an attention addict

Cats are often considered to be aloof, but this is not true of every cat. Some cats have a deeply rooted desire for attention, and cuddling is a great way to grab your attention if they feel they are not getting enough of it.

If your cat is an attention addict, they may be an expert at manipulating humans. They understand that they can trade affection for things like admiration, snacks, and petting. Attention-seeking cats have discovered that if they act cute enough and cuddly enough, humans will adore them, spoil them, and treat them like the feline idols they believe themselves to be.

If your cat is an attention addict, they may also be an equal-opportunity cuddler. They may go from one stranger to the next, cuddling and purring, meowing and rubbing themselves against them, knowing that they can turn complete strangers into mush puddles with their inherent adorableness.

If you have an attention-addict cat, you may need to set some boundaries. Try gently putting your cat down on the floor each time she jumps up on you, the computer keyboard, or your office paperwork. If she is persistent, try doing something your cat doesn't like while she is bothering you. For example, if you have a Persian cat that jumps on your papers or computer, try combing her—chances are she won't like that and will leave.

However, it's important to remember that your cat's attention-seeking behaviour may be a sign that they are not getting enough attention. These days, people are often so busy that they hardly ever sit down and relax at home. But cats want to be near you or on you for attention. If you're not giving your cat enough attention, your cat will seek it when they see their only chance—when you sit down.

Instead of trying to get away from your cat during these times of attention-seeking, give them what they want: your attention. Giving them some attention every day may curb their attempts to corner you. There's nothing wrong with passive attention. Why not let your cat sit on your lap while you read a book or watch TV?

Another thing that helps is interacting with your cat at other times. Bored, inactive cats are more likely to be clingy. Play with your cat when they are most receptive—usually the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Remember that just leaving a toy around is not enough for most cats. Cats enjoy motion, and they especially like it when you play with them. Even something as simple as dangling a shoelace around your cat for a few minutes will be fun for both of you. This, too, is giving attention, and your cat may feel your interaction as a kind of affection.

Your cat is trying to show you affection

Cats are highly intelligent animals that use body language to communicate their needs. They have many ways of showing affection, and one of them is cuddling. If your cat is a cuddler, consider yourself lucky! Here are some reasons why your cat may be trying to show you some love:

Warmth and Comfort

Cats love to be warm and cozy, and what better way to achieve that than by snuggling up to you? Your lap, especially with a warm blanket, can be the perfect spot for your cat to curl up and take a nap. By choosing to cuddle with you, your cat trusts that you can provide a safe and comfortable space.

Bonding and Affection

Cuddle time is bonding time for your cat. They may want to show you how much they love and appreciate you for providing them with food, warmth, and shelter. They might headbutt, cuddle, or purr as tokens of their affection.

Marking Their Territory

Cats have scent glands on their forehead, temples, chin, lips, and tail. When they rub these glands on you, they are marking you with their pheromones to signal to other cats that you are part of their territory.

Seeking Attention

Your cat may crave attention and cuddling can be a great way to grab your focus. They might meow, rub themselves against you, or jump onto your lap to demand the attention they desire.

Allorubbing and Allogrooming

Animal behaviorists have terms for cats' affectionate behaviors. "Allorubbing" refers to cats rubbing their faces together, which they do to each other and humans to show affection and strengthen their bond. "Allogrooming" is reciprocal licking, often around the face and head, which is another way cats associate friendly feelings with being close to each other.

So, the next time your cat wants to cuddle, enjoy the warmth and love they bring into your life!

Your cat may be feeling anxious

If your cat is suddenly very cuddly, it could be that they are feeling anxious. Anxious cats often exhibit clingy behaviour, including excessive cuddling and a refusal to leave your side. While this may seem cute, it could indicate an underlying problem that is affecting your cat's wellbeing.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

If you suspect your cat is feeling anxious, look out for other symptoms such as scratching, excessive meowing, and over-the-top grooming. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take your cat to the vet for possible treatment and therapy.

Cats can suffer from separation anxiety, even though they don't seem to need humans to survive. If your cat is anxious, it may be because they are seeking comfort and security from you.

Another cause of anxiety in cats is early separation from their mother and siblings. This can result in a cat seeking comfort by suckling on your clothes, skin, or hair, along with "kneading" behaviour. This should subside by the time the cat turns one.

How to Help an Anxious Cat

If your cat is feeling anxious, there are some things you can do to help:

• Provide extra attention and affection.
• Offer treats and rewards during calm periods.
• Play with your cat to provide stimulation and relieve boredom.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice and possible treatment options.

Remember, if you notice any signs of anxiety in your cat, it's important to take them to the vet for professional advice and support.

Frequently asked questions