Overly needy and yowly cat

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Having had someone home with him 24/7 for nearly two years, I had the audacity to leave my cat on his own for two weeks, with visits twice a day from our lovely cat sitter and every other day from my neighbour.

Since my return, he won’t leave me alone and won’t shut up. He spent my first night back standing on my chest and shouting in my face. He has now decided that he must sleep on top of me every night in case I run away again. If I move, he starts yelling again. If I move rooms while he is asleep, and he doesn’t know where I am, he starts yelling again. He’s not happy unless I am with him and he is touching me. Last night was better, in that he only started yowling when I went to the loo. But today I have to leave him to go into the office and I know he will start yelling at me again when I get back.

He has always been a very needy cat, but this behaviour is something else. Any other suggestions? The cat sitter (who is a vet) says she doesn’t think he is ill, he’s just lonely. She suggested getting another cat to keep him company, which I am considering.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Here he is, having a break from shouting.

[LaughingDonkey]

Get another cat :) I had one for 2 years and then took on another one as I felt guilty leaving the first one at home alone. One of the best decisions I ever made!

[MrsSchadenfreude]

We did have another cat but they didn’t get on. He wanted to love and cuddle her, and she wanted to be left alone.

[claireb707]

@MrsSchadenfreude

Here he is, having a break from shouting.

Gorgeous fluffball!!!

I have 2 cats, not brothers but grown up together and 1 of them is very very needy and howls (when he comes home from the cattery or when he hasn't seen me in a few hours) he follows me round like a shadow and is always wanting to be on me. He's just very vocal. When he comes in from outside he is all meow meow meow meow which does get a little annoying some times but it's just how he is

[LaughingDonkey]

It took nearly a year for my first one to fully accept the other one. After two years together I catch them sleeping in the same bed - fur to fur :D

They also gang up on me when they decide it is time for treats

A year ago I also added a small dog to household. They are fine.

It just takes time and patience to introduce and accept new members of family for older residents.

[beelzeboob]

We went away for a 4 day weekend and our 1 year old cat was clearly very stressed despite us getting someone in every day to feed. She shed a load of fur, got into a fight and had a wound, her whole temperament when we got back was “where the hell have you been?! I’ve been so worried and lonely?!” We knew she’d hated it without us there in the nighttime. Since then when we’ve gone away we’ve paid for a house sitter to sleep here at night and give her company and cuddles and it’s so much better.
Some cats can deal with their owners being away, others are too needy / attached and absolutely need human companionship

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I think getting someone to sleep in is a good idea. I’ve had no yowling this morning, touch wood, although he has refused to eat his breakfast.

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Maybe ask a rescue if they have a cat who is easy going and enjoys kitty cuddles on their books?

[Toddlerteaplease]

Leave radio 4 on for him? Could you get him
A teddy or something for him to cuddle up with?
One of mine is a bit like that after she's been in the cattery. But soon settled.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Well he has been less yowly, but I have to go into the office this morning and he knows, and has already started, yow, yow, yow... They don’t sound distressed yows, just attention seeking. He also varies it with a miaow that sounds like he is swearing under his breath.

[Shaz786o]

Well 2 weeks was a bit cruel. Maybe don’t have a cat?

[Allergictoironing]

Boycat is quite needy, and if I go to work after a break (I do temping mostly) he recognises the "going to work today" routine & follows me round the house making pathetic little "meep" noises all morning until I leave for work. Takes him, at least a week of me working for him to settle & realise I will be coming home that evening.

And this is a cat who does live with his sister for company!

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

ZOMBIE THREAD!!!