My cat's won't leave my lap alone

[TeaGinandFags]

First a brief history:
Kitty is 12 and 3/4 and is one of 3; an overstuffed tabby of a similar age and a 5 yr old black cat. She was a former stray and joined us in July 2020 when she was spayed and treated for various ailments. As the second cat she quickly took over and is still top cat despite being the smallest

Home life changed dramatically in February and in March she suddenly lost a fair bit of weight, which has stayed off. (It's been a similar tale for me, but who knows if it'll keep off.) Her attitude and behaviour remains the same: she rules with a paw of iron and gives the other cats hell if they put a paw out of place, while I get what for if I don't pay the milk tax when making cups of tea. So far, so good.

Just recently, she's attached herself on an almost permanent basis - and I mean attached. The nanosecond I park my posterior she's climbing onto my lap. She's there now. I've started to shut the doors because I find it hard to sleep when she's perched on top of me. Basically, my knitwear is suffering and the teeny tiny crampons in her feet will not let go should I need a wee, cuppa etc.

Can anyone shed any light? There's nothing to suggest that she's ailing as her behaviour and appetite are still as before. The tabby has been giving her mice to play with while the black one still shows proper respect and waits until she's finished with the treats. Could it be because she's aging and a long life on the streets (adopted at 8 1/2) has just taken its toll? The tabby is the same age but he's been with me since he was a kitten and is built like a brick outhouse.

Subject title meant to be 'my cat won't leave my lap alone'.

How is your health?

Without pics are we supposed to just take your word you even have dcats at all??

My health is fine, thank you.

I never expected to hear "send a photo of your pussy" on MumsNet!

(Clutches pearls and swoons). 😂

Photos as requested:

Weight loss and clinginess might be hyperthyroidism. It might be earlier stages hence no major signs yet. Worth getting her a blood test.

I thought that at the beginning, but her weight dropped on spring and has been stable since then. Tbh she was a tad chunky and now is the lighter side of svelte. Like me, she dropped them stopped.

Her coat condition is good and she takes good care of herself. Her behaviour hasn't altered while her food/ water intake is as before. She can be cranky but she's always been like that (Tortie).

Well it's a strange one then! I wouldn't be inclined to ignore unexplained weight loss in an older cat though. Has she been more active since your change in circs?
Might just be a general slowing down and preferring a warm lap and company. I have one which also rules with a paw of iron, both other cat and dog are terrified of her, but she loves nothing more than comandeering my lap and administering extremely painful acupuncture!

@TeaGinandFags I ask because cats can often sense illness in humans, well before we know ourselves that there's something wrong.

I'm not ill, but thank you.

The cause is awaiting sentencing.

Probably a significant drop of cortisol combined with time spent on keep fit toys (rower, elliptical and rebounder, which is brilliant for stress) and a change of diet.

Kitty is about the same waist as when she arrived only a bit more angular. She doesn't feel too light. She's fine in all things but clingy. Certainly her claws are nice and sharp.

I think that she may have had a bad experience. Possibly a fox or next door's teenage male (ginger). Normally she'd send all corners packing but since it's autumn and she's entered her latter years (almost 13) maybe she wants some me time. And Kevlar mittens.

With the arrival of slightly colder weather I find both my cats change from a slightly cavalier attitude to being much keener to sit on a warm lap.

Hot water bottle inside a faux fur cushion next to you.

My cats always get clingier when the temperature drops. I assume I'm basically their giant hot water bottle