Very clingy cat

[HexagonalQueenOfTheSummer]

I have a beautiful 14 year old moggie, that I've had from about 6 weeks old. She's always been a very loving, home-cat. She does go out but only twice a day for about 10 minutes at a time to go to the loo. She's always enjoyed sitting on our laps and laying on the beds, and is very placid and gets on well with our dog.

She also had a twin sister, who sadly died about 7 months ago. They were close and always got on well but didn't live in each others' pockets, but would sometimes groom each other. I was worried when her sister died that she would pine and be upset but she didn't seem to notice at all. Her sister was always the more clingy one of the two and sat with me a lot, but obviously now I only have one I lavish all the attention on her, and over the past 3 months or so she has got very clingy and wants to be with me all the time.

I let her sleep on our bed at night and when we get into bed she won't settle for about 10 minutes, instead she purrs loudly, keeps rubbing her head against me and if I ignore her she pats my face with her paw, no claws, just her paw. She eventually curls up next to me. But if she goes down in the night or if I get up to go to the loo or anything like that she repeats the cycle. If I go to the loo or to get a drink she stands on the landing and miaows for me and seems to get really upset even though she knows I will be right back. She sits on my lap all evening whilst I watch tv and she's fine then but still very clingy.

I'm wondering if it's belated anxiety at losing the other cat? Although I'm not sure after 3 months or so that a cat even would remember there was another cat to start behaving in a clingy way IYKWIM. Don't get me wrong, I love the cuddles and love spending time with her, but I don't want her to be distressed and me not realise it. Or I'm not sure if she's just enjoying having me all to herself.

I am toying with the idea of getting another cat, as she does love other cats a lot. Sometimes a neighbour's female cat comes into our garden and they get on really well. Not sure if another cat would make any difference really.

Thanks for reading :)

It's a tough one, I can see why you would consider another cat if she seems lonely...but even though she's friendly with other cats it could be a different story if they're in HER house, being loved by HER owner.

It sounds like she is making the most of having you to herself. She has no other cat to compete with now and temper her behaviour. I'd just be strict with her, e.g. if she is disturbing your sleep try to keep her out of your room at night.

My cat of around the same age is starting to be a bit clingy. When I come back from being out she wails a bit piteously, as if to say "Why did you go out and leave meeeee?" and is only pacified if I stroke her. Luckily no other symptoms, but I hope it's not the start of separation anxiety.