My cat has suddenly got so clingy...

[Bluesheep8]

Hi everyone. This is a real change in behaviour for him and I'm wondering why. He was a rescue and we were told he was about 4 when he came to us so is approx 11 now.he's always been quite aloof, only coming for cuddles in the evening and shouting to remind us it's mealtimes but very recently in the mornings he is jumping on the table to climb on our knees and cannot get enough attention and affection. Not that I'm complaining at all as I love to cuddle him but I just wondered why his behaviour has suddenly changed and only in the morning. He has the choice whether to stay in or go out when we go to bed and lately has been choosing to stay in as it's cold, so it's not because he's been out all night. He genuinely acts as though he hasn't seen us for weeks and cannot get enough of being on our knees. As I said, this is just first thing in the morning. Any ideas?

Also, he has always been shy around visitors and really avoided them but when my parents came to visit last weekend he sat on both knees and fell asleep snuggled up between them, which is unheard of. As I say, I'm certainly not complaining but this is a complete change in behaviour and has happened really suddenly after being with us for so many years

Sometimes they become clingy if they've been spooked by something. Has anything changed in your house? In your garden? Are you doing anything different in the mornings that might make her unsure? I've noticed with the Dcats I've had through the years, that their behaviour does change and they do want more affection as they grow older. Do you think she might have something wrong and a vet visit might be needed? Obviously, enjoy all of the attention she's dishing out though.

Hi thanks for the reply. No, nothing has changed that I can think of plus he was seen by the vet a couple of weeks ago for a check up as he's had steroid jabs for a skin allergy. Maybe as you say, he's just getting sentimental and soppy in his dotage. In fact he's balanced precariously on my lap now and doing paddy paws and purring

I wish madthingcat would become a bit more affectionate - all she does currently is beg for food and lie in wait to attack me . Sorry not helpful OP - I hope it's just a natural (and welcome) progression with your cat

Our cat is more clingy when it's cold. She's old now (16) and as soon as there's a drop in temperature she is constantly is nudging people to get cuddles or steal their warm spot on the sofa.
She also claims my mum and Fil as her personal hot water bottles the second they sit down

Sorry if this is insensitive but are you pregnant?!

Hi, thanks for the replies-it could be the sudden cold weather actually. Toddlertea - no, I'm not pregnant...and it's not just me he's clingy with, it's DH too and he was unusually affectionate towards my parents. Going to try and find a pic of him

Here he is, looking a bit solemn...maybe he knows I'm talking about him!

Gorgeous boy!

Isn't he lovely.

Ah glad you think so...he's a huge boy, certainly not over fed but weighs 5.5 kg apparently and has got such a big thick neck that when he had an injury and had to wear one of those plastic lampshade/cone things, the vet had to use one meant for dogs as even the extra large cat one wouldn't fit! I think he's got some Russian blue in him, but whatever he is I absolutely adore him.

maybe because of the skin treatment cuddles are more comfortable now?

GORGEOUS! Enjoy those snuggles.

Midlife you might be right there, he has some sort of skin allergy which flared up a couple of months ago and it made him really itchy and uncomfortable and he would get quite distressed and upset. Vet said it was something in the environment and gave 2 steroid jabs a month apart which has settled the itching down. Feeling more comfortable in his own skin could well have something to do with it.