There is nothing quite like the love and affection from our pets after long hard day at work, when we are feeling down, or when we don’t feel well. Something about cuddling and snuggling with our pets just makes us feel better. When I lounge on the couch with my dog, for example, I can feel the stress just melting away. It’s quite comforting. My late mother-in-law could sit for hours with her long-haired cat and just enjoy a cozy nap together, not a care in the world. Spending time like this with your pet is a great way to deepen the bond between the two of you. However, did you know that too much cuddling, affection and petting can be harmful for your pet?
Sure, pets love affection and attention, but they don’t necessarily want a lot of it.
Granted, this depends on the individual pet, the owner and the situation. Some pets, just like some people, are not big huggers or cuddlers. If you have a cat that suffers from an anxiety disorder, though, the attention may be welcoming to the cat at first, but sometimes the extra attention can backfire on you, especially when you leave the house.
Separation anxiety
If you spend a lot of time with your cat before you leave the house, his anxiety and distress can increase once you are gone. Some signs of social distress in cats may include excessive vocalization, destructive chewing or scratching or taking potty breaks in places other than the litter box. Cats are especially prone to such behaviors when their owners are gone for extended periods of time, such as on a vacation. If you notice excessive signs of distress in your cat, please consult with your veterinarian as to how to address this issue.
What if your pet’s affectionate behavior is over-the-top?
If your cat begins to display increased amounts of affection towards you, take note of when and where this occurs. Some cats may learn certain behaviors based on your own time schedule and habits. Also, when it is cold outside, your cat may want to spend more time in your lap to absorb your body heat.
Take stock of your environment. If your pet suddenly becomes overly-affectionate, is he responding to loud noises like thunder, nearby construction or fireworks? Cats may seek your comfort when in the presence of loud and frightening sounds.
Further, if there have been certain changes within your family, such as the addition of a new baby or you have moved to a new place, your cat may seek extra attention. If you don’t necessarily have the time to devote to your cat as you once did, due to new demands, this may translate to increased anxiety in your cat as he seeks comfort from you at a time when you cannot necessarily offer it.
Bottom line: if you notice a distinct change in your cat’s behavior, please speak with your veterinarian to make sure there is not an underlying medical condition contributing to your cat’s behavior. Sometimes when cats are feeling ill or in pain, they seek extra comfort from their owners, thinking their humans can make the pain or distress go away.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
