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Just like humans, cats and dogs change as they age. It is completely natural if you have noticed that your feline has suddenly started behaving differently as it matured from a kitten to an adult cat. It is a normal part of growth. Their behaviour continues to change throughout life as they mature. Some cat owners feel that their little pet gets more affectionate as it grows.
Let us understand how cat behaviour changes with age and whether they become more affectionate as they age. We also look at the possible reasons cats get more affectionate all of a sudden.
Cat Behaviour By Age – A Complete Guide
You might wonder whether the little kitten you adopted will stay aloof forever or grow into a mature pet with age. Though every cat is unique in its ways, there are some behavioural changes you should see in your feline as it grows older. While kittens are like tiny balls of energy and destruction, older cats are content and calm.
Here are some insights into how your cat would change its behaviour with age.
0-6 months – Your pet is a kitten struggling to process all the information it gets about the world. It has a lot to do and always seems to play.
6-12 months – This is similar to teens in humans; the cat is full of energy at this age. It tries to show that it is the boss of everything and everyone.
1-2 years – At this age, your pet starts to get into adulthood and develops most of her behaviours. It starts calming down a little but still has a lot of energy. Owners should handle the pet consciously at this age as any bad behaviour can get quickly rooted. Spending time and playing with the cat can increase the bond and affection.
3-6 years – This is the age when the cat gets fully matured and settled with all that it has learned. It is the time when its personality forms.
7-10 years – Your cat has entered its middle age and still has less energy than before. Your cat starts getting settled in its ways. It may be more resistant to changes and show more affection than before.
11-14 years – At this age, your cat is a senior citizen and will start showing a decline in health and well-being. It will experience impaired vision and hearing as well as cognitive decline.
15+ years – This category of cats is called geriatric and demands more attention and affection. You should expect a lot of sleep and lethargy at this age and frequent visits to the vet.
Do Cats Get More Affectionate With Age?
In reality, it is not possible to say whether the cat will get more affectionate with age in her early growth stages. It depends on a variety of factors, but cats tend to get more affectionate toward their owners as they grow. It is important to understand that cats are subtle when showing affection. It may simply bling slowly at you or calmly raise its tail. Such subtle body signs show that it loves you.
Just like humans, felines settle down as they grow older. They become less playful and more relaxed. Everything about them, where they sleep, what sounds they make and how much they sleep change. Cat owners report that their pets seem more affectionate as they mature. While young kittens are busy learning, exploring and playing, older ones show attachment, appreciation and affection towards their owners. Mature cats have established routines and affection and attention are a part of their routine.
Why Do Cats Get More Affectionate As They Get Older?
As the cat gets older, it experiences behavioural and physical changes. This can make it more needy and demanding, and it will show it in different ways. Sometimes, your cat may become more vocal to express her demand for attention. Some other cats may become more clingy as it ages, wanting to be with you every moment of the day and night.
The reason for such behavioural changes in older cats is the feline cognitive decline that results in confusion and disorientation. Your pet might be losing its vision and hearing ability. It might feel insecure and experience restlessness and anxiety due to such impairments. A previously aloof cat can suddenly become dependent and clingy as it matures. Try to identify any problem it is experiencing due to old age and address it with medication.
Old Cat Suddenly Affectionate & Clingy
A lot of cat owners ask why their old cat suddenly gets affectionate. Some believe that clingy cats are demanding or spoiled. They might have given her a lot of attention as a kitten, and she gets used to getting things done her way. This can be one of the reasons but is not the only reason your old cat gets suddenly clingy.
Here are some possible reasons your cat became clingy and affectionate as it grew old.
- A sudden change in the routine or environment makes the cat more nervous and anxious.
- The cat may have developed an unhealthy bond with you.
- Your pet may want some extra love than what it is already getting.
- It might have been disturbed by a new home arrival or family disrupting her routine.
- The cat may be unwell or pregnant.
With these points, you might easily understand the reason behind the sudden affection your cat is showing. You can then take the necessary steps to correct the issue and make your cat more comfortable.