Why Cats Follow Owners Everywhere: Behavioural Attachment and Training for Independence

October 7, 2025

Key Takeaways

Cats following their owners everywhere is often an expression of emotional attachment, curiosity, or a desire for safety and companionship.
While this clingy behaviour may appear affectionate, it can sometimes indicate separation anxiety or insufficient environmental enrichment.
Understanding feline attachment styles helps owners identify whether the behaviour stems from affection, insecurity, or routine.
With structured training for independence, cats can learn to be confident, content, and self-reliant without emotional distress.
Australian cat owners can apply practical, humane strategies — backed by behaviourists — to help cats strike a balance between closeness and independence.

Introduction: When Your Cat Becomes Your Shadow

If you own a cat in Australia, chances are you’ve experienced the mysterious shadow effect — that moment when your feline companion seems to appear wherever you go. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, working at your desk, or even in the bathroom, your cat’s presence feels constant, almost like they’ve appointed themselves as your personal assistant.

At first glance, this behaviour seems adorable. Who wouldn’t enjoy a loyal companion following them around? But as many experienced cat owners know, this pattern can reveal more complex emotional and behavioural dynamics. Cats are intelligent, sensitive animals that often express their attachment to humans in subtle ways. Following you everywhere might be their method of staying close, seeking reassurance, or even ensuring they don’t miss out on something exciting — a phenomenon sometimes called “feline FOMO” (fear of missing out).

However, in some cases, this behaviour is less about affection and more about anxiety, dependency, or boredom. Modern domestic cats, particularly indoor ones (as increasingly common under Australian cat curfew laws), rely heavily on their owners for mental stimulation, social interaction, and environmental security. Understanding why your cat follows you is essential to ensuring they feel fulfilled, confident, and independent — not just attached.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the psychological and behavioural reasons behind this fascinating habit, the science of feline attachment, and how you can apply positive training techniques to nurture both your cat’s love and their independence. By the end, you’ll know how to balance affection with autonomy — helping your cat grow emotionally, while maintaining your own peace of mind.

Understanding Feline Attachment: Why Cats Bond So Closely

The Myth of the “Independent Cat”

For decades, cats have carried the reputation of being aloof and self-sufficient — animals who tolerate humans more than they love them. Yet, recent behavioural research has dismantled that stereotype. Cats are not solitary creatures by nature; they are socially adaptive animals capable of forming deep emotional attachments to humans and other pets.

In a groundbreaking study by Oregon State University (2019), researchers found that over 64% of cats exhibit a secure attachment style similar to human infants and dogs. When their owners leave, securely attached cats may show mild distress but quickly calm down upon their return — a clear indicator of trust and emotional bonding.

This new understanding reframes our relationship with cats: they may not express affection as overtly as dogs, but their behaviours — following you from room to room, rubbing against your legs, or vocalizing softly — are profound demonstrations of loyalty and comfort-seeking.

“Cats are not as emotionally detached as people believe. Their independence is behavioural, not emotional.”
— Dr. Kristyn Vitale, Feline Behaviour Researcher, Oregon State University

In essence, the “independent cat” is a partial myth. Cats form attachments that are subtler but no less significant than canine loyalty. Recognizing this emotional depth is the first step in understanding why your cat might follow you like a shadow.

How Cats Develop Attachment

Just like human relationships, feline attachment forms through early socialization, consistent care, and emotional safety.

Early Socialization: Kittens handled gently and frequently between 2–9 weeks of age are more likely to develop positive bonds with humans. Those deprived of human contact during this period may grow anxious or distant, often clinging to one trusted person later in life.
Consistency and Routine: Cats thrive on predictability. When owners feed, groom, or play with them at consistent times, it builds trust. This trust often manifests as following behaviour, as cats see their owner as a reliable source of food, comfort, and stability.
Positive Reinforcement: When cats receive affection, treats, or attention after following, they learn that proximity equals reward. Over time, this shapes a pattern of attachment behaviour.

It’s also worth noting that life changes — such as moving homes, introducing new pets, or adjusting work schedules — can heighten a cat’s dependency. Some cats may become clingier during stressful transitions, reflecting both their emotional awareness and their need for reassurance.

Emotional Triggers Behind the Behaviour

Cats follow their owners for multiple emotional and instinctual reasons, which often overlap. Below are some of the most common triggers:

Separation Anxiety: Cats may panic when left alone, pacing, meowing, or engaging in destructive behaviour. Following you is their way of preempting abandonment.
Curiosity and Social Monitoring: Cats are observant animals. They may simply want to see what you’re doing — whether it’s preparing food, opening a cupboard, or interacting with other pets.
Learned Association: If your movements often precede something enjoyable (feeding, treats, playtime), your cat will naturally follow to stay involved.
Affection and Bonding: Some cats follow as a form of companionship. Sitting nearby, sleeping in your room, or trailing behind are feline equivalents of saying, “I trust you.”

Table: Common Attachment Types in Cats

Attachment Type	Description	Typical Behaviour	Owner’s Perception
Secure	Confident and relaxed when alone, affectionate upon return.	Follows occasionally, purrs calmly, maintains independence.	“Loves me but enjoys alone time.”
Insecure–Ambivalent	Fearful of abandonment or inconsistency.	Constantly follows, meows loudly, seeks touch frequently.	“Very needy or anxious.”
Insecure–Avoidant	Avoids affection due to past trauma or mistrust.	Keeps distance, hides, resists handling.	“Independent or cold.”
Disorganized	Displays conflicting behaviours — seeks attention but also fearful.	Alternates between clinginess and aggression.	“Confused or unpredictable.”

Understanding these patterns helps owners identify whether their cat’s following behaviour is a healthy sign of trust or a potential stress response.

Behavioural Reasons Cats Follow Their Owners

Cats rarely do anything without reason. When your feline friend trails behind you from room to room, it’s not random — it’s deeply rooted in instinct, emotion, and learned behaviour. Understanding these motivations not only reveals the psychology behind their attachment but also helps you respond appropriately to their needs.

1. Seeking Safety and Security

At their core, cats are both predators and prey. Despite their confidence, domestic cats retain ancient survival instincts that drive them to seek safe zones — familiar spaces and trusted companions.

When your cat follows you, it might be because you represent security. Your scent, voice, and presence act as a reassuring anchor in their world. In moments of uncertainty — like when guests arrive, loud noises occur, or furniture is moved — many cats instinctively gravitate toward their owners for protection.

“Cats often see their humans as a form of environmental stability — their ‘safe base’ in a changing world.”
— Dr. Sarah Ellis, Feline Behaviour Specialist, International Cat Care

For indoor cats in particular, this dependency becomes even stronger. With their entire territory confined to a human-controlled environment, following you from room to room might simply be their way of staying within the safest zone in the house.

2. Curiosity and Environmental Awareness

Cats are highly observant and intelligent animals. They watch, analyze, and learn from the people around them. When your cat follows you, it might not be about affection at all — it’s often driven by curiosity and pattern recognition.

Felines use a behaviour known as social referencing — they look to humans for cues about safety, opportunities, and routine changes. If you walk to the kitchen at 6 PM, they might associate that with dinner time. If you head to the laundry room, they may think it’s playtime or litter cleaning.

This behaviour mirrors that of wild cats observing their group or territory for changes. To them, following isn’t nosiness — it’s environmental vigilance.

Cats might also simply enjoy being in the loop. They don’t want to miss out on anything interesting — the sound of running water, a crinkling bag, or even the possibility of food.

3. Routine and Predictability

Cats are creatures of habit. They find comfort in consistency, and much of their trust in you is built on reliable routines. Your daily movements — waking up, feeding them, opening curtains, turning on the TV — create a rhythm they instinctively follow.

Over time, your cat learns your schedule cues. If following you leads to something pleasant (like breakfast, brushing, or cuddling), that association strengthens. Even your body language can trigger following behaviour — cats notice subtle signals like when you grab your phone (a sign you’ll sit down) or open a cupboard (potential snacks!).

Routine following isn’t necessarily clingy behaviour; it’s a natural response to predictability. It shows that your cat trusts your patterns and feels emotionally safe within them.

4. Affection and Emotional Connection

Sometimes, following you is simply an expression of love. Cats demonstrate affection through proximity more than physical contact. While dogs seek constant touch, cats show affection by choosing to be near you, mirroring your activity, or settling within visual range.

Cats that follow but don’t always seek to be petted may be practising social companionship — a quiet form of bonding. They find emotional satisfaction just by being close to you.

“In feline terms, following isn’t dependence; it’s connection through shared space.”
— Jackson Galaxy, Cat Behaviour Consultant and Author

In fact, studies have shown that cats release oxytocin — the same bonding hormone found in humans and dogs — during calm, close interactions with their owners. This biological response reinforces positive emotional ties, making them more likely to shadow you affectionately.

5. Reinforcement Through Attention

One of the most overlooked reasons cats follow their owners is accidental reinforcement. Every time your cat trails behind you and receives attention — a word, a pat, or a treat — you’re strengthening the behaviour.

Cats are clever learners. If following results in positive outcomes (interaction, food, play), they’ll continue doing it. Even mild scolding can count as attention from their perspective — after all, you’re still responding to them.

This phenomenon is rooted in operant conditioning, a core behavioural principle where actions that produce desirable results are repeated. Over time, your cat associates following with reward, cementing it as a habitual behaviour.

To break this cycle, consistency matters. If you want to reduce clingy following, only reward independent behaviour, not constant proximity.

Summary Table: Why Cats Follow Their Owners

Reason	Behavioural Explanation	Typical Signs	Emotional Meaning
Safety Seeking	You’re a trusted source of comfort and stability.	Follows during stress, hides behind you.	Security and trust.
Curiosity	Observing routine or changes in the environment.	Follows to different rooms, watches actions.	Learning and awareness.
Routine Association	Anticipation of food, play, or affection.	Follows before meals or key times.	Expectation and comfort.
Affection	Proximity as a form of bonding.	Follows quietly, rests nearby.	Love and companionship.
Reinforcement	Learned habit through attention or rewards.	Meows or taps for acknowledgment.	Habitual attachment.

When Following Becomes a Problem: Signs of Over-Attachment

While your cat’s constant companionship may feel endearing, there’s a fine line between healthy attachment and dependence. When following behaviour becomes excessive, it may indicate an underlying emotional or medical issue that deserves attention. Recognizing these warning signs early can prevent stress for both you and your feline companion.

Identifying Separation Anxiety

Cats can experience separation anxiety, though it often manifests differently than in dogs. Instead of whining or destructive chewing, anxious cats display more subtle yet persistent signs when left alone.

Common indicators include:

Excessive vocalization when you leave or prepare to leave.
Destructive behaviour, such as scratching doors or furniture near exits.
Inappropriate urination or defecation, particularly near the owner’s belongings.
Over-grooming or fur pulling, which may lead to bald patches.
Refusal to eat or drink when left alone.

This type of anxiety often arises in cats with insecure attachment patterns, particularly rescues or those who have experienced abandonment. If your cat’s following behaviour is accompanied by distress when you leave the room, they may be struggling with emotional dependency rather than mere affection.

“A cat that cannot rest when its owner leaves isn’t just lonely — it’s anxious. Understanding this distinction is vital to promoting true wellbeing.”
— Dr. Jo Righetti, Australian Animal Behaviourist

Environmental and Emotional Triggers

Even the most confident cat can develop clingy behaviour in response to environmental or emotional shifts. Cats are sensitive to change — far more than most owners realize.

Some common triggers include:

A change in household routine, such as a new work schedule or extended absences.
Relocation, which can disrupt established scent markers and comfort zones.
Introduction of new pets or people, creating competition or insecurity.
Loud noises or renovations, which heighten stress levels.

In such cases, following is often a coping mechanism. Your cat seeks reassurance from the only constant in their environment — you. By observing when their clinginess increases, you can often identify and address the root cause.

Health-Related Causes

Not all following behaviour stems from emotional factors. Sometimes, it’s medical. Certain health conditions can make cats unusually dependent, restless, or vocal.

Potential causes include:

Hyperthyroidism – This metabolic disorder can cause agitation, pacing, and increased attention-seeking.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) – Common in senior cats, leading to confusion, anxiety, and clinginess.
Sensory Decline – Diminished sight or hearing may cause cats to rely more on you for guidance and reassurance.
Pain or Illness – Discomfort can drive cats to stay close, seeking safety or quiet support.

If your cat’s following behaviour suddenly intensifies or accompanies physical changes (weight loss, irritability, excessive thirst), it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Behavioural Burnout for Owners

While cats’ affection is heartwarming, excessive following can lead to behavioural fatigue for owners. Some report feeling guilty leaving the house or overwhelmed by constant attention. This stress can unintentionally reinforce the cat’s anxiety, creating a feedback loop.

To maintain balance:

Acknowledge their affection without rewarding constant proximity.
Encourage independent play with enrichment toys.
Set gentle boundaries, such as closing doors occasionally to help them adjust to short separations.

A healthy human-cat relationship thrives on mutual trust and space. Teaching independence is not rejection — it’s an act of love that allows your cat to develop resilience and self-confidence.

Training for Independence: Encouraging Confidence in Cats

Helping your cat develop independence doesn’t mean reducing affection or neglecting their need for companionship. It’s about teaching emotional balance, so your feline feels secure even when you’re not around. With patience, consistency, and enrichment, your cat can evolve from a dependent shadow into a confident, self-assured companion.

Building a Safe and Enriched Environment

A cat’s environment has a profound effect on its confidence and mental health. A home that caters to their natural instincts — climbing, hunting, observing, and resting — provides security and stimulation, making them less reliant on you for entertainment or comfort.

Here are some strategies to create a space that fosters independence:

Vertical territory: Install cat trees, climbing shelves, or window perches to give your cat a sense of ownership and safety. Elevated spaces let them observe their world calmly, reducing anxiety.
Resting zones: Provide multiple cat beds in quiet areas. Encourage them to choose where to rest rather than always sleeping near you.
Interactive play zones: Offer interactive toys, tunnels, or motion-activated games to keep them mentally engaged when you’re unavailable.
Scent enrichment: Use familiar blankets, catnip, or pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) to create calming, reassuring environments.

“A well-enriched environment isn’t just about fun — it’s a behavioural safeguard that protects against anxiety and dependency.”
— RSPCA Australia, Cat Enrichment Guidelines

PetCareShed Tip: Try products like Interactive Cat Toys, Window Hammocks, and Comfy Cat Beds available in our store to create a stimulating space your cat feels safe exploring.

Scheduled Interaction and Predictable Routines

Cats thrive on predictability. A stable daily structure builds emotional resilience and trust, allowing them to feel secure even during your absence.

Here’s how to structure your day for behavioural balance:

Feed and play at consistent times. Regularity helps your cat anticipate interactions without feeling anxious between them.
Establish “quiet periods.” Set times when you don’t engage, teaching them to entertain themselves calmly.
Morning and evening bonding sessions. Short bursts of high-quality interaction are more beneficial than constant attention.

Predictable routines help cats regulate their emotions and understand that your absence doesn’t mean abandonment. Over time, this reduces clinginess and fosters calm independence.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Training a cat for independence must always be rooted in positive reinforcement — rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing unwanted ones.

Step-by-step method:

Start with short separations. Leave the room for a few minutes. When your cat stays calm, return and reward them with a gentle pat or treat.
Increase duration gradually. Extend your time away slowly, so your cat learns that you always return.
Reward calm behaviour only. Avoid acknowledging meowing, scratching, or attention-seeking during your absence.
Redirect their focus. Before leaving, provide enrichment — like treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders — so they associate your departure with positive activity.

This technique teaches cats to self-soothe and find pleasure in solo activities. Within weeks, most cats begin to relax during alone time, reducing their need to follow constantly.

Creating “Cat Zones”

Encouraging independence also involves territorial empowerment. Cats feel most confident when they can explore and rest within their own defined spaces.

Designate quiet rooms with bedding, scratching posts, and toys.
Rotate enrichment every few days to maintain novelty.
Use visual boundaries like playpens or screens for kittens to explore safely without constant supervision.

If your cat follows you to every corner, guide them gently back to their zone with a treat or toy toss. This subtly reinforces that being alone can be rewarding and peaceful.

The Power of Environmental Enrichment

Cats are natural hunters and explorers. Without sufficient stimulation, they turn that pent-up curiosity toward their owners — often manifesting as clingy behaviour. Proper environmental enrichment channels their instincts productively.

Common enrichment options include:

Puzzle feeders or slow-feeding bowls — mimic hunting and problem-solving.
Automated laser toys — promote exercise and distraction.
Scratching posts and cardboard gyms — release tension and satisfy clawing instincts.
Scented toys (catnip, valerian) — stimulate mental focus and relaxation.

Incorporating these tools prevents boredom-induced following and keeps your cat mentally and physically fulfilled.

Table: Top Training Tools for Independent Cats

Goal	Training Tool	Example Product Type	Benefit
Calm Independence	Cat Bed / Hideaway	Covered Cat Cave, Calming Bed	Creates safety and solitude
Mental Stimulation	Puzzle Feeder	Slow Feeder Bowl, Treat Dispenser	Promotes self-directed focus
Physical Exercise	Interactive Toy	Feather Wand, Laser Toy	Expends energy productively
Territory Confidence	Cat Tree / Perch	Multi-Level Tower, Window Hammock	Builds self-assurance and autonomy

“Confidence-building in cats isn’t about control; it’s about creating an environment where they don’t need to cling for comfort.”
— Dr. Sarah Heath, Veterinary Behaviourist, UK

Special Considerations for Australian Pet Owners

Australia’s unique environment, pet laws, and climate all play a role in shaping feline behaviour. Understanding these local nuances can help you train your cat more effectively — ensuring they remain safe, content, and behaviourally balanced while also complying with regional animal welfare expectations.

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats in Australia

In many Australian states and councils, cat curfew laws are now being actively enforced to protect both wildlife and domestic pets. Regions such as Victoria, South Australia, and parts of New South Wales have implemented restrictions requiring cats to remain indoors or within enclosed outdoor runs during certain hours — or even full-time.

For owners, this means cats are spending more time inside than ever before, which directly impacts their dependency and attachment behaviours. Indoor cats often rely heavily on human interaction to compensate for the reduced environmental stimulation that outdoor exploration once provided.

To maintain balance:

Create indoor adventure zones using cat trees, tunnels, and perches.
Add window hammocks or enclosed “catios” to let your cat safely experience nature.
Encourage independent play using interactive toys or puzzle feeders.

“Indoor cats can live longer and healthier lives, but their environment must replace the adventure and challenge of the outdoors.”
— RSPCA Australia, Domestic Cat Welfare Report (2023)

PetCareShed Tip: Explore Cat Trees, Climbing Towers, and Window Perches to enrich your indoor cat’s lifestyle while reducing over-dependence on you for entertainment.

Climate and Environmental Factors

Australia’s diverse climate — from humid coastal regions to arid interiors — affects feline comfort and behaviour. Extreme heat can make cats more lethargic and inclined to stay close to cooler spots, which often means following their owners from shaded room to shaded room.

Practical adjustments include:

Providing cooling mats or ventilated cat beds in summer.
Ensuring access to fresh, filtered water through automatic pet fountains.
Creating shaded zones for cats resting near windows or outdoor enclosures.

Likewise, during cooler seasons, cats may seek warmth from your presence or follow you to warmer areas of the house — a behaviour more linked to thermal comfort than emotional dependence.

By optimizing their physical environment, you reduce the likelihood of temperature-driven clinginess and encourage independent relaxation.

Multi-Cat Households

In multi-cat homes, following behaviour can sometimes stem from competition or social tension, rather than attachment to you. Cats may shadow you not only for affection but to assert territory or prevent another cat from receiving your attention first.

To maintain harmony:

Provide multiple resources — separate feeding stations, litter boxes, and resting zones.
Encourage vertical territory sharing, such as multi-level cat trees where each cat can claim their own perch.
Rotate individual bonding sessions to prevent jealousy.

Cats that feel secure in their social hierarchy are less likely to compete for your attention, fostering a calmer, more independent household dynamic.

Adopting Shelter or Rescue Cats

Rescue cats often carry emotional baggage. Many have experienced abandonment, neglect, or inconsistent human care, which can lead to stronger dependency once they finally bond with a new owner.

It’s natural for them to follow you closely at first — they’re seeking reassurance that this home is permanent. However, this dependency can evolve into clinginess if not balanced with structure.

Best practices for rescue cats:

Keep routines predictable during the first few weeks.
Offer safe hideaways where they can retreat when anxious.
Use gentle desensitization to short separations, teaching them that absence doesn’t mean loss.
Avoid over-coddling; independence builds through calm exposure, not constant reassurance.

“Rescue cats often need to relearn trust — your role is to guide, not smother.”
— Dr. Susan Hazel, University of Adelaide School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Gradually, these cats learn that they can love and trust you without needing to monitor your every step.

Practical Training Example for Australian Homes

Here’s a simple independence-training approach tailored for Australian indoor cats:

Training Step	Description	Recommended Tools
Establish “Me Time” Zones	Set up rooms or spaces where the cat stays while you work or go out.	Comfy Cat Bed, Calming Spray, Puzzle Toy
Timed Enrichment	Offer a treat puzzle or motion toy before you leave the room.	Interactive Ball, Food-Dispensing Feeder
Window Engagement	Position perches overlooking gardens or bird feeders for stimulation.	Window Hammock, Cat Tree
Gradual Absence Training	Start with 5–10 minute separations, increasing gradually.	Soothing Background Music or Feliway Plug-in

This approach builds emotional confidence and aligns with Australian living conditions — balancing legal compliance, enrichment, and owner convenience.

Expert Insights: What Behaviourists Say

Understanding why cats follow their owners everywhere becomes clearer when we listen to experts who study feline psychology and behaviour. Their research and professional experiences reveal that this habit often reflects a complex mix of affection, curiosity, and environmental influence — rather than simple neediness.

Below are insights from some of the most respected voices in feline behaviour, both in Australia and globally.

Dr. Jo Righetti (Australia) – “Attachment Isn’t Dependency”

Dr. Jo Righetti, one of Australia’s leading animal behaviourists, emphasizes that following behaviour doesn’t necessarily indicate a behavioural problem. Instead, it reflects trust and emotional safety.

“Attachment isn’t dependency — it’s a reflection of trust. A well-balanced cat feels safe exploring and returning.”
— Dr. Jo Righetti, Pet Behaviour Specialist, Sydney

She advises Australian cat owners to observe context rather than react emotionally. If a cat follows calmly and confidently, it’s a healthy bond. If they follow anxiously, constantly vocalizing or pacing, that’s when training for independence becomes essential.

Dr. Righetti also notes that Australia’s increasing shift toward indoor-only cats means owners must compensate for lost stimulation through structured enrichment, routine play, and environmental variety to prevent over-attachment.

Jackson Galaxy (USA) – “Following Is Communication”

Jackson Galaxy, world-renowned cat behaviourist and host of My Cat From Hell, describes cats’ tendency to follow as a form of non-verbal communication.

“Cats don’t talk the way dogs do — they follow to stay connected. It’s their silent way of saying, ‘We’re in sync.’”
— Jackson Galaxy, Cat Behaviour Consultant and Author

Galaxy explains that cats use physical proximity to interpret emotional cues from their owners. In his experience, cats often trail behind to monitor human mood, energy, and activity — similar to how wild cats watch their group members.

His key advice: acknowledge but don’t indulge. By responding to your cat’s following calmly (not excessively petting or babying them), you signal that closeness is welcome but independence is respected.

Dr. Sarah Ellis (UK) – “Safety Through Predictability”

Dr. Sarah Ellis, Feline Behaviour Specialist at International Cat Care, highlights the importance of predictability in cat-human relationships.

“Cats derive emotional safety from knowing what happens next. When humans become their primary source of predictability, following becomes an emotional safeguard.”
— Dr. Sarah Ellis, International Cat Care

She recommends that owners maintain consistent feeding times, play sessions, and bedtime cues to help cats self-regulate anxiety. Cats who can anticipate their owner’s actions feel less compelled to follow them constantly.

Her research also points out that environmental enrichment — such as vertical climbing structures and scent rotation — significantly reduces clinginess by satisfying curiosity and autonomy needs.

RSPCA Australia – “Indoor Cats Need Environmental Substitutes”

RSPCA Australia’s welfare reports repeatedly emphasize that modern indoor cats require substitutes for outdoor freedom to prevent behavioural issues, including excessive following.

“Without appropriate mental and physical enrichment, cats may develop attention-seeking behaviours such as following or vocalizing excessively.”
— RSPCA Australia, Feline Welfare Advisory (2023)

The organization recommends a multi-sensory approach — rotating toys, providing scratching posts, hiding treats, and creating visual access to the outdoors — to mimic natural exploration. When cats have enough outlets for energy and curiosity, they naturally become less dependent on human presence.

Dr. Mikel Delgado (USA) – “Closeness Reflects Security, Not Weakness”

Dr. Mikel Delgado, a Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant and researcher at the University of California, adds a nuanced psychological perspective:

“Cats may not crave constant interaction, but when they trust you, they’ll seek proximity — not possession.”
— Dr. Mikel Delgado, Feline Behaviour Researcher

Her studies show that cats who follow their owners while maintaining relaxed body language are actually securely attached, not anxious. In contrast, tense postures, rapid tail movements, or vocal distress suggest insecure attachment.

This distinction underscores that following can be a positive indicator of emotional wellbeing when balanced with periods of calm solitude.

Integrating Expert Advice

When analysing the collective wisdom of these experts, several consistent themes emerge:

Attachment is healthy when balanced. Following signifies trust, not dominance or fear.
Predictability reduces anxiety. Routine and stable environments help cats self-regulate.
Enrichment replaces dependence. Stimulating environments minimize emotional over-reliance on humans.
Observation is key. Watch your cat’s body language to distinguish between affection and anxiety.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t to stop your cat from following you — it’s to ensure that when they do, it comes from contentment, not insecurity.

Product Recommendations from PetCareShed

While understanding feline psychology is key to solving clingy behaviour, the right tools and products can make a significant difference in encouraging independence, confidence, and healthy stimulation. At PetCareShed, we offer a curated range of high-quality pet supplies designed to support both your cat’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing — all while helping Australian owners maintain harmony at home.

Below are product categories that can naturally complement the behavioural strategies discussed so far.

1. Calming Cat Beds for Security and Comfort

When cats follow their owners everywhere, they’re often seeking safety and warmth. A cozy bed designed for anxiety relief can provide that comfort without constant human contact.