Do you ever feel like your cat is playing a game of tag with you? They follow you around the house, but as soon as you reach out to pet them, they bolt away. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many cat owners have experienced this behavior and want to know why their cats do it.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why cats follow us around and then run away.
Plus, we’ll give some tips on how to cope with it.
So if your furry friend is always on the go, read on to find out more about why your cat follows you and then runs away.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me?
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they often follow their owners to see what they’re up to. This could be a sign of love, as cats may have a strong bond with their owners and prefer to remain close.
Cats may also follow their owners because they feel safe when they are around them, or because they want to get closer to the source of food. If you’ve been training your cat to follow you, it might be that it follows you as part of a game.
No matter the reason, it’s important to remember that cats need their own space and should not be followed too closely. This can make them feel uncomfortable, so make sure your kitty has some time alone when needed.
Why Does My Cat Run Away?
Are you ever left wondering why your beloved cat has decided to run away from home? Cats are naturally curious and adventurous creatures, so it is not uncommon for them to wander off.
However, there are some common reasons why cats will flee their homes, and understanding these can help you avoid similar situations in the future.
Fear
Fear or anxiety can be a major factor in cats running away. As skittish animals, cats may flee if they feel threatened by loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or even changes in their environment.
Curiosity
Curiosity is another common reason for cats to run away. With their inquisitive nature, cats can be drawn to explore new areas or investigate interesting smells or sounds that they encounter. If their current environment does not provide them with enough stimulation, this is particularly true.
Finally, cats may also run away if they feel neglected or unloved by their owners. If your cat is not being provided with enough attention and affection, they may look for it elsewhere, which can lead them to run away from home in search of new companionship.
How to Stop My Cat From Running Away From Me?
If you’re wondering how to stop your cat from running away from you, there are a few steps you can take to ensure their safety and keep them close. From spaying or neutering to providing them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, these tips will help keep your cat safe and sound at home.
Spaying or Neutering
Unneutered cats are more likely to roam and run away, so it’s important to make sure your cat is spayed or neutered.
Not only will this reduce the risk of them running away from home, but it can also reduce the chance of them contracting certain medical disorders, such as cancer.
Enrichment and Playtime
To prevent your cat from wandering off in search of something to do, it’s essential to provide them with plenty of enrichment and play time. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime with you will help keep them entertained and less likely to wander off in search of something else.
Keeping Your Cat Indoors
One of the best ways to minimize the risk of your cat running away from home is by keeping them indoors as much as possible.
Not only does this reduce their chances of getting lost or injured, but it also helps protect local wildlife from any potential harm caused by cats roaming outside.
If you must allow your cat outside, consider installing a safe outdoor enclosure to ensure they don’t have the opportunity to run away from you.
Establishing a Routine
Cats thrive on consistency and predictability, so make sure you provide them with regular meals, playtime, and cuddles every day.
Establishing a routine will help build trust between you and your cat while reducing their fear of running away from you.
Additionally, having a regular schedule can help keep them healthy and happy by instilling order in their lives.
Reducing Stress Levels
If possible, try minimizing the stress levels in your household since it may be causing your cat to run away from you.
Consider using pheromone sprays or diffusers to calm anxious cats that may be overwhelmed by their environment or other animals in the household.
Additionally, make sure there are ample litter boxes for multiple cats in the home so that all cats feel comfortable using them without having to go outside or run away in search of another litter box.
Conclusion
Cats are social creatures that adore interaction and love to follow their owners around the house. But why do they sometimes follow us, then run away?
Fear, trepidation, apprehension, seeking attention or food, and even habit can all play a role.
To ensure your cat stays close by, take steps such as spaying or neutering them, providing enrichment activities, keeping them indoors as much as possible, establishing a routine for meals and cuddles, and reducing household stress levels.
