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Do Cats Get More Affectionate With Age?

Cats are often misunderstood as being mean or uninterested in being affectionate towards their owners, but that’s not always true.

Cats just have a different way of showing their owners how much they love them; they are much more subtle about their love than some other animals.

Some cats tend to become more affectionate as they get older, which can be a pleasant surprise for some owners. 

Cat owners tend to notice the slightest change in their cat’s behavior right away, since vets commonly advise you to keep watch for behavioral changes as a sign of potential illness.

A cat’s affection levels fluctuating could be a sign that they just need you more to feel their most comfortable. Of course, no cat owner would ever complain about their cat becoming more affectionate.  

It’s not necessarily something to be concerned about when your cat’s behaviour changes to become more loving. It can be one of the few good things you will experience when living with an aging cat who is slowing down.

That being said, it is interesting to know how and why cat’s affection levels can change, especially as they get older. 

Will Cats Get More Affectionate With Age?

Some cats will definitely get more affectionate with age; there is no exact science behind this, it’s more of an anecdotal experience commonly shared among cat owners.

It may also seem like they become more affectionate because they are more comfortable with you and their surroundings. As they get older and slow down, their affection may become more consistent as well. 

You may notice your cat meowing at you more often and following you around everywhere you go. This is one of the most common ways a cat will show you that they want your attention.

In some cases, they may also be trying to communicate that they are in pain or uncomfortable, so incessant meowing that sounds like whining or crying may warrant a visit to the vet.

Cats can be more elusive with their affection than other animals, but they are more than happy to show you their love in their own special ways.

You can attempt to sway your cat towards being affectionate and cuddly throughout their life, but they may not welcome it until their older years as they slow down and aren’t wanting to play and explore all the time.

Why Is My Cat Suddenly More Affectionate?

It can be confusing when a cat who was always independent suddenly follows you around the house. Their personalities can change as they age, causing them to be more affectionate; alternatively, cats that used to be affectionate can become distant.

There is no guidebook to guarantee which way your cat will sway, but your best bet is to love them as much as possible while also respecting their boundaries. 

As cats begin to decline as they grow up, they may be less interested in playing and running around the house exploring and being rambunctious.

Thus, they are more inclined to hang out with you on the couch or snuggle into you at bed time. They might be more sleepy and need to relax more often, leading them to spend their downtime with you rather than by themselves. 

Unfortunately, it is also common for cats to get more disoriented as they mature which could have them clinging to you for protection, comfort, and safety.

Older cats are prone to becoming senile and developing chronic conditions like arthritis and so they’ll seek out your attention to help alleviate their malaise. This is upsettingly normal, but note that any abrupt change could be a sign of a problem.

Do Cats Get More Affectionate Before They Die?

When cats get older and their health starts to dwindle, it can cause them to cling on to their owners more. Their senses may be diminishing, so they may feel more comfortable being around you more frequently than before to help them navigate their surroundings.

Cats can also experience anxiety as their senses start faltering, so they need your reassurance that they are safe. 

Cats tend to be more susceptible to health issues when they are older, so pay close attention and report anything unusual to your vet.

While it is not necessarily budget-friendly to run your cat to the vet every time they are acting less energetic than usual, it’s better to be safe as they are older in case anything they are experiencing can be healed or prevented in the future. 

We can’t read cats’ minds, but we assume that they want to enjoy your love as much as they can before they pass on. It’s crucial that, even though this time is hard, you make your cat’s final days as comfortable as possible with all the extra attention they want.

You can also take comfort in knowing that you made your cat’s final days memorable.

At What Age Do Cats End Up Getting More Affectionate?

Some cat owners would be surprised to know that, when your cat is a mere 2 years old, they are considered an adult cat. They start to mature and fully form their little quirks and personality traits between 3 and 6 years old.

Once cats turn between 7 and 10 years old, this is where you might start to notice their personality shift towards being more affectionate. 

As cats get older and potentially start facing some health challenges, their affection will most likely grow as they seek your reassurance, and they will rely on you more than before.

On average, cats live until around 16, but of course, cats are mysterious creatures and can live even longer under the right circumstances. While cats have inherent traits, they are also each special in their own way.

Chances are, if your cat is naturally doting, they will start showing you signs in their younger years. Some suggest a cat’s gender and whether or not they are fixed can determine how affectionate they will be, but it’s all anecdotal.

If you do your best to take care of your cat lovingly while also giving them space when they need it, they will show you love back.

Is There Any Way I Can Train My Cat To Be More Affectionate?

Anyone who has owned more than one cat knows that they have their own personalities, eccentricities, and habits. It can be difficult to determine whether or not your cat will become affectionate, but there are certain things you can do to encourage that behavior.

It’s also important to spend time with a cat before you adopt them to see how they interact with you.

You may think that love bombing your cat will make them submit to your need for affection, but the opposite is true. Of course, your cat wants your attention, but on their own terms.

Pet them when they want to be pet, and don’t force them to stay in your arms if they are squirming.

Cats are more independent than other animals and they are not as easily trainable as other animals. They do learn to read your cues and body language, and they will actively try to communicate with you in their own special way.

They need to be able to trust you completely before they will get vulnerable enough to show you affection.

My Cat Is So Affectionate That It Wakes Me Up When I Sleep!

If your cat is getting older and starting to decline, they may be more restless or active at night. It’s possible they cannot sense things as well as they could before, so they may want to rely on you for help.

This of course can be a nuisance when you are trying to sleep and your cat keeps pawing at you or licking your face.

Cats are naturally alert creatures, and they are acutely aware of just how vulnerable sleeping makes them. Therefore, if they are getting older and not feeling as adept, they may want to be with you at night for the security you offer them.

Cats may find it hard for them to understand why you don’t want to constantly wake up and pet them in the middle of the night. 

You may have to adjust to their neediness and get used to their constant meowing and kisses, rather than stopping them and making them upset. It can also be helpful to play with them before bedtime to tire them out.

It’s also good to note that sleeping with cats can also be a lovely bonding experience and can help you relieve stress and anxiety. 

Conclusion

Raising a cat is rewarding, especially when we get their affection. It’s important to embrace your cat’s growing need for more love as they age, while staying alert to behavioural changes. While cats are only with us for a short period of our life and it’s hard to watch them get older, it’s crucial that we show them, constant love, when they need it the most.