sorry to spoil the mood, but this might indicate that he's sick and feeling pain. Cat rarely display when they hurt, but change of typical behaviour CAN be an indicator.
You might take him to the vet for a check up. (edit4typo)
Noted and will do, but I'd be surprised if the vet finds anything He had blood tests and a full checkup about six weeks ago after being bitten by something and left with an abcessed wound (which has healed properly), and all was fine then. He is eating and drinking normally.
His behaviour has gradually changed since our other cat passed away about 18 months ago. He used to like being around us but not being friendly like this, and has slowly become a bit more open to giving and receiving affection (sitting close to us, wanting pets, purring etc). I just picked him up and put him on my lap, and he showed no signs of wanting to get down in a hurry but also no signs of obvious injury.
Our boy also became cuddlier as he got older. According to the vet he was super healthy but he went from hating the lap to always wanting to cuddle. He started at maybe 14-15 and was cuddly until his death at 21.
Have talked to a vet about that. This boy never liked his sister much, they weren't close at all. Vet says he's not showing any signs of problems from being alone, seems like he's perfectly happy being an only cat.
Contrary to popular belief, not all cats are social. Some prefer being the only cat around. Don't feel pressured in getting another cat if this guy seems perfectly happy on his own. Only get another cat if you would like one.
I was thinking the same thing. I had a lab what was always by my side but not a cuddlier unless he wasn’t feeling well. I always knew he needed to go to vet when he would lay across my lap or just get close to me as possible b/c then I was ‘mom’ and he knew I would take care of him.
My boy cat started doing this when he got older too! His sister was always the affectionate one, at around 8 he gradually started snuggling more and more and wanting pets. 4 years later they now compete for who can snag the most lap space. He’s still a jerk to his sister but now with snuggles.
I had an old man cat who passes away at 20. He was not affectionate, but would tolerate pets now and then if we dared to impose upon his regal presence. At the end, when he knew his time was near, he would seek us out for more intimate contact. I hope your little orange inmate is healthy and has just softened his stance on the pesky human employees in his life, but if not, love on him and enjoy the time. Cats are blessings with attitudes.
My boy is what I call a beside the lap cat. He'll sit next to you all day, and maybe you'll get a paw on your leg, but never expect him to curl up in your lap. He's 10 now, and a couple of months ago, he laid on my chest for all of 5 minutes before realizing what he did and getting up to sit next to me 😂 I keep asking him when he's going to hit his old man stage and start snuggling more.
This gives me hope. My 8 year old former stray has sat on me exactly once. I woke up to her perched on my back in the dead of night haha. I always had Velcro cats before her, so it’s still strange to me!
While what others are saying about him not feeling well might be the case, I'll give my anecdote about my 20 year ago cat, who passed early this year.
Until she was 11, she was very sweet but quite aloof. Wasn't a cuddler, wasn't overly affectionate, just like... hanging out in a family members vicinity after an active day, gave random rubbies and boops here and there. Then age changed her - she became insanely affectionate and cuddly. Even started bugging visitors for affection, mellowed out a lot more, shared cozy times, you know, just happy retired life shit. She almost broke my nose with how hard she she started headbutting my face.
If he's feeling alright, this just might be an indicator of that next stage of life.
Isn't it special when they do that? My tabby was rescued and after 3 years she started getting cuddly. Now at night I have to move my pillows so she can crawl up, sniff my face and then get a little snuggle 🤗
Mine stayed doing it this year at 8 years old. At first he was extremely tentative and now when I sit in this specific chaise he’s like - lap time! Is still so weird to me
Depending on where you live, if it’s winter he might be cuddling for the warmth. A friend has a cat that only becomes a lap cat in the winter, and is fairly aloof the rest of the year.
Don't sweat it! Our older cats are both healthy, and one has always been a snuggle bug. The other is My Husband's Cat, and in the last two years I've made a bigger effort to build up trust with him.
Normally I have to use a blanket for him to sit on me, but the other day he decided my empty lap while I played at my computer was The Good Spot! It was so uncomfortable but so special that I stayed until my knees hurt...
Sometimes cats finally decide that you're one of the good ones, and I'm super happy for you!
They have finally succumbed to the fact that they will never escape the clutches of the human feeding machine and have finally resigned to make the best of it. Cats can be so stubborn
sorry to spoil the mood, but this might indicate that he's sick and feeling pain. Cat rarely display when they hurt, but change of typical behaviour CAN be an indicator.
You might take him to the vet for a check up. (edit4typo)
Noted and will do, but I'd be surprised if the vet finds anything He had blood tests and a full checkup about six weeks ago after being bitten by something and left with an abcessed wound (which has healed properly), and all was fine then. He is eating and drinking normally.
His behaviour has gradually changed since our other cat passed away about 18 months ago. He used to like being around us but not being friendly like this, and has slowly become a bit more open to giving and receiving affection (sitting close to us, wanting pets, purring etc). I just picked him up and put him on my lap, and he showed no signs of wanting to get down in a hurry but also no signs of obvious injury.
He's also bonded with you more since you took care of him and took care of his booboo.
Not when we were having to pin him down to drop antibiotics down his throat for a week 🤣
omg, I don't know about you but I'm having to do this with my senior gal right now and it makes me feel like a monster
I have to give my 20 yr old girl eye drops and liquid oral meds. Ugh… she hates it poor baby
I had to do the same for our cat in the summer... He lost an eye due to infection and goddamn did he hate the drops.
I had a cat that absolutely adored me after he got trapped in a sofa and I had to rescue him lol, was a real bonding moment
My best wishes to your goober, hopefully you just finally gained his permission to cuddle and he’s all good.
Our boy also became cuddlier as he got older. According to the vet he was super healthy but he went from hating the lap to always wanting to cuddle. He started at maybe 14-15 and was cuddly until his death at 21.
Could possibly be the beginnings of arthritis? My old cat who had it loved to lay on anything warm for her joints, including people lol
Ok, this is probably the reason why gets more clingy. His comrades are missing. You are the new "gang" now.
Pls get him another partner
Have talked to a vet about that. This boy never liked his sister much, they weren't close at all. Vet says he's not showing any signs of problems from being alone, seems like he's perfectly happy being an only cat.
Contrary to popular belief, not all cats are social. Some prefer being the only cat around. Don't feel pressured in getting another cat if this guy seems perfectly happy on his own. Only get another cat if you would like one.
Yes, I know. We'd like another cat, but we don't think he will tolerate that at all so we won't.
No
I was thinking the same thing. I had a lab what was always by my side but not a cuddlier unless he wasn’t feeling well. I always knew he needed to go to vet when he would lay across my lap or just get close to me as possible b/c then I was ‘mom’ and he knew I would take care of him.
Yup, our fiercely independent 13-yr old tuxedo started doing this and we thought it was cute & sweet. Three weeks later she passed away.
My mom's cat was the same. He was stand offish most of his life then became really sweet his last year of life. He had a brain tumor.
Thanks, will bribe him with treats before the vet suggestion
It took 12 years, but it was worth the wait 🧡
https://preview.redd.it/p7aj82e7gz6g1.jpeg?width=218&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5666fb17ae4e11d620528a07cd091911f863057
My boy cat started doing this when he got older too! His sister was always the affectionate one, at around 8 he gradually started snuggling more and more and wanting pets. 4 years later they now compete for who can snag the most lap space. He’s still a jerk to his sister but now with snuggles.
Some cats take longer than others to warm up like this 🧡
My boy started doing this too at like age 8. Hadn’t wanted to be on me at all and now he loves loafing on my chest while I lay in bed
I had an old man cat who passes away at 20. He was not affectionate, but would tolerate pets now and then if we dared to impose upon his regal presence. At the end, when he knew his time was near, he would seek us out for more intimate contact. I hope your little orange inmate is healthy and has just softened his stance on the pesky human employees in his life, but if not, love on him and enjoy the time. Cats are blessings with attitudes.
Second kitten hood.
Is he feeling okay? Eating and drinking and going potty okay?
Yes, he's acting normally and no differences in eating, drinking, or toilet habits.
My boy is what I call a beside the lap cat. He'll sit next to you all day, and maybe you'll get a paw on your leg, but never expect him to curl up in your lap. He's 10 now, and a couple of months ago, he laid on my chest for all of 5 minutes before realizing what he did and getting up to sit next to me 😂 I keep asking him when he's going to hit his old man stage and start snuggling more.
This gives me hope. My 8 year old former stray has sat on me exactly once. I woke up to her perched on my back in the dead of night haha. I always had Velcro cats before her, so it’s still strange to me!
Disregard if not possible but: I've known a few people whose cats became suddenly cuddly when the owner was pregnant.
While what others are saying about him not feeling well might be the case, I'll give my anecdote about my 20 year ago cat, who passed early this year.
Until she was 11, she was very sweet but quite aloof. Wasn't a cuddler, wasn't overly affectionate, just like... hanging out in a family members vicinity after an active day, gave random rubbies and boops here and there. Then age changed her - she became insanely affectionate and cuddly. Even started bugging visitors for affection, mellowed out a lot more, shared cozy times, you know, just happy retired life shit. She almost broke my nose with how hard she she started headbutting my face.
If he's feeling alright, this just might be an indicator of that next stage of life.
Isn't it special when they do that? My tabby was rescued and after 3 years she started getting cuddly. Now at night I have to move my pillows so she can crawl up, sniff my face and then get a little snuggle 🤗
Mine stayed doing it this year at 8 years old. At first he was extremely tentative and now when I sit in this specific chaise he’s like - lap time! Is still so weird to me
‘At last you have proven yourself worthy human.’
Depending on where you live, if it’s winter he might be cuddling for the warmth. A friend has a cat that only becomes a lap cat in the winter, and is fairly aloof the rest of the year.
I've had two different cats who were cuddly, but not actual lap cats until later in life. They lived well beyond that.
About a year up until my cats death, he started doing that to me. Had never done it before.
Yea I've heard of that happening. Won't dwell on it having deeper meaning. I enjoyed it immensely today, I'll enjoy it if it ever happens again.
Don't sweat it! Our older cats are both healthy, and one has always been a snuggle bug. The other is My Husband's Cat, and in the last two years I've made a bigger effort to build up trust with him.
Normally I have to use a blanket for him to sit on me, but the other day he decided my empty lap while I played at my computer was The Good Spot! It was so uncomfortable but so special that I stayed until my knees hurt...
Sometimes cats finally decide that you're one of the good ones, and I'm super happy for you!
The older they get the clinger they get
I'd like to think as he's gotten older it's harder to stay warm so he's using you as a heat pad.
They have finally succumbed to the fact that they will never escape the clutches of the human feeding machine and have finally resigned to make the best of it. Cats can be so stubborn
Enjoy it while you can, it might not be around for long.