Why is my senior cat suddenly following me everywhere and meowing?

Certainly personalities can change as cats get older, but i would recommend making sure there isn't a medical explanation for her behavior. We see conditions like hyperthyroidism (a high thyroid level) which can cause increased activity as one of its first signs. If her exam and bloodwork is all normal, it might just be a behavioral change as Princess gets older and is nothing to worry about. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is an unusual behavior, especially in a cat as old as yours. I have seen cats who "drink from their paws" from a young age, and I think it can be normal then. I'd be concerned that in a senior cat this could be her way of telling you she's trying to get more water - that's called "polydipsia", and it can be due to a number of conditions. Usually you'd see them also urinating a larger volume, and/or going more frequently. If this is the case your vet can run tests to determine whether her increased water consumption is causing her to urinate more, or vice versa. Possible causes include kidney disease, some kinds of cancer, a hormonal disease called hyperthyroidism, and liver disease. I would certainly recommend that you get Gizmo in for a checkup with your vet and some tests to see what might be going on.

I'm smiling at I answer your question because my cat likes to do the same thing! Tiger wants to know what you are up to, and wants to follow you around. Cats do not like being left out of things, so if you are going into another room, he wants to come as well! It's not uncommon for cat owners, and between my young son and my cat, I never get a moment to myself!

Is your kitty unspayed? Oftentimes, extra friendly behavior and meowing go along with a kitty that has not been fixed. Having her spayed might help stop that behavior. Make sure she is eating ok and not having any vomiting or diarrhea or lethargy that would make you worry. Any chance she already had babies and wants you to follow her to the babies?

That sounds like normal cat behavior. She is very comfortable with you and loves you. If you can't have her bothering you, like when you are practicing piano, it is best to put her in another room until you are done. I don't think there is anything wrong with her as long as she is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally.

I would say it is just a habit. Maybe the area by the waterbowl is nice and cool in this heat, or he likes to have his water nearby. It could also be that that may be the one spot in your dwelling where there is a particular draft or smell he likes or the least draft. Cats are wonderful but sometimes strange creatures. I would not worry too much about that.

These are pretty common behaviors for a young cat. Cats are often nocturnal/playful at night, and the its very rare for cats to greet their people when they come home. As far as following you around, and crying for you when you're gone, you are probably her favorite person! I don't think you have anything to worry about with her. You can add some environmental enrichment things to help keep her occupied/ entertained, and this may help. See the following website for some great information that I think will really help you: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats Thanks for asking PetCoach!