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If you regularly spend days searching for just the right gift to celebrate your cat’s homecoming, every picture on your phone features your buddy, and you don’t like going on vacations that require you to leave your companion behind, the question, “Do I love my cat too much” may have crossed your mind once or twice.
While some may suggest the importance of “perspective” and “moderation,” the cat lovers of the universe know the beauty of going all out when it comes to celebrating, honoring, and hanging out with their companions.
While there may be things to worry about in life, loving your cat too much usually isn’t one of them, except perhaps in the circumstance where you’re trying to smother your cat when they’re not keen on it.
Can You Love Your Cat Too Much?
The fundamental question of loving one’s pet too much is a topic of considerable debate, mostly because there is no quantifiable way to know how much is “too much”. What some people might attribute as excessive affection might be perceived as normal by others. Likewise, the inverse is also true; what some perceive as not enough affection might be viewed as sufficient by others. Cultural perceptions, economical status, and past experiences also tend to shape the way people treat their pets.
Fundamentally, as long as you are not forcing love onto your cat to the point where it stresses them (such as trying to force them to cuddle when they’re clearly squirming to get away) is not considered a problem.
That being said, some aspects of affection are viewed as problematic because people believe that it can lead to issues such as a codependent cat and separation anxiety.
What About Cat Codependency?
Anecdotal evidence and claims seem to state that cat parents display various levels of affection toward their pets. Some have casual and distant relationships with their cats and don’t see them as part of their families. Others enjoy spending time with their cats and even chatting with them. Cats in these friendly relationships are often described as easy-going and some claims suggest that they are not inclined to become attached. However, feline personalities are complex, and therefore, this assumption is definitely not proven and cannot be considered factual.
Codependent relationships go both ways and involve strong bonds keenly felt by both humans and cats. Cats and their humans frequently get along well when both parties have similar expectations regarding contact and interaction.
Perhaps interestingly, an overattachment to one’s pet is seen as a negative sign of emotional and mental health in humans.1 As such, if you feel as though you’re codependent on your pet, you might want to consider seeking help if you think it will truly benefit you.
Cats can become attached to their owners as well to the point where it modifies their personality2 and in some cases this is considered a problem behavior.3 In such scenarios, professional help may need to be considered to help a codependent cat.
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What About Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety sometimes shows up when cats, particularly those who are very attached to their humans, have to spend time alone. The signs can include peeing and pooping outside of the litter box, excessive meowing, and destructive behavior. However none of these signs are unique to separation anxiety in cats, and therefore, they should be interpreted with caution (and ideally by a professional).
How Can I Keep My Cat Happy When I’m Not Around?
Giving cats the option for activities to keep them occupied can sometimes help in instances of mild separation anxiety in cats. Consider the following options.
Consider Interactive Toys
Consider stocking up on plenty of interactive toys so your cat can enjoy self-motivated solo play when you’re not around. Toys may encourage them to spend more time playing, and physical activity is great for their mental and physical well-being.
Scratching Posts and Perches
Scratching posts and places to hang out above it all are huge when it comes to creating cat-friendly environments. Puzzle feeders filled with treats can keep cats busy going after goodies while you’re taking care of things away from home. If you’re looking for extra credit in the enrichment department, put a cat tree (or something similar) in front of a window so your companion can enjoy watching what’s going on outside.
Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive. At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
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Great for Exercise
Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
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Encourages Self-Play
Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
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Seek Professional Advice
Keep in mind that more advanced stages of separation anxiety or other behavior issues in cats often do warrant professional advice, diagnosis, and intervention. If enriching your cat’s environment isn’t doing the trick, consider seeking help from such professionals.
Also remember that many health issues in cats can lead to undesirable behavior and as such, you should also have your cat looked over by your veterinarian if you suddenly find yourself observing a marked change in their behavior.
Conclusion
While you may occasionally wonder if you love your cat too much, rest assured that this is one situation you just don’t have to worry about. While it may be possible for people to have codependent relationships with their cats, it’s usually not an issue when both parties are okay with the level of attachment and the interactions that occur.
You don’t have to change anything as long as you and your cat are happy and healthy. You can continue showing your cat how much you care with the snuggles, the pictures, the cuddles, the treats, and the play sessions.
Featured Image Credit: Wanwajee Weeraphukdee, Shutterstock
