Possible separation anxiety?

I'm a little worried about my 4-month old tortoiseshell moggie, Mei. On the whole, she's absolutely amazing. She's very affectionate and talkative, very much that tortie "pretty princess" personality.

Now, there are a few things I'm starting to get worried about. I'm not a first-time cat owner, I've had them my whole life and I've never experienced anything like this before with any of my other kittens. I'm starting to fear she might suffer from separation anxiety. I've always thought that it's OK to separate a kitten from its mother at around 8 weeks of age, but now I keep reading it should be at least 12. She was just over 8 weeks when I brought her home, she's an only cat. Can this have had a negative effect on her, to the point of the behaviour she's showing? I'm not exactly sure what to make of it.

On the flip side of being talkative, she is also extremely whiny, and downright howls if there are ever any doors between her and me. I'm also worried about her sleeping "habits". She refuses to sleep anywhere that's more than a few feet away from me, preferably on top/next to me. If she happens to be sleeping in the bed or on the sofa next to my desk, about 90% of the time whenever I get up, she will wake up and follow me. Upon leaving the house I will distract her with a treat and sneak out quickly. She's pretty much always on the bed when I get back, so most likely sleeping when I'm away. She's strictly and indoor cat, I've considered harness training but I've put that on hold for the time being.

On a more positive note, she's never had any problems with the litter box, or had any potty accidents. She grooms normally, eats just fine and has a lot of energy (climbing curtains is her favourite thing to do, much to my chagrin).

Should I be worried about her being essentially a giant baby still? Is this something that might settle down with age or when I have her spayed?

Hi and welcome to the site

It's sounds like you have a clingy kitty, what is known as a "Velcro cat" :lol3: than opposed to a more aloof independent cat.

There are two types of clingy cat - needy or demanding
One is needy due being nervous and insecure. These clingy or needy cats may need you for comfort or support. For example, a clingy cat may not eat unless you’re near. They may spend their day as your quiet shadow and cry out when they’re scared or need your help. Clingy or needy cats may have little confidence, whereas demanding cats may have too much confidence.

Demanding cats are likely “in-your-face,” pushy cats. They’re the ones that jump first into your lap. They’ll yell at you when it’s time for food. They’ve learned that being demanding, usually by meowing or dominating your space, can get them what they want.

Could this perhaps be a tortie thing?  I rescued a tortie at 5 months of age and she was my little shadow for a good long time.  She's far more independent now, five years later, but she still follows me around like a dog at times, wanting to observe what I'm up to and "help" if possible    She didn't tolerate doors gladly, either, as a kitten.  She needed to be able to keep an eye on me.  It does get frustrating at times, but they definitely outgrow it.  The curtain climbing thing, too!

If you're worried about her getting into trouble when you're away, or just concerned about her feeling lonely, you could maybe leave a couple of puzzle toys filled with toys and/or treats to occupy her.  There are puzzle feeders and then there are the box-with-holes type of toys that can be filled with anything.  You can make one pretty easily, too: http://www.hauspanther.com/2014/02/05/diy-cat-puzzle-toy-box/

Good luck!

Not really a tortie thing. My Psy

Beautiful Psy    It's remarkable how profoundly they can touch our lives.