Cat meowing and attention seeking 24/7. Please help.

I have a male ginger tabby, he's about 2 yrs old now. He used to live with me with my parents and their two cats, but moved with me into my new apartment about a month ago.

He meows and/or cries constantly. I dont know what he wants because he has everything he needs, food, water, clean litterbox, toys, a big window to look out of.

I think its attention seeking but nothing seems to work, I play with him every chance I can but its not enough. Not only that but he plays up when my attention is turned to something other than him. He'll claw at my clothes on my rail, jump on the counter, claw at the net curtains and knock things over. He knows hes being naughty but does it for attention because then I'll shout or something.

I need some advice because I'm at the end of my tether

Did your move involve changing him from being an outdoor/indoor to indoor only cat?  He might want out.  However, it also seems he could miss his cat buddies and your parents.  He was part of a big group, now it's just the two of you. 

I had a ginger tabby once, so have a special soft spot for these guys.  I once read they are especially affectionate.  That was certainly true of Milo.  He wanted to be with me all the time although once he grew older, he was less demanding and just spent a lot of time asleep on my lap.   But he used to wait by my 2nd floor apartment door and when he heard me open the building door downstairs, he would start pounding on the door with both paws.  I couldn't even take time to check my mail, he got so frantic for me to come up.  And he had another cat to keep him company.

Which brings up the thing that might help most.  Another cat.    This is pretty soon after your move, but if it is an option, you might consider it.

He misses his friends. It will take time for him to adjust.

We're there any items from the other house you can bring over? Certain cat toys, a blanket with the smells he's familiar with?

Margd said:

 
I had a ginger tabby once, so have a special soft spot for these guys.  I once read they are especially affectionate.  That was certainly true of Milo.  He wanted to be with me all the time.

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This sounds just like my boy. I think he suffers from some separation anxiety. Like your Milo he wants to be with me constantly, which just isn't possible.

I understand that he's missing the other cats and having other people around, but it's been a month, shouldn't he be starting to settle now or am I being ignorant?

With regards to going outside, we let him out the window at the weekend and he had a wonder around and then just came back. He didn't go out again or cry or scratch at the window to go back out. He didn't seem that interested. He's always preferred being indoors.

What should I do to stop the constant meowing and attention seeking or is it just a waiting game?

You could be right about the separation anxiety. He is not just missing his former friends and home, he might be afraid you will disappear on him, too.

I have never used the Feliway products but a lot of people highly recommend them. Actually I gather from reading this site that there are many ways to calm a cat - hopefully someone who has actual experience will reply.

Other than Feliway, all I can think of is to provide him with as much attention as you can, knowing this has to be a finite amount. A month really does not seem that long to be adjusting.

I've tried Feliway on him briefly in the past when he was a kitten, I can't remember exactly what for or what the outcome was but I seem to remember reading that you need a diffuser in every room in order for it to work properly and it's quite expensive to buy. However if things don't improve it'll be worth the money. I think I'll give it another month or so and if things haven't improved I'll buy some Feliway.

Like you said if someone has any experience in this sort of thing though it'd be great to hear your advice too   

Another idea - it might be worth a trip to the vet.  I know sometimes they'll prescribe medication to calm a cat down.  Probably worth making sure everything is okay anyway. 

Good luck with him.  Poor guy having such a hard time.  And poor you driven to distraction by his demands!

Yeah it might be worth getting him checked out.

Thanks for all of your advice! Hopefully things will settle down soon

A vet visit can't hurt....

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But what i've done and do when this TYPE of behavior happens....  

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Kitty needs PLAY  TIME..........................

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I have laser pens. GREEN, RED....  ONE on ONE PLAY TIME....  AND a climbing aparatus... MAYBE look into getting a cool fort, something your BABY can climb and nestle into... BUT play time at the same time every day after work or whatever BUT like feed time CATS know what TIME IT IS!

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I have a big TOM CAT that play time involves a leather work glove and some temptations treats or fresh cat nip leaves...  


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THEY need, atleast for my BABIES, playtime and their own scratcher - a tree stand they can climb... Oh oh and lots of LOVE from their Guardian...  cause thats what you are to them, NO MATTER WHAT... hope this helps..

Gesseppe said:

 
Play time at the same time every day after work

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This is actually a great idea, if I can build a daily routine of playtime for him at the same time everyday he might start to feel more fulfilled. I'm surprised I've not already thought of this to be honest! I'll definitely give this a go and see how we get on!

Amazon.com has great deals on Felliway diffuser refills.  I have just one going downstairs in my house and it seems to help my very finicky/stressed out cat.  He wants me to constantly be his cushion.  He wants to be on my lap if I am sitting or lying on me if I am sleeping.  I am not sure how you make a cat less needy of you.  But I think the Felliway has helped him--but it took weeks of it being on the diffuser before I started to see results.  I didn't think it was working at first, but think it is effective now.