Why won’t my cat leave my room? And I can’t figure out why. Is he sick? How can I get him to go home? These are questions cat owners and even pet sitters have asked, so we’ll do our best to give you 10 possible explanations for why your cat will not leave your room and what you can do about it!
Possible explanation #1: You’re not feeding her enough
Cats are generally very self-sufficient creatures, but they still need some human contact to keep them healthy. The most common reason your cat might stay in your room is that she’s not getting enough food. Cats do not always eat as much as we think they need, leading to weight loss and hunger-induced anxiety. If you’re worried about your cat’s eating habits, talk with your vet about how often you should feed her and what the proper serving size should be.
Possible explanation #2:It’s instinctual
Cats are naturally curious, so they will explore their environment to discover what’s new. Cats also like to leave their scent on the places they visit and make sure the place smells like them. If your cat has a litter box in your room, she may want to keep it nearby, or she might be marking her territory (cats usually do this by spraying). When cats feel safe and secure in a space, they won’t want to leave. They’ll follow you as you move around the house because that’s how they know where home is – by following their human family members.
Possible explanation #3: There’s something outside she sees as a threat
3. There’s something outside she sees as a threat
Cats have empathetic hearing, so if you hear a noise like an animal or person, your cat could be scared of it. You might want to close the door and windows to see if the sound goes away or get an idea of what’s happening outside. If you find a specific animal or person making noise outside your home, try calling them and asking them to stop.
Possible explanation #4: She’s in heat
Female cats, or queens, will go into heat roughly every two weeks and stay in heat for three to seven days. During this time, they will display behavioral and physical signs of being in heat. Symptoms include restlessness, dilated pupils, vocalization (miaowing), rubbing her face against people and objects, frequent urination, and lack of appetite. The queen’s vulva will also swell during this time.
Possible explanation #5: She has fleas
The most common reason a cat will not go into a different part of the house is fleas in that area. Cats can become allergic to fleas, which will cause them to spend most of their time in one room. You should also check for other signs of flea infestation, such as biting or scratching from your pet.
Checking for Fleas in Your Home To find out if your pet has fleas, gently comb the fur on their back and look for tiny black specks called flea dirt or fecal matter. If you find any black marks or spots on their skin, they will likely have fleas, and you’ll need to take care of the problem immediately.
Possible explanation #6: She’s marking her territory
If your cat is a female and over three months of age, she may be trying to stake her claim on your territory. This behavior typically manifests as urinating outside the litter box to mark her scent. The best way to deal with this problem is to completely clean out the litter box (and any other areas where your cat has been marked) so that there’s no urine or feces left for her to smell. You can also talk with your vet about using an enzymatic cleaner to break down the urine and feces so that it smells less like cat pee. You’ll need to continue cleaning up after your kitty every day until she stops marking, but once she realizes she isn’t getting anywhere, it should stop on its own.
Possible explanation #7: Cats are territorial
Cats are naturally territorial animals; they see your room as their territory. Cats have a built-in instinct to protect their environment, which includes their human room. They are also territorial and don’t like it when other animals or people invade their space.
If the other animal in the home stresses out your cat, she may be trying to get away from that animal by hiding in your bedroom. If you can, remove the other animal from your house for at least two weeks so that your cat has time to adjust. During this time, spend more time with her and ensure she has plenty of food and water. In addition, please give her a new place to sleep on her terms so that she feels secure in her territory again.
Possible explanation #8: Your scent
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell that is much stronger than humans. Because of this, your scent will linger in the room long after you leave. Cats also form strong emotional attachments to their owners and may want to be near you to get comfort when feeling anxious or lonely. This can lead to them sitting on your lap or lying on the bed while you watch TV at night. Finally, cats are territorial animals, and they might not want another animal entering what they see as their space. If none of these reasons seem a good fit for your cat’s behavior, consult a veterinarian or pet behaviorist for more ideas!
Possible explanation #9:She may be sick.
Most cats are only sick for a few days. If your cat has been in the room for more than two weeks, this could be a sign of an illness. There are many possible reasons why your cat may not want to leave the room. It may have been feeling too hot or too cold, it might have had a stressful experience, or it could be in pain and needs medical attention. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any strange behavior or if your cat is exhibiting any illness.
I have a theory that your cat may be sick. One of the most common reasons cats spend more time in their human’s room is that they don’t feel well. Cats are very in tune with their bodies, so if they’re not feeling well, they will probably want to stay closer to you. Various illnesses can cause this behavior, but it would be best to consult a vet and figure out what is going on ASAP!
Possible explanation #10: It could be environmental stressors
Cats are sensitive animals, and settling into a new environment can take a while. If you’ve just moved, your cat may be stressed by unfamiliar surroundings and smells. He could also feel anxious about being left alone in a strange place and is trying to use his room as his little safe space.
It could also be that your cat isn’t used to sharing her space with another animal – or has never been around other cats. It might take some time for them to get used to one another, but they’ll eventually figure out who belongs and stop fighting over territory.