Crying cat

Question
Hi! I was recently given a lovely 5 year old Ragdoll female cat. She previously lived in an outside cattery with other cats (she was given to me by a breeder). I have had Millie for two weeks and my question concerns her behaviour. Basically, when ever i am home she constantly follows me around meowing. She also tries to paw me and constantly tries to jump in my lap whenever i sit down. She also cires outside the door whenever i have a bath or shower. Millie is a beautiful cat but i do wish she was less dependent on me. I worry about her being on her own in my house all day (especially as she was previously outside and with other cats) - i am concerned she is not happy, despute the fact i have bought her a scratching post, a few toys, a bed and she is obviously well fed/watered. I also put aside evening time on the couch where she sits on my lap and i brush her (which she loves) this cat seems to only be happy when with me / on my lap. I am reluctant to let her go outside due to the fact ragdolls are inside cats and also because i worry something may happen to her. I live in a house, on my own block (fenced and gated) far from the road, but obviously worry about her jumping the fence, as theres dogs on all sides and ragdolls are not known for their street smartness.. This is my first cat and i really want her to be happy. What can i do?

Answer
It does sound as though she is rather dependent.  This can possibly be a result of the fact that she was used used to a multi-cat situation previously.  There are a few things that you could try if she does not adjust to this change.

Environmental Enrichment: Keep Millie busy with interactive toys, food hunts, video entertainment and the like.  Boredom can be a cause of behavioral problems.

Outdoor Time:  Since Millie was used to being outdoors she may miss the stimulation that provides.  There are several sites that sell outdoor enclosures, based on netting that would allow her to experiences the sights, sounds and smells of being outside while not allowed to wander.

Additional Cat: The best interaction of course comes from other living beings in the environment.  She has obviously bonded to you.  You may find that a second cat would provide her companionship and a more balanced dynamic where she is not as dependent upon you.

Humble apologies for the delayed response.  A family illness had kept me away for a time.