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Why Do Cats Sit On You? 6 Common Reasons

Written by: Chantelle Fowler

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat lying on woman's lap

Why Do Cats Sit On You? 6 Common Reasons

Any cat owner can tell you that there’s no greater feeling than when their cat climbs onto their lap. Cats are known to be aloof and independent, so when your little fur ball sits on you, it can feel like you’re the chosen one. Though you’re probably on cloud nine when your cat chooses your lap to be their hangout, you’re probably wondering why they sit there when you’ve spent hundreds of dollars cultivating a pet-friendly environment full of cat trees, beds, and other cozy features like blankets.

Read on to learn six common reasons that your cat sits on you (Spoiler: number five is so heart-warming).

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The 6 Reasons That Cats Sit On You

1. Affection

Perhaps the most common reason your kitties sneak up into your lap every chance they get is because they want to give and receive affection. Though cats have a bad reputation for being aloof and uncaring, most owners know this isn’t the case for most cats. Your cat wants to get up close and personal with you to show that they love and appreciate you.

cat resting withowner on sofa at home
Image Credit: U_Photo, Shutterstock

2. Warmth

Cats are known for seeking warmth. This may be due in part to your cat’s wild ancestors. Cats are descendants of wild cats from extremely toasty desert climates, so they often thrive in heat. You’ve likely noticed your kitty following a sunbeam on your floor or lying on top of your heat vents in the winter. Your lap isn’t only a great place to give and get affection but also to receive the warmth your kitty seeks out daily.


3. Safety

Though you know your cat is safe in the comfort of your home, they don’t always realize that. Your kitties may be choosing to sit on your lap simply because it provides them with a place where they can finally feel safe. Cats instinctually prefer resting places where they’ll feel secure and protected from potential predators, and there is no better place to be protected than on the lap of their loving owner. They know that you’ll be there to chase away any predators if they come about.

Cat Man Tattoo Sitting Owner
Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

4. Possession

Cats rely quite a bit on their sense of smell as a way to communicate with the world around them. You’ve likely seen your kitty rubbing their face on objects around your home and have probably even been the recipient of a face rub now and then. This activity deposits your pet’s pheromones and marks the object (or person) as “theirs”. When your cat sits on you, they could be marking ownership of you.


5. Comfort

Your body may provide comfort and be soothing for your kitty, just as your cats’ purrs are calming and relaxing for you. Between your body heat, a familiar scent, the sound of your voice, and the rhythmic beating of your heart, it’s not hard to see why your lap would become a comforting place for your pet.

Domestic-cat-lying-on-owners-lap
Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock

6. Breed

While each individual kitty comes with their own personality traits, some breeds are known for their particularly cuddly tendencies. Persians, Ragdolls, Siamese, and Tonkinese cats typically make fantastic lap cats, though this isn’t always the case. A cat’s breed doesn’t 100% dictate their end personality, but it can certainly impact it.

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What if My Cat Doesn’t Sit on Me?

If your cat doesn’t sit on you, try not to take it too personally. It doesn’t mean they don’t like you; some just simply aren’t wired to become snuggly lap cats. That doesn’t mean they won’t change their stance throughout the duration of their lives, though. They may surprise you one day by climbing into your lap when you least expect it.

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Final Thoughts

Cats will cozy onto their owner’s lap for many different reasons, but if your kitty chooses to sit on you, one thing is clear: they love and appreciate your presence. Whether they’re using your body for comfort, warmth, or security, consider it an honor as your sweet pet has chosen you to be their person. However, if your kitty is more likely to choose your sofa or their cat bed over your lap, don’t take it too personally. There are plenty of other ways you can bond with your pet.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

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