Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Does My Cat Lie on Top of My Laptop? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

A white-coated cat lying on an hp laptop

Any of us who share our lives and homes with a cat knows that they’re the real ruler of the roost. Enjoying a glass of water? There’s going to be a paw in it. Growing a gorgeous new houseplant? Those leaves are going to get chewed on. Coming home from a long day at work? You’re going to get a death glare unlike any you’ve encountered before. Own a laptop? There will be a warm, furry loaf of purrs curled up on it at every opportunity—whether open or closed.

People tend to see a lot of human behaviors in their pets that might not necessarily be there. Our cats don’t imitate us as much as we might like them to, but there are some plausible reasons why they gravitate toward our laptops so often. Read on to learn about three common reasons.

divider 3 paws

The 3 Reasons Why Cats Like to Lie Down on Laptops

A Note From Our Veterinarian

The following reasons are plausible thoughts of the author. They may or may not apply to your cat. Ultimately, it’s important to keep in mind that cats do have individual personalities, which may influence why they behave the way they do.

1. Cats Enjoy Height and Proximity to Intriguing Things

Cats are nothing if not wily and practical beings. If you’ve ever watched a cat triangulate the location of a spider crossing the minefield of your living room, you’d know they’re capable of making some slick decisions.

Most times, laptops rest on an elevated surface, like a table, desk, or bed. The laptop offers a defined place to take a load off and a strategic vantage point. They can see who’s coming or going, peek out a window, or knock some pens on the floor—just for kicks.

cat sitting on a silver laptop
Image by: Simon Hrozian, Unsplash

2. Cats Enjoy Warmth

Cats often love seeking out warm spots. For some cats, this might involve sitting near a window. Others might get more creative. Considering how warm laptops can get, most cats will gladly situate themselves right on the keyboard any chance they get. For cats, finding a warm laptop to lie on is like finding that perfect sleeping situation at night—cuddled up in your fluffy duvet, with the cool side of the pillow.


3. Cats Enjoy Human Connection

Though they may not show it all the time, many cats carry a deep affection for their humans. With that affection, comes the desire to be the center of our world—even at the most inconvenient times. We’ve all seen those cute little paws poking underneath the bathroom door when it’s closed!

When the laptop is out, it usually means we’re focused on something other than them for a few hours, which can be a source of adorable conflict for our feline friends. By positioning themselves on the laptop, cats are wisely making themselves available for the chin scratches and belly rubs they love to get. By lying on your laptop, your cat is demanding to stay the center of your attention.

woman in red sweater watching laptop beside white cat
Image by: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

In conclusion, we already knew that cats were intelligent, discerning, and captivating little creatures. Do cats want to achieve world domination? Probably. Do they want to dominate the home they share with you? Absolutely. But only in the most loving way possible.

There are some physical and emotional reasons why cats gravitate toward laptops. In all probability, they just want to be comfortable, while taking over our space bubbles as much as possible. Since many of us are glued to a laptop for much of the day, it makes sense that our favorite felines are as drawn to our technology as we are.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: Tra My, Unsplash

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

11 Amazing Ragdoll Cat Facts: Surprising Things You’ll Love to Learn

Some cat lovers want a pet with the cutest looks, while others only care about their cat’s personality. But if you want the...

Do Cats Scratch Velvet? Vet-Verified Facts & Scratching Advice

We’ve all been sitting on the couch while watching TV, only to hear the sound of fabric ripping. You’ve probably done everything in...

Burmese Cat Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? Vet-Reviewed Info

Burmese cats are known for their social, adventurous, and playful nature. They have an average lifespan of 10-16 years, but depending on the...

Why Does My Cat Go into Another Room and Meow? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats meow as a means of communication with others, with us, and to express their internal states, which can make us think that...

More related

Spay & Neuter Awareness Month: How & When Is It Celebrated?

February is spay and neuter month. During this month, many pet organizations promote spaying and neutering your pets to avoid overpopulation. Furthermore, spaying...

10 Best Cat Grooming Gloves in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have tried to pin your cat down and run a comb through their fur to help clean them, remove dead fur,...

Weaning Kittens: Vet-Reviewed Guide for How & When to Do It

At some point, all mammals need to be weaned. Transitioning kittens from nursing to eating solid food is a messy, fun experience. To...

What States Allow Online Vet Prescriptions? (2025 Guide)

Since the pandemic, people have turned to virtual meetings, online grocery ordering, and even virtual doctors’ appointments. Many virtual platforms have allowed for...

Keep reading

Smalls Cat Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

Fresh, meat-based foods are all the rage in the dog world right now. But what about cats? While dogs have adapted to eating a variety of plant and animal foods, cats remain obligate carnivores. This means they require a meat-based...

CAT_SAPR_Smalls Cat Food

Can Cats Eat Just Wet Food? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats are curious creatures known for their unique personalities, occasional mischievous behavior, and dietary needs. As such, there is a lot of debate about what types of foods are best for cats. One of the most pressing questions is whether...

Can Cats Eat Just Wet Food

Can Cats Eat Fritos? Vet-Approved Alternatives & Risks

Our cats love getting into all kinds of goodies in the home. Fritos might be an odd request for most cats, but some cats may be attracted to the salty snack. If you find that your cat is drawn to...

Can Cats Eat Fritos

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Recommendations

There’s quite a bit of controversy today concerning whether or not cats should eat raw meat. In the wild, cats of old would capture their prey and eat them on the spot. What about after thousands of years of domestication?...

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken

Is It True That All Cats Spray? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Even though all cats have the ability to spray, not all of them do it. This is good news for cat owners. You may have a cat that never sprays at all. Spraying means the cat backs up against a...

tabby cat spraying outdoors to mark territory

Can Cats Eat Nuts? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Cats can enjoy eating many different kinds of foods. With that being said, cat owners must still be mindful of what types of food and treats their cats eat because certain foods can still be bad for cats, even if...

Can Cats Eat Nuts

Can Cats Have Down Syndrome? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect both cats and people: Cancer, influenza, and even the plague have all been found in both humans and their pets. With that in mind, it’s worth asking: Can cats have Down...

female veterinarian examining cat on the table

Why Is My Cat Limping All of a Sudden? 7 Possible Reasons

Cats communicate differently than humans, so it’s helpful to observe and get to know your cat’s behavior. Understanding how your cat acts can help you catch any inconsistencies that point to underlying health concerns. If you notice that your cat’s...

calico cat standing up on hind legs