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 Is My Cat Is Sitting Like a Person? Is That Normal?

Scottish fold cat sitting like a human

Most cat owners can agree that there’s never a dull moment in a feline household. No matter your cat’s personality, they’re always up to their brand of mischief or mayhem. Plus, they spend a lot of their time performing actions we think are hilarious.

While your cat probably does several things that give you the giggles, you might’ve snapped a couple of pictures of them sitting like a human. What makes a cat do this? We’re going to talk about this mannerism and what might be provoking it.

divider 3 paws

So, Your Cat Sits Like a Person

You might not think it’s normal for your cat to sit like a human, but they might disagree. So, here are a few potential reasons your cat loves the upright position.

1. Your Cat Might Be Mimicking You

cat sitting
Image Credit: Kirgiz03 , Pixabay

Your cat may just be doing what they see being done. This monkey-see monkey-do attitude creates certain behaviors that are direct recounting from you. We can’t be sure this is the real reason, but it’s certainly possible.

Just like our cats can sense our emotions, follow verbal or sign cues, and learn their names, they can also pick up on mannerisms. Humans sit up all the time. They see it as convenient for a few reasons. They repeat the action—it’s really that simple.

But don’t get too inflated—it may just as well have nothing to do with you. Let’s read more reasons.


2. Your Cat Is Grooming

If you were as flexible as a cat, you must admit that this would be a pretty good grooming position. Your cat might be sitting upright to get some spinal leverage to reach their belly. It might look hilarious, but the method is likely working for them.

No dingleberries today! Your cat can surely reach their private parts, taking care of their hygiene while leisurely licking while sitting up.


3. Your Cat Is Showing Trust

A fat cat sitting on the table
Image Credit: Сергей Корчанов, Pixabay

The belly is a very vulnerable part to show because it is the soft spot where all of your vital organs lie. For your cat, it’s the same.

If your cat is showing off their belly, it’s a surefire sign that they trust the people they’re around at that present time. Even if your cat is simply sitting up this way because it feels good to them, they would only show its belly if they did not feel a threat in any way.


4. Your Cat Is Too Toasty

Your cat might be getting a little too hot. Since cats don’t sweat like people do, they have to do things a little differently to regulate their body heat.

Sitting in an upright position like this allows their paws to rest off a floor surface so they can sweat through the glands in their feet as needed.

Cute cat sitting in bed
Image Credit: Nelson Agamata | Catster

divider 3 paws

Is This Normal?

Sitting up like a human can be very normal for some cats. This will depend on the cat itself, as all kitties have special quirks and personalities. Very rarely is this ever the sign of any serious problem. So if your kitty enjoys sitting this way, it’s not hurting them to do so.

Is it the best posture? Certainly not. But it likely isn’t a sign of a significant health issue. However, if you notice any accompanying changes in behavior, it’s worth a call to your vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

So now you know that cats can sit like humans for various reasons. Snap a few pictures whenever it happens to post to your latest Facebook story. Everyone can get a kick out of it, just like you do.

As we mentioned in the article, sitting like a human is not a cue to signal an alarming health concern, but you should always speak to your veterinarian if you sense a problem.

Related Reads: 


Featured Image Credit: zossia, Shutterstock

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

Are Venus Flytraps Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Getting new plants when you are a cat owner requires a bit of research beforehand. Many plants pose a potential threat of toxicity...

Do Cats Keep Bugs Away? Vet-Reviewed Facts

No matter your cat’s age, you’ve likely seen them pawing at a bug that slipped into your home through an open window or...

Can Cats Eat Oranges? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Oranges are sweet, tart, and tasty and one of the world’s most popular fruit. They can often be found in household fruit bowls,...

How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water: 14 Vet-Approved Tips

If you are a cat owner, you know that they love their treats and will magically appear whenever a treat bag rattles. They...

More related

250+ Mystical & Magical Cat Names for Supernatural Felines

Throughout history, cats have been associated with the mystical and supernatural. In a world where the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary...

Benefits of Going to a Pet Loss Support Group: 7 Ways They May Help

Losing a pet can be extremely difficult. They’re a part of our family and are often gone too soon. Pet loss doesn’t receive...

Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is also known as the pink polka dot plant, the measles plant, baby’s tears, or freckle face....

Can Cats Eat Bell Pepper? Our Vet Answers & Provides Safety Info

Bell peppers are a colorful staple in most kitchens. If you have a cat, they may be interested in the vegetable. So, during...

Keep reading

Do Maine Coons Get Along With Dogs? Our Vet Explains Cat Dog Socialization

If you haven’t met a Maine Coon, I can highly recommend it. Not only is their impressive size and stature hard to ignore, but their laid-back confidence makes them very easy to get along with. As one of the breeds...

Dogs and Maine Coon get along

Can Cats Eat Almond Butter? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

As a responsible pet owner, you want to be sure that almond butter is safe for your cat to eat before feeding some to them. The good news is that almond butter is not toxic for cats, but that doesn’t...

Can Cats Eat Almond Butter

Redford Naturals Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The store brand for Pet Supplies Plus, a national pet store chain, Redford Naturals, offers both wet and dry cat foods for owners who want the best for their pet but don’t necessarily want to break the bank...

Redford Naturals Cat Food Review

Are Polydactyl Cats Inbred? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats have various physical traits that make them unique. For example, some cats are short and squat, while others are long and slender. Some have big eyes, while others have small eyes. Some have long tails, while others have short...

polydactyl shy cat orange

5 Signs of Aggression in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Behavior Problems to Watch For

Aggression is a relatively common feline behavior problem, and it can have several causes, from pets getting a bit too carried away while playing to pain and fear. Feline aggression can be quite serious, it can cause injuries and make...

Scottish fold cat very angry and aggressive

10 Best Kitten Brushes of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Kittens, believe it or not, are delicate creatures, even if they somehow manage to get into trouble more than almost every other creature—usually in the space of just a few minutes. They are active, adorable, and sweet, and once you...

Domestic Long-haired kitten on the floor

Do Cats Get Lonely Without Other Cats? Vet-Reviewed Feline Social Behavior

If you live in a home with multiple cats, you know that despite a few disputes, they can get along quite well and even seem to be best friends in many cases. If one were to die sooner than the...

sad lonely cat lying on bed

Do Cats Have Eyebrows? Vet-Verified Feline Anatomy Explained

There are very few things funnier in this world than seeing a cat with eyebrows drawn onto it. Seeing eyebrows on a cat’s face just feels so out of place, and it adds a certain air of humanness to them....

Himalayan Cat's Face