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 Your Cat Sit on Things You Are Using? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Share

cat-books-Unsplash-photo-1627308722931-0e6a1214c03e

What is the deal with your cat sitting on things you are using? There are countless videos on social media of individuals trying to work on the computer or read a book and their cat just wants to use it as a resting place. So, what gives?

Here are four possible reasons your cat would rather sit on whatever object you are using rather than anything or anywhere else in the house.

divider 2 cats

The 4 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat Sits on Things You Are Using

1. It Smells Like You

Cats have a powerful sense of smell. They also know and seek your scent, as it’s familiar. In fact, their sense of smell is believed to be around 14 times more sensitive than that of humans, and they rely on it when exploring their environment.

When your cat sits on something you are using, it may be because the scent is stronger on the things you are using now. Since the items you use will smell like you, it is a happy, comforting place for them.

So, in the future, when your cat is annoying you and climbing on whatever you are using, remember that they may just want to feel safe and cuddle with you.

Cat-smelling-laundry-basket
Image Credit: jajam_e, Shutterstock

2. Your Cat Is Being Territorial

One thing is certain: cats are territorial and known to mark. Since cats have scent glands in their feet and on their faces, they may climb on and rub on anything they want to mark. When they climb on the things you are using, they leave their pheromones on the items to mark them as their territory and claim them as their own, making them smell familiar and reassuring.

Cats rely on their scent for boundaries and a way of knowing that something is safe. Over time, as the scent fades, the cat will continue to mark it to feel safe and to let other cats know it belongs to you, or, we mean, your cat!


3. Your Cat Wants Your Attention

Have you ever noticed that they always want your attention when your focus is on something else? They do not want to share you with other things, so they will purposely climb on your computer or book. It is not a fluke that they end up landing on whatever it is that you are touching or looking at. It is a purposeful act, and it is their way of letting you know your attention needs to be on them and not the object on which you are working.

When we give them attention by cuddling them or moving them from the spot they occupied, we may reinforce this behavior further, so make sure to try and ignore your cat, as hard as that is, when they’re doing something to get your attention.

woman working on her laptop with her cat
Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock

4. A Warm Place to Land

Cats love to hang out in places that are warm. When you are holding things in your hands, like your laptop, for instance, it will make the surface warm. Your cat finds these objects to be the perfect place to get warm and cozy.

So, once again, the next time you get frustrated because your cat is sitting on the object you are using, remember that it may be looking to keep its temperature up.

Cats are intriguing animals who sometimes have odd interests and indulge in unusual behavior. Understanding them might be tough but providing a toy that fosters their instinctual needs and curiosities is simple.The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher encourages playtime and offers a cat-appropriate place to scratch. 

Hepper Hi-Lo Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Real...
  • Premium Materials - Hepper's cardboard scratcher is made with dense, B-flute cardboard, and a metal...
  • High, Low and Lower - A single cat scratch pad won't keep your cat engaged. 3 unique positions keeps...
  • Activates Muscles - The Hi Lo isn't just a cat nail file to stop the chief cat couch scratcher. The...

It’s unique 3-position design and cardboard scratch pad allow your cat to explore different levels, improves their health, satisfies natural feline impulses, and deters your cat from delving into places they should not. Show your cat how much you love and appreciate their quirks by gifting them the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

Yes, cat owners will laugh and make jokes about how their cats will do things to purposely annoy them. Climbing on the objects they are using is one of those things. As you can see, there may be legitimate “cat” reasons for this behavior. Our favorite is that they just want to be close to you!

See also: 


Featured Image Credit: 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

72 Dead – Another Nail in the Coffin of Tiger Tourism

Graceful, fearsome, and powerful, the majestic tiger may not be the “king of the jungle” but perhaps should enjoy the position of queen....

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat is Dependant on Treats! (March 16, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

What Feral Cats Actually Need From the People Who Feed Them

Feral cats are everywhere. Slipping between parked cars, darting under porches, appearing briefly at dusk before vanishing again. Most people see them, feel...

Capturing Catstanbul

Istanbul – famous for its bustling markets, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, there is one more feature of this Mediterranean capital that deserves...

More related

How to Introduce a Cat to a New Litter Box (7 Vet-Approved Tips)

There are several possible reasons you might need to switch up your cat’s litter box. Perhaps they have outgrown their present one, are...

Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up at Night? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Solutions

Cats can have annoying habits, like scratching the furniture and climbing above the cabinets, but one of the most annoying has to be...

Why Do Cats Like Bread So Much? 4 Possible Reasons & Vet-Approved Alternatives

Cats are interesting and unique, and what attracts some cats might not be another cat’s “cup of catnip tea.” Anecdotally, some cats seem...

How to Train Your Cat to Be a Therapy Cat: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips

It’s no state secret that cats make us feel good. Why else would we keep them and watch hours and hours of funny...

Keep reading

Does UV Light Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness, Safety & Alternatives

Fleas are pernicious little parasites, and it can be hard to get rid of them on your cat. This fact has given rise to the rumor of UV light killing fleas, but is it true? UV light can technically kill...

Lamp ultra violet

9 Best Wet Cat Foods in Canada in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

For most of us, cats are part of the family, and we treat them accordingly. Likewise, not much is more important than feeding our cats the right type of food. Wet cat food recipes are formulated to match the cat’s...

Cat-eating-wet-food-from-white-bowl-on-wooden-floor

Why Do Cats Pee on the Couch? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons & Solutions

Cats naturally take to litter boxes very well, so it’s alarming when they stop using the litter box and suddenly your cat keeps peeing on the couch. Improper urination on furniture is sadly quite common, and it doesn’t help matters...

White cat standing infront of his pee in the couch

What Shots Do Kittens Need? Vet-Reviewed Schedule, Facts & FAQ

Kittens need several vaccinations to protect them from infectious diseases. All kittens are susceptible to these diseases, no matter what their breed is. Therefore, these vaccinations are highly recommended and a part of most kitten’s early vet care. Let’s look...

vet giving kitten vaccine

10 Fascinating Vet-Reviewed Facts About Polydactyl Cats (With Pictures)

Polydactylism is when an animal has a higher-than-usual number of fingers and toes. It is actually surprisingly common in some animals, including cats. While cats usually have five toes on each of their front feet and four toes on their...

cute little paws of a polydactyl cat

My Older Cat Is Playing Rough With My Cat, Is That Normal? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats seemingly never grow up. Even the eldest of cats is known to have a little fun now and then, swatting a fly or two when relaxing outside. Play is intrinsic in cats, and for good reason. It helps cats...

cats playing outside the house

5 Types of Superfoods for Cats: Vet-Approved Foods to Benefit Their Health

There are various superfoods for cats that are available to help improve their diet and replenish their body with much-needed vitamins and minerals. Many of these superfoods are easy to access and can be found at most grocery or health...

top view of a cream maine coon cat eating dry and wet pet food from feeding dish

How to Tell if a Cat Is Spayed: 4 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look

It’s sometimes hard for new cat owners to know whether their new female feline is spayed or not. For those uninitiated into the wonders of cat ownership, spaying refers to a surgery in which your female cat’s interior sex organs...

sick cat wearing cone inside the clinic

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.