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

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

Fur Goodness Sake – A Welcome, But Well-Overdue Change Fur Good

They say that a leopard cannot change its spots, but thanks to a landmark vote in Poland, they can feel a little more...

3 Homemade Cat Gravy Recipes: Vet Approved Healthy Options

Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need nutrients only found in animal products for a complete diet—including animal protein and fat. Cats are...

10 Springtime Hazards Cat Owners Need to Be Aware of (Vet Approved)

There is no more exciting time of year than spring. The snow is melting, buds are starting to appear on the trees, and...

10 DIY Cat Games To Keep Your Kitty Busy (With Videos)

Providing enrichment for your cat is essential to giving it the best care possible. Toys and games keep cats entertained and minimize destructive...

More related

Cat Splashes Water Out of the Bowl: 5 Vet-Verified Reasons & How to Stop It

While the behavior can be frustrating due to the mess, your cat splashing their water out of their water bowl and all over...

How to Approach a Scared Kitten: 6 Steps & Tips

Finding a scared kitten can throw anyone off guard, leaving you wondering what to do and how to help. Many factors and scenarios...

8 Types of Siamese Cats: Colors, Variations, Pictures, Traits & Facts

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest breeds in existence. Dating back hundreds of years in Thailand, there is mention of cats...

Why Are Some Cats So Fractious During Vet Visits? Our Vet Explains

For many cats and their owners, a visit to the vet is a very stressful experience. Some cats do not mind the trip...

Keep reading

Bald Spots on Cats: 10 Vet-Verified Causes & Treatment Options

One feature synonymous with cats, the hairless breeds notwithstanding, is a soft and fluffy coat. So if your feline has developed a bald spot, we need to find out the cause and get on top of treating the problem. The...

cat with bald spot on neck

Why Does My Cat Burrow Under Blankets? 7 Vet-Verified Reasons

Kitties have some pretty interesting mannerisms. They’re always doing some quirky behavior that, as humans, we can barely understand. If you have a cat that likes to tunnel or weave underneath your blankets, you might wonder what would prompt this—because...

Cat hiding under the blanket

How to Stop a Cat From Climbing a Tree: 8 Methods & Safety Tips

Cats are renowned for their agility. In fact, due to their anatomy adapting to their hunting activities, cats are among the most flexible mammals in the world. They are also natural-born climbers1. While climbing is a favorite activity of domestic...

tuxedo cat on tree

How Much Does a Cat Blood Test Cost? 2025 Pricing Guide

If the vet recommends blood tests, it’s easy to get confused about their purpose. After all, there are many types of blood tests, and on the patient’s end, they all look the same. The vet draws a bit of blood...

blood samples in test tubes

How to Get Cats to Get Along: 9 Tips & Tricks

Getting a new cat seems like a great idea. You’ll have a new pet to love and care for, and your current kitty will have a new friend to nap and play with. However, some cats don’t get along. Instead...

young woman introducing two cats with each other

6 Best Online Vet Services in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Veterinary care has come a long way over the years. The pandemic propelled telemedicine for people and pets. It allowed everyone to have access to care without the risk of getting sick, all from the comfort of our own homes....

woman holding out her phone to a cat

9 Foods With Potassium for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Advice

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain a healthy heart, muscles, and neurological function. Without potassium, a cat’s body would be completely out of whack. Thankfully, potassium is abundant in several food sources, even for an obligate carnivore. In...

cat eating canned tuna

Can Kittens Climb Stairs? Early Development & Safety Info (Vet-Verified)

Often, kittens are too small to climb stairs easily, but it depends on the kittens and the stairs. Carpeted stairs are easier for kittens to climb since they can use their claws to climb up. Indeed, climbing is very easy...

Cute tabby and white kitten asleep at bottom of grey carpeted stairs