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.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Vets Urge Owners: Don’t Ignore Sweet Smell Coming From Cats

Cats are not particularly known for having a pleasant aroma. The occasional whiff of fishy cat breath and that unmistakable post-litter-box scent simply...

“A Cat Spay Costs How Much???”

America has a kitten problem. Every day, thousands of cats and kittens are abandoned, surrendered, or discarded. Those who are lucky enough to...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Is Seeking My Attention! (June 15, 2026)

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

Everything I Need to Know About Cartoon Comedy, I Learned From My Pets

If you’ve ever looked at your cat doing something ridiculous and thought, “There has to be a joke in that somewhere,” Scott Metzger...

More related

Can I Crate My Cat During the Day? Vet-Approved Tips & FAQ

If your cat gets into trouble when left home alone, you might be desperate for a solution, especially if they’re prone to destructive...

How To Reduce Cat Shedding: 7 Proven Methods

Unless you have a hairless breed like a Sphynx, as a cat owner, dealing with shedding and loose hair is just part of...

10 Best Scratching Posts for Kittens in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Scratching is a natural need for cats, so before you bring your new kitten home, it’s a good idea to invest in at...

10 Facts About Fat Cats & Feline Obesity (Vet-Approved)

Obesity is a major problem in domestic cats. Their food, which is naturally high in calories, is readily and freely available to them,...

Keep reading

CBD for Cats: Pros, Cons, Uses & Safety (2026 Update)

Review Summary Disclaimer: The information presented has been fact checked by one of our in-house veterinarians, However, this is not a recommendation, prescription, or endorsement, and it is not a replacement for individual veterinary advice and clinical examination. We do...

CBD capsules at oil in syringe

How Does a Cat Neutering Procedure Work? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips

A neuter procedure is the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles. Reading that definition might make you cringe. You may even question if the procedure is worth it. It’s not something you or your cat enjoys, but it comes...

cat neutered

Can Cats Eat Vanilla? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Vanilla, scientific name Vanilla planifolia, is not toxic to cats in its natural form, but it is also not something cats should be eating. As an ingredient, it doesn’t actually add much to the food but flavor, which cats do...

Can Cats Eat Vanilla

Intestinal Blockage in Cats: Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & Treatment

If you suspect your cat may have an intestinal blockage, please know that your cat needs emergency treatment ASAP. Knowing the signs of an intestinal blockage is imperative for all pet owners. Puppies and kittens are especially prone to this...

cat recovering from spay surgery

How Aggressive Are Tuxedo Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

Do you have a cat with an attitude? Or as many call it, cattitude? If you do, you’re not alone. While some cat owners have kitties in their lives that are sweet, docile, and loving, others have the pleasure of...

Tuxedo cat lying on kitchen counter

How to Give Your Cat CBD Oil: 5 Vet-Verified Ways That Work

When you think about everything a good cat owner should do for their pet, taking care of their health is at the top of the list. You want to ensure that your feline is fed high-quality food, has plenty of...

giving cat cbd oil

My Cat Killed a Bird: What to Do & Prevention Tips (Vet-Verified)

If you have an outdoor cat, chances are there will be a time that they bring you a dead bird. This experience is unpleasant and certainly not something you would like to repeat. So, what do you do now? First,...

cat and bird

Detox for Cats: Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

You’ve likely heard about many types of detox programs out there for people. It seems like there’s one for every lifestyle and budget. In fact, detoxing has spilled over into the pet world! But can cats benefit from a detox?...

cat and owner and vet

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.