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

My Cat Has a Lump on Their Back Near The Spine, Is It Dangerous? Vet Approved Advice

Every pet parent is familiar with the alarm of discovering a sudden change in their pet. It can be very scary to find...

The Kitten Clues That Tell You Exactly How Old They Are

If you ever find a tiny kitten, or maybe you just brought home a “two-month-old” from a shelter, but something feels off about...

10 Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying for Help: Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

How do you know when your enigmatic feline companion needs help if there’s no actual “crying” involved? Should you take a wait-and-see approach...

How to Live with Multiple Cats: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

A cat can bring joy and happiness to a home. So, it stands to reason that having multiple cats multiplies this joy. But,...

More related

Korat Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament, & Traits

The country currently called Thailand used to be known as Siam. You might expect the Siamese cat to come from a place named...

Does Your Cat Listen to You? Feline Behavior Explained (Vet-Reviewed)

Felines have unique ways of showing you how much they love you. But one thing they don’t seem to do well is listen....

How to Read Cat Food Labels: Vet Approved Advice

Knowing how to read cat food labels is the difference between making sure your feline has a healthy, balanced diet or accidentally feeding...

5 Best Raccoon-Proof Cat Feeders in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

There is no question that raccoons are bandits. Not many animals are that good at stealing. However, they can be a nuisance to...

Keep reading

How Long Does a Cat Hold a Grudge? Vet-Reviewed Information

Your cat doesn’t hate you. Thankfully, humans are the only species that write vengeful songs about our exes and actively harbor bitterness. Although cats don’t technically hold grudges, that argument might be a tough one to prove at times when...

owner petting a hissing angry tabby cat

Can Cats Eat Ham? Vet-Approved Health Benefits & FAQ

Since felines are obligate carnivores, their diet primarily consists of meat. They require certain essential nutrients that can only be found in animal products. And one of those products is ham. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for your cat...

Can Cats Eat Ham

Is It True That All Cats Meow? Vet-Reviewed Facts

If your cat constantly wakes you up at the crack of dawn meowing for food, you might have threatened to trade them in for a quieter model out of frustration! Okay, not really, but it is fair to wonder if...

close up cat meowing

Open Farm vs Fromm Cat Food: 2026 Comparison

Globally, the pet food industry has never been larger and more profitable. Because of this, cat owners are faced with choosing between an ever-expanding selection of diets for their feline friends. To help you out, we’ve written this in-depth comparison...

Open Farm VS Fromm

Will Cat Conjunctivitis Go Away by Itself? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

There are a variety of eye infections and issues you may see in your cat throughout their life, and conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye issues that cats get. Conjunctivitis, also sometimes referred to as pink eye, is...

Woman cleans a cat's eyes

Is Eucalyptus Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & Safety Tips

Eucalyptus is poisonous to cats in high amounts. When it is concentrated into an oil, it is especially toxic. You should not defuse it if you own a cat, as the oils can be toxic when your cat inhales them....

eucalyptus

Does CBD Oil Help Cats with Kidney Disease? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cat’s kidneys play a crucial role in their overall health. If your feline’s kidneys are not functioning properly for whatever reason, the resulting problems can be life-threatening, impacting their well-being and quality of life. Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is...

giving cat cbd oil

Why Does My Cat Need Mental Stimulation? 7 Vet-Approved Reasons

Cats are quite curious and inquisitive by nature, so they require a significant amount of mental stimulation to satiate their curiosity and keep them happy. Along with keeping them engaged, mental stimulation can also boost a cat’s mood, increase their...

two cats playing with toy at home

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.