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

Ask Dr. Paola – My Cat Loves Eating Grass, But It Makes Her Vomit! (June 29, 2026)

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

Learning to Speak Cat with Anthony Smith

Many cat lovers know me through Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude – Doggonit, cartoons that explore the often mysterious, occasionally mischievous, and...

Weird Cat Behaviors That Actually Make Perfect Sense

We have been sharing our lives with cats for thousands of years, yet we still find ourselves genuinely stumped by what they get...

The Dream of Talking to Cats Just Got Closer to Becoming a Reality

If you’ve ever wished your cat could simply tell you what they wanted, you’re not alone. From the meow that wakes you before...

More related

Cats Know Each Other’s Names: Science Explores Feline Cognition

If you’ve ever had a cat ignore their own name (and who hasn’t?), you may be skeptical that they would bother to learn...

How to Give a Cat a Head Massage: 4 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Benefits

You wouldn’t think giving a cat a head massage would be something your feline would like, but you would be surprised. While not...

Abyssinian Cat Price: What They Cost in 2026

Abyssinian cats are unique pets that are beloved for their unique appearance. Abyssinian cats have a very distinct orange color and large ears....

Will a Cat Litter Deodorizer Work? Vet-Approved Facts & Info

There’s no doubt that people everywhere love cats. In fact, they outnumber dogs in some countries. However, there’s one thing that most people...

Keep reading

16 Vet-Reviewed Tips on How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment

Cats tend to get into a lot of trouble when left to their own devices. You turn your back, and half your home is in ruins, or worse, your cat has injured themselves or ingested something harmful! Cat-proofing your apartment...

Striped cat in modern home

How Much Water Does a Cat Need per Day? Vet-Approved Facts & Health Tips

Like humans, cats require access to fresh drinking water, which is essential for proper body functioning and optimum health. Water helps cats maintain good health and flush out toxins from their systems while aiding their digestion and circulation. Without enough...

cat dipping its paw in water bowl

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Having a Seizure: 3 Vet Reviewed Signs to Look For

If you’ve seen your cat drooling, thrashing around, or having difficulty controlling its movements, you might wonder if your feline friend has been having seizures. Watching anyone you love, human or feline, experience a medical emergency where they shake and...

russian blue lying down

Can Cats Eat Sweet Potato? Vet-Verified Facts & Feline Nutrition Tips

Sweet potatoes seem to be gaining traction in the pet food world. You may have seen dog foods advertised with sweet potato as a main ingredient. That’s great for dogs, but it may make you wonder, can cats eat sweet...

Can Cats Eat Sweet Potato

Siamese Cat Health Problems: 7 Vet-Reviewed Issues

Siamese cats are among the most popular cat breeds in the United States. They are intelligent, vocal, affectionate, and have dog-like personalities. They are also strikingly beautiful with piercing blue, almond-shaped eyes. With these amazing characteristics, it’s no wonder they...

Catster_Health Problems of Siamese Cat

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Yes, most cats can eat pumpkin seeds without suffering any adverse effects. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients that are extremely beneficial. What’s more, some cats seem to love the taste of these seeds. Therefore, do not be afraid to...

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Why Does My Cat Chew on My Hair? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

Have you ever been cuddling or cradling your cat when they start chomping on your hair? While this behavior may not be that bothersome, it could raise some questions. Is it normal for felines to chew on hair? What are...

cat on woman's shoulder by head bite hair

How Long Do Bengal Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan Data & Facts

Bengal cats are a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals are known for their gorgeous spotted fur and affectionate personalities. If you have the space for a Bengal and the energy to keep up with...

Bengal Cat on the tree

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.