You know that cats enjoy sitting on people, but did you ever stop to wonder why? My cat does this non-stop, so I decided to do some research, and it turns out that there’s a scientific answer to “why do cats sit on you?”
Cats only sit on people that they trust and feel safe around. When a cat sits on a person, they are putting themselves in a vulnerable position in exchange for feeling secure, a behavior that shows their high level of trust in a person.
For most cat parents, their cat will cozy up in their laps – however, depending on how your cat sits on your lap can mean different things. Sometimes they might be trying to tell you something – below you’ll learn how to decipher what your cat is trying to tell you by how he sits in your lap.
Why Does My Cat Like to Sit On My Lap?
Cats only choose to sit on the lap of someone they trust. Their motivation to sit on your lap could be to show affection and build a stronger bond with you, get some extra warmth, or use your lap as shelter from a stressful situation.
Reason 1: To Show Affection and Connect with You
This behavior is often seen in kittens who will sit on their mom’s body as a way of showing their affection. As they grow older, they will continue to sit on laps as a way to show their love and connection with their human family.
Because of how vulnerable your cat is when sitting on your lap, especially if you start stroking their chin or fur, this human touch is very reassuring for them and makes them feel safe and loved.
Sitting on your lap is one of the easiest ways for them to get your attention and make sure that the relationship is intact. Sort of like calling up a friend or texting a loved one.
Reason 2: To Stay Warm Regardless of the Season
Cats are constantly seeking out sources of warmth as a way to conserve energy. Because of human body temperatures and the fabrics we wear, and how often we sit or lay down, the lap is often a great way for your cat to get warm.
Like all mammals, cats have to regulate their body temperatures on their own. But, unlike all mammals, cats use over a third of their body’s fuel to groom themselves. To keep up with their constant cleaning, they will shortcut staying warm by laying in the sun or sitting on your lap.
Reason 3: To Seek Shelter from Stress
When cats feel stressed, they will often go to their safe place and hide away until the stressful event has passed. For some cats, this might mean hiding in a closet or under the bed, but for others, it might mean curling up in your lap since they feel safe around you.
If your cat is sitting on your lap and seems stressed or anxious, try to give them some extra attention and reassurance until they feel better. Also try to uncover the source, especially if this is unusual behavior.
What Is Your Cat Communicating by Sitting in Your Lap?
When your cat is sitting in your lap and looking up at you with big eyes, they are most likely asking for attention or petting. If they are kneading their paws in your lap, they are probably feeling happy and content.
A cat that is purring while sitting on your lap is usually feeling happy and relaxed, but sometimes a purr can also be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Below, you’ll find a few questions to start asking yourself that can help you uncover what your cat might be trying to communicate.
What Direction Does Your Cat Face When Sitting on Your Lap?
The direction a cat faces when sitting on your lap can indicate whether they are seeking affection or simply enjoying your company. If facing you, this is an indication they want affection. If facing away from you, they may just be resting or wanting security.
Why Does My Cat Sit In My Lap and Stare at Me?
If they are facing you and making eye contact, they are usually seeking attention or reassurance. This is often a good time to put your book down and pay attention to them with a nice chin scratch or stroking of their fur.
Why Does My Cat Sit On My Lap Facing Away From Me?
On the other hand, if your cat is facing away from you, they may be trying to show that they are content and relaxed in your company. This is a good time to let them enjoy the peace without too much disturbance.
Of course, every cat is different, so it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s body language and behavior to get a better understanding of what they are trying to communicate.
Why Does Your Cat Sit On Your Lap and Bite You?
Cats usually only bite as a sign of affection if they are comfortable with you and feel safe around you. However, if your cat is feeling anxious or stressed, it could be a way to release tension.
If they are sitting in your lap, there’s an inherent level of trust built into that behavior, but if they are feeling threatened or afraid of something else, they may also bite in self-defense, but not necessarily related to you.
Reasons Your Cat Bites You While Petting
It can seem counterintuitive, especially if your cat likes you petting him, but some cats will bite while you pet them, especially while sitting on your lap. If your cat bites you while you pet him on your lap, there could be two culprits: overstimulation and petting style.
1. Overstimulation Causes Your Cat to Bite You
According to Mieshelle Nagelschneider, author of The Cat Whisperer, “…cats’ touch receptors can get their signals crossed in the brain so that the feeling of pleasure turns into pain.” Because of their sensitivity in the coat and skin, it can be easy to get overstimulated.
Cats are sensitive to touch, and too much could be overbearing.
2. Cat Bites Due to Your Style of Petting
Due to how vulnerable a cat is while sitting in your lap, Mieshelle Nagelschneider also states that “…many cats do not like being petted or stroked on their sides, below mid-back, or near their tail…”
She also makes a great point that while cats are famous for grooming themselves and other cats, they often will focus only on the head and neck. So petting them elsewhere can feel unnatural and uncomfortable.
While not confined to a lap, you can see this happen quite frequently with young children trying to pet cats.
Why Does My Cat Sleep Between My Legs?
If your cat sleeps between your legs, they trust you, and may be trying to show affection or stay warm. However, if this is a constant behavior, your cat may be trying to tell you that they need more areas to sleep on.
If your cat is constantly sleeping between your legs, it’s important to make sure they have their own space so they don’t feel the need to sleep between your legs all the time.
Providing them with a comfortable bed or blanket in their own space will help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Why Do Cats Sleep on Your Face?
While it may not be the most comfortable position for you, some cats enjoy sleeping on your face because they want to be close to you. This behavior is usually a sign of affection but can be annoying for some people.
If this is a behavior you’re trying to break, it’s important to make sure they have their own space so they don’t feel the need to sleep on your face all the time.
Providing them with a comfortable bed or blanket in their own space will help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Cats can sit and sleep all over the human body – and each cat has his preference. The back, neck, shoulder, stomach, and even your head – there’s not a part of the body that a cat won’t try to find comfort.
Each of those parts has its meaning as well, but why a cat sleeps on your head is fascinating, which is why I wrote an entire article about it.
And for some cats, they just love to sleep on your head. There are five main reasons they do this; here’s a checklist to help you figure out what’s motivating your cat to sleep on your head.
The good news though, is that for the most part, if your cat is sitting or sleeping on you, they love you.
And there are few things more rewarding than a cat’s affection. Being able to understand their language in a little more detail can just enhance your already strong bond with them.