Last Updated: 4 months ago
Got a cat that likes to lounge on your lap 24/7? Does he always need to crawl into bed with you?
Have you ever wondered why your feline companion insists on cozying up and lying on you?
In our exploration of “Why do cats like to lay on you?” we unravel the charming mysteries behind this endearing behavior.
Find out the secret behind the cat behavior that drives some kitties to lay on their people all the time!
Why Do cats Love to Lay on Their Humans?
Sometimes cats will put their main focus on your head. You could wake up to your furry friend’s belly on your face!
We hear all the time about how independent cats are. They like their own space, and they enjoy spending time by themselves. Right?
If that’s completely true, why are most cat owners able to commiserate about not being able to lie down without their cat coming over to lie down too?
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not uncaring little beings who are only looking out for themselves.
They do create and strengthen relationships with their people, and most cats enjoy spending time with the humans in their lives.
There are a few reasons cats like to lie to their humans, and it’s not all about affection.
Why Do Cats Like to Lay on You? Explained
Understanding the science and sentiment behind this unique habit adds a delightful layer to the complex and affectionate world of cat-human relationships.
1. Warmth
Although you may not enjoy the extra body heat your cat provides you, he may feel nice and cozy snuggled up against you.
Cats’ normal body temperatures range from 100 to 102 degrees, and while their bodies do a pretty good job of keeping them cool when it’s warm outside, they have a more difficult time staying warm when they are chilly.
Their little bodies need to work extra hard to generate enough heat during a cold winter day.
So why not just gravitate towards their human for extra warmth?
If you don’t have a heater turned on 24/7, then their best bet is to curl up in bed with you. You are like a custom-made heated mat for your cat!
2. Comfort
Cats sleep a lot and go through different sleep cycles while they snooze.
Much of the time they sleep, they are really only dozing, so they can leap up at any moment if there is danger.
As you build a trusting bond with your cat and he’s comfortable in his home environment, he may sleep with you more because he trusts that he can let his guard down when he’s with you.
It’s a huge compliment to the relationship you’ve built with him! Your bed may also be a comfortable nest.
If you find him constantly kneading and purring, then your cat might be ready to take over your sleeping space!
3. Affection
Okay, we said it’s not all about affection, but that’s definitely part of it.
When your cat comes over to sleep on you, how do you react?
Do you reach out and scratch her behind the ears, or do you place an arm around her?
If you push her away, this article probably isn’t useful for you since she has probably already stopped trying to lie to you.
For those cats who do get affection by coming over and lying on their humans, they keep doing it because they know what the result will be.
If you’re not as fond of your cat lying on you while you sleep, consider creating a special bed for him in your room so he can be near you if he chooses, but not directly on you.
If you are comfortable with your cat lying on you, now you know why he does it and can continue giving him love and scratches when he ambles over to settle down for a rest.
4. Security And Trust
Not only do your cats love you, but it’s also about security and trust.
Kitty owners know that their cats are quite high-strung and on high alert a lot of the time.
As you can imagine, that takes a toll on your feline, and sometimes they just want a good snuggle.
Cats might be untrusting at times, but as their owner, you are a comforting presence.
You keep them feeling safe and secure when they are most vulnerable.
This includes when they sleep, so naturally they want to sleep on you or at least somewhere close.
However much they sleep with you or on you, that is how much they trust you!
5. Smell
It’s not only dogs who love smells, but cats do too!
We’re sure you can relate to this on some level as well. Certain smells can trigger emotions to arise.
The smell of an individual can have a calming effect, and an overwhelming sense of security could wash over you.
Kitties might knead their tiny paws, purr, and rub on you a few times before finally curling up into a cat loaf, ready for a good long nap.
This is done in hopes of capturing some of your scent, which in turn keeps them feeling safe and secure.
6. Marking Territory
Animals have a territorial instinct, and in your cat’s mind, you belong to him!
Actually, for your cat, the whole house belongs to him, and you should consider yourself lucky to be allowed to be in his presence.
As hard as it is to believe, this is actually a good thing. You can see it as a form of trust. Your cat trusts you enough to allow you to be in his vicinity.
As they exchange scents with you, they are effectively marking you as their “property.”
Also, it makes it much more convenient for him to wake you up when its feeding time!
7. Sign of Love
We have deduced that your cat loves you; that much is obvious when he wants to sleep near you.
As we all know, love takes time and effort to maintain, and your cat knows that as well.
To foster and cultivate the love that he feels for you.
To further strengthen your bond, your cat wants to share his warmth and affection with you.
Plus, hearing their soft voice is comforting and could help those with insomnia fall asleep much more easily.
Wrap-Up
In unraveling the enigma of why cats love to lay on their human companions, we discover more than a cozy habit; it’s a language of affection.
Whether seeking warmth, expressing trust, or simply reveling in companionship, our feline friends share a unique bond with us.
So, the next time your cat curls up on your lap, relish in the warmth of their presence and cherish the silent yet profound language of feline love.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about this cat’s behavior! Do you love when Kitty snuggles with you? Share below!
Resources:
Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS is a locum veterinary surgeon who has worked in London for the past 8 years. She graduated top of her class in small animal medicine from UCD, Dublin. She is currently a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Linda is the resident vet for Woman magazine and a frequent contributor to People’s Friend Magazine, the Dogzone website, Vet Help Direct and Wag! Linda also writes content for the CVS veterinary group, Vetwriter and a number of other establishments.
