Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest (5 Reasons)
I’m sure you’ve been there before – you’re snuggled up in bed, enjoying a good book or movie, when suddenly your cat jumps up and plants themselves right on your chest. You may try to push them off, but they just won’t budge. Your furry friend probably seems content with their position.
Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest?
You may wonder why my cat lay on my chest? As it turns out, there are some reasons why felines love to take refuge in our bodies. Keep reading to find out what those reasons are!
Reason #1: Cats Like To Lay On Warm Surfaces
Because your body is warmer than the ground or your bed, your cat might want to cuddle with you on top of those warm surfaces. This tends to happen during winter because it’s cold outside and there aren’t as many warm spaces available as there are during other seasons.
This behavior is especially apparent in cats who haven’t spent much time with humans. These cats are looking for warmth, which you can provide for them. They’re simply doing what comes naturally to them; it’s an instinctive behavior that they’re displaying because of the cold weather conditions outside. The more your cat gets used to sleeping on top of you, the more likely they are to cuddle with you in individual rooms when it’s warmer.
Reason #2: It Makes Them Feel Secure And Safe
Cats like to feel secure. This means that, if they have a good reason for feeling insecure, they’ll try their best to create a sense of security for themselves.
If your cat likes to lay on your chest, it means that he/she wants you to feel like you’re taking care of them. The warmth of your body is a bonus as we discussed before.
It makes them feel safe and secure. Your scent might also make them feel more relaxed (although this isn’t very likely) since they recognize you as a friend.
Cats aren’t all that good at recognizing each other, but humans are much better at it, so when your cat feels like he/she knows you well enough, he/she will trust you and feel safe. If your cat’s not feeling safe in its own home or territory because it’s afraid of another cat or a loud noise, for example, it will be more likely to feel safe with you.
In this case, if they don’t have a reason to worry about anything, they’ll probably just go back to doing what makes them happy. You might want to let your cat sit on the floor sometimes though because it’s a good safe place for him/her.
Reason #3: The Sound Of A Human Heartbeat Is Soothing To Cats
This is not to say that all cats will lay with their heads over a human’s heart, but it is common for cats to pretend to snuggle to get the most benefit from the sound. The sound is also so close to the same speed as a cat’s normal pulse, that it is an easy marker for cats to track.
Cats love heat and warmth, but they also love to curl up and sleep in small spaces. By laying over a person’s heart, the cat is pulling itself to sleep by both literal beats of its biological clock and the temperature that comes from such close contact.
This behavior is especially common for cats who are still kittens. Kittens often use their mothers as a heat source, to help them regulate body temperature. The sound of the heartbeat is also likely to be comforting for kittens who are far from home, or in an unfamiliar place.
Reason #4: Cats May Be Seeking Attention Or Affection From Their Owners
Cats are usually pretty independent, they typically don’t go out of their way to let you know they’re trying to get your attention. When a cat lays on you, it may just be a sign that she’s trying to cuddle up and take a nap.
Even if your kitty isn’t laying on top of you for any reason, she may still be craving your attention. This is especially true if you’re home alone all day! Sometimes, cats can get a bit stir-crazy when they are left to their own devices for too long. This can make them more likely to pester you for attention.
If you feel that your kitty isn’t getting enough attention, try getting her some cat toys. This is sure to give her something to do while you’re at work!
Reason #5: Cats May Do It As A Way Of Claiming Their Territory
Laying on a person’s chest is one of the first things cats do as kittens. This behavior is reinforced every time the cat receives warmth and petting from that person. As an adult, your cat may be expressing its love for you but also its desire to dominate you.
First, cats have the instinct to claim their territory. This is especially true in social species such as lions and tigers. In the wild, a dominant cat will lay on top of weaker members of his/her pride or pack to show superiority over them. Cats get the same sense of satisfaction from laying on you because you are part of their “pride.”
Second, cats are social animals. If they are not with their mother at birth, they attach themselves to humans or other animals. Cats use stroking and purring as a means of getting attention from their “mama. ” They associate this behavior with the reward of receiving warmth and petting so they do it again in adulthood.
Third, some scientists believe that this behavior is part of your cat’s predatory nature. Studies found that cats had more success in getting prey to move when they used their paws as opposed to using teeth or vocalizing. This behavior of pawing is carried over into a habit of a cat marking its human as prey by first trying to bring his/her scent onto you, then claiming the dominant position on top of your chest.
Cats are just like humans. They can be affectionate and they can also dominate you when they want attention or need to assert their dominance over the household. To show your cat that it’s loved, give it plenty of petting and warmth in addition to food so that it knows its place in the family hierarchy is not threatened.
If your cat tries to attack other pets or people within your home, consult a veterinarian for advice about how best to deal with this behavior problem!
What Should I Do If My Cat Lays On My Chest?
Don’t push them off, but let your cat understand that you’re happy to have it there. You might need to hold the cat with both arms if he/she doesn’t want to “move” when they’ve gotten comfortable in your arms.
Don’t push them off, but encourage them to move by getting up and doing other things. This will teach your cat that it’s not allowed to lay on you when you’re eating or working or trying to relax for example once in a while because otherwise, they’ll get used to the idea that it’s always allowed.
Your cat does not understand that you have a job to do or need space. You’ll need to train your cat so it knows the boundaries of what’s allowed and what isn’t, especially around dinnertime or working hours. If you can’t train them not to lay on your chest, maybe sit with them on the floor and pet them when you’re trying to work or eat.
Your cat may think that you’re a fellow feline and wants to display affection towards you as it would do with another cat. Be sure to return the love and keep your cat happy and healthy! Treats go a long way in providing positive reinforcement during training sessions. It’s important not to push them off, especially if they come right back.
If your cat becomes aggressive or tries to attack people in the house, you may need to consult a veterinarian for advice about how best to deal with this behavior problem!
Final Thoughts
Do you know why your cat loves to lay on you? Now that you understand the reasons, maybe you can appreciate this behavior a bit more. Next time your feline friend jumps up onto your chest and starts kneading away, just relax and enjoy the moment. Who knows, maybe you’re providing your cat with the ultimate in relaxation and comfort!
Related Questions
What should I do if my cat is trying to dominate me?
Cats are natural-born leaders. They do not like the idea of being dominated, so if your cat is trying to get you to follow him or her around, it’s important to put them in their place immediately. Don’t push them off, just be strong and confident while removing yourself from them whenever they try to get attention out of you. If you have a cat who won’t stop trying to get your attention, visit your veterinarian for some tips on how to deal with this behavior problem!
What should I do if my cat keeps kneading me?
If this behavior is causing you or other pet owners in your household discomfort or injury, it’s time to put a stop to your cat’s behavior. Cats don’t knead because they’re hungry or cold, just as we humans don’t go around patting our chests. They do it because it brings comfort and happiness to them. Perhaps this is a habit picked up from infancy: cats will knead against their mother’s warm bodies for hours and hours on end.
Your cat does not understand that you have a job to do or need space. You’ll need to train your cat so it knows the boundaries of what’s allowed and what isn’t, especially around dinnertime or working hours. If you can’t train them not to lay on your chest, maybe sit with them on the floor and pet them when you’re trying to work or eat.
Why does my cat lay on my chest and stare at me?
Some cats can be possessive of their owners, and may even stare at them to advertise this. If your cat is trying to stake a claim on you, look out! Don’t let it have its way with you. As soon as your cat approaches, remove yourself from the situation using a calm voice or hand gesture. You don’t want to hurt the cat’s feelings, but you do want to establish that you are in control.
If your cat is trying to lay on your chest or head while you’re sitting up, it’s because they feel safe there. These areas offer warmth and comfort, so your cat feels secure exuding its dominance in these spaces. Remove yourself from this situation, and if you decide to sit on the floor with them, pet them while you’re reading or eating.
Nosy cats will sniff out a pending illness in their human. If your cat is staring at you with a “poker face,” this may mean they’re trying to get a feel for what’s going on inside of you. Don’t be alarmed if you notice your cat staring, and don’t encourage this behavior by petting them while they’re doing it. If you’re dealing with a persistent stare-er, something is probably wrong. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get to the bottom of this behavior and ensure that nothing serious is going on!
Why does my cat sit on my chest with her back to me?
Cats who sit on your chest with their backs to you are usually just looking for attention. If this is a common occurrence, put a stop to it by removing yourself from the situation. Don’t try to pet or play with the cat while they’re sitting on you because even if they don’t nip at you, they may become annoyed at the least.
Why does my cat lay on my chest and lick my face?
Licking is a natural behavior for cats. They use their tongues to clean themselves by licking dirt, dust, and grime off of their body. If your cat decides to lick you (or another pet in the household), let them do this because it’s perfectly normal and harmless!
Why does my cat lay on my chest and neck?
Cats are natural-born cuddlers. If your cat lays on you, don’t push them away or pull back because they’ll think it’s a game and will continue to play until you get the hint! Be firm but gentle when removing yourself from their activity, and encourage the behavior with treats if it happens to stop.
Why do cats lay on your chest and purr healing?
Cats will purr whenever they feel safe, secure, and content. This is a way of reassuring themselves that everything is okay. If your cat feels relaxed enough to start purring on your chest, let them do this because it’s good for their well-being!
