Being a cat parent is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences one can have. From their quirky behavior to their calm and peaceful demeanor, cats have a way of making their owners feel loved and appreciated. One of the most puzzling behaviors of cats, however, is their tendency to sit on their owners’ laps. This phenomenon has left many cat owners scratching their heads and wondering what it is about them that makes their cats want to snuggle up in their laps.
There are several reasons why cats like to sit on their owners’ laps, and understanding them can help cat owners make sense of their behavior.
1. Seeking Warmth
One of the most common reasons why cats like to sit on their owners’ laps is the need for warmth. Domestic cats, as we know them today, descended from desert cats that were used to seeking out warmth to survive during cold nights. As a result, cats like to snuggle up in warm places, and there’s probably no place warmer than sitting on their owners’ laps.
Cats have a higher body temperature than humans, between 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are always looking for a way to maintain that temperature. During the winter, when the weather is cold, cats tend to become more clingy, curling up on their owners’ laps or sneaking under their covers at night to seek warmth.
2. Feeling Safe
In the wild, cats are most vulnerable when they’re sleeping. Domestic cats, however, do not have much to fear from predators, but the instinct to stay safe remains. When cats sit on their owners’ laps, they feel safe and secure, as they know that they have someone to protect them.
3. Enjoying Company
Apart from being warm and safe, cats also like to sit on their owners’ laps because they enjoy their company. Cats are social animals and like to be close to their owners. Sitting on their laps is a way for cats to show affection and enjoy the bond they share with their owners. When a cat chooses to sit on your lap, it is a sign that they feel comfortable around you and trust you.
4. Comforting Smell
Cats have a strong sense of smell, which they use to their advantage when seeking out familiar scents. When cats spend a lot of time on their owners’ laps, they get used to their scent, and this makes them feel safe and secure. A comforting smell is important to cats, and they tend to seek out scents that are familiar to them.
5. Comfortable Clothes
The clothes that cat owners wear also play a big part in how comfortable their cats feel when sitting on their laps. Cats like soft and warm materials such as fluffy blankets or comfortable jogging bottoms that their owners wear. This is why cats tend to sit on their owners’ laps as opposed to an uncomfortable chair or sofa. The familiar scent of their owners’ clothes makes them feel more secure and comfortable.
6. Love and Trust
Ultimately, cats like to sit on their owners’ laps because they love and trust them. Some cats are more affectionate than others, and sitting on their owners’ laps is one of the ways they show their love. Certain breeds, such as Siamese, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Sphynx, Birman, and Persian, are known to be more affectionate than others and are more likely to sit on their owners’ laps.
When a Cat Suddenly Becomes Clingy
If a cat suddenly becomes more clingy than usual, it may be due to the onset of colder weather. Cats tend to seek warmth during the winter months, and sitting on their owners’ laps is one way to achieve that warmth. However, if the behavior persists, it may be a sign of an illness or other underlying health condition. Cat owners should observe their cats for any other unusual behavior or changes such as a lack of energy, sleeping more than usual, changes in bathroom habits and eating habits, vomiting, diarrhea, vocalizing more than usual, or weight changes.
Conclusion
Cats are fascinating creatures, and their behavior can leave their owners scratching their heads. Understanding why cats like to sit on their owners’ laps can help to demystify their behavior. Whether it’s seeking warmth, feeling safe, enjoying company, liking their owners’ smells, enjoying comfortable clothes, or showing love and trust, cats have a good reason for getting cozy on their owners’ laps. So, the next time a cat jumps onto your lap, feel honored that they have chosen you as their safe, warm, and loving resting place.
