Why does my cat lie on me

Do you often have such warm moments: waking up in the morning, your cat is sleeping comfortably on your chest, or watching TV, it quietly curled up on your legs? This can't help but make people wonder, "Why do cats love to lie on me?" In fact, there are many reasons behind it.

Cuddling from love and emotion

Cats are good at expressing emotions. They will accurately calculate your work time and wait at the door for caressing. They will headbutt, rub legs, meow, and even follow you like a little follower. These intimate behaviors come from their love for you. Social bonding factors are also involved. Cats will cuddle with each other and humans. Lying on you is their way of expressing love and trust. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) (https://www.aspca.org/) points out that cats use these behaviors to establish a close emotional connection with their owners.

"Stick to each other" for warmth​

Physiologically, cats have a normal body temperature of 99.5°F to 102.5°F, which is slightly higher than that of humans and needs to be maintained with effort. Therefore, they like to find sunny places and vents to keep warm. Cats who are afraid of cold, such as elderly cats and cats with thin fur, are more likely to get close to you because of the warmth on your body. Cats sleep on you more often at night in winter; when you have a fever and your body temperature rises, they will also stick to you more. Because the head, armpits, and chest of the human body are the warmest, and some cats also like to listen to the heartbeat, they often choose these locations to "set up camp." If the cat always relies on you for warmth, you can use a Lamlingo heated cat bed to attract it, simulate your body temperature, and make it comfortable without disturbing you. The National Animal Disease Research Center of the United States focuses on livestock and poultry diseases (https://www.ars.usda.gov/national-programs/animal-disease-research/) Although it does not directly mention this point, it is of reference value for the study of animal physiological habits.

Seeking a sense of security

Research shows that cats' emotional attachment to their owners is similar to that of babies to their parents. When their owners leave, kittens will feel anxious and distressed; they will feel at ease when their owners come back. Cats regard you as a source of security and lie on you like a baby in the arms of their parents, which is a sign of high recognition and trust in you. Related animal behavior research published in the PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine in the United States supports this view from a scientific perspective. The database URL is https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.

Marking "exclusive territory"​

Cats have a keen sense of smell. Rubbing their faces against you releases pheromones and oils to mark ownership. Sleeping on you also reinforces this behavior and declares that you are theirs. Of course, not all cats like to be hugged or lie on you. If a cat resists, don't be discouraged. Each cat has different personalities and preferences, and they may change later. At this time, you can use a heated bed to give it warmth and care. When the cat enjoys the warmth, if it lies on its back with its belly exposed, it is a manifestation of gratitude and trust in you. Although the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Animal Health Research Database does not directly target this behavior, it has an index on animal behavior-related research, which can be further explored at: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/research/animal-health-research-database.

FAQ

My cat suddenly starts to lie on me frequently. Is it sick?

If a cat suddenly lies on a person frequently, it may be a sign of illness, but it may not be. Illness may make the cat feel weak and uncomfortable, and then it craves warmth and security more, which is manifested by being more clingy. However, it may also be that the ambient temperature suddenly drops, or it has become closer to you recently. If you suspect that the cat is sick, pay attention to whether it has other abnormal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, frequent vomiting, or diarrhea, and take it to the veterinarian if necessary.

There are multiple cats at home; why is there only one that always loves to lie on me?

Each cat has a different personality and different ways of expressing emotions and needs. The one who loves to lie on you may be born to be more clingy and affectionate and has established a deep emotional connection with you. It may also be that it is more afraid of cold than other cats, or that it has had special interactions with you during its growth, which has formed this dependent behavior.

How to train a cat to lie on me less?

If you want to reduce the frequency of a cat lying on you, you can try to guide it step by step. For example, place a comfortable cat bed where it often lies, put its favorite toys or blankets on it, and attract it. When it takes the initiative to rest in the cat bed, give it snacks as a reward. Play with it more often to consume its energy and make it quieter when you rest. But be careful not to drive it away by force so as not to hurt its feelings.

By understanding the reasons behind these behaviors of cats, we can more deeply understand and cherish the emotional connection with cats. I hope this knowledge can help you get along better with your cats and enjoy every good time with them.

I am HuCharlie, with 10 years of experience in raising cats, and graduated with a major in animal behavior/obtained animal behavior certification, etc. I hope everyone can build a deep and beautiful relationship with their cats!