If you are a cat owner, then you would have probably noticed your cat sitting and lying on very weird places, places that you can’t imagine would be even remotely comfortable, then why is your cat doing this? Most people believe it is because their cats love them, while that might not be untrue, it is not the sole reason for this odd behavior.
You must have seen many photos of cats sitting on laptops, in the sink, on a book and much more, why? Just because they can? Well cats are capable of anything, that is not the reason. We need to keep in mind that cats are extremely territorial in nature and they like to mark their place, or they just want to be closer to you every time you are working.
Whatever the reason maybe, this is question that has been on your mind for a long time, so let’s answer it once and for all.
Cats and weird places
We go crazy for our cats and buy so much stuff for them. But do they even use it? No, cats love to use the stuff that we are using and use them as their grooming and resting places. Take that cat condo that you bought them and filled with their favorite toys, its probably lying unused in a corner, its because your cat is sleeping on your laptop! Let’s discuss the top reasons why cats act the way they do.
Marking their territory
Cats are territorial in nature and they want to mark their place almost everywhere. They especially like to do this on places where you are or use the most. Animal mark their place by urinating on them or by rubbing all over it. They do this to place their scent all over the that place or thing, so it feels like home. Also marking a territory is also important to make them feel safe, like its their place and they own it, which they literally do because you can’t stop your cat.
Being near you
This is the reason we believe is the most common. Cats are cuddly too, well some of them are, despite the contrary belief. Cats love the scent of their humans, and also, they love being near you. So, whatever you use has your scent on it and cats like to rub or cuddle on that scent as a way to feel safe and at home.
Seeking attention
Cats love to get attention and they hate it when you give it somewhere else, be it your laptop or your book. Cats are very smart in nature and they know what sound to make to get them food or take them outside. So, how to get your attention when you are not even listening to them and so engrossed in your work. They just sit on whatever you are using. Look at me human and only me!
Another fun fact includes that your cat will only touch the things that you touch and nothing even similar to it. So, it is not that they like the weird places but they like your scent and want to be near it.
Love for enclosed spaces
You might also find your cat sitting inside a cupboard or an open drawer and obviously under the bed or recliner. But why? Cats love the warmth and cuddly feeling you will get by going under small spaces and also because these places are warmer than the surrounding environment.
Wild instincts
Cats are smart creatures and they have the natural wild instincts in them even if they are home cats. Cats make a lot of decisions as if they are living in the wilderness. Its something they can’t get out of them. So, they choose to sleep in uncomfortable places so that they can have a vantage point of view of the whole house and what is going on. That’s why cats usually sleep at high places throughout the house.
Hiding
Cats also love to hide. Cats love to rest and at rest they feel the most vulnerable and need to keep an eye on all the things and be able to defend themselves if something happens. That’s why they choose dark and small places wit minimum exits to rest and lie.
How to prevent your cat from sitting on your laptop or book
There are ways you can stop your cat from sitting on such weird places like electronic equipment or books. The reason your cat does this regularly is because whenever you do this, you find it cute and pet them and start loving them, this encourages them to increase such a behavior and they will get your attention definitely, this is where you are wrong.
If you want to stop your cat, first whenever they sit on your things, say no and repeat it until they move away from it. Make it uncomfortable for them and show them that this doesn’t make you happy. But including this also make a safe and comfortable space for them beside you so they can be with you. Also pet them and show them love so they won’t move from that place. Because they will if they don’t get attention there.
Conclusion
We all have a folder of our cats sitting on weird places and looking adorable as hell but why do they do that in the first place? Cats are curious creatures and you cannot think the way they do, it a lot harder than you can imagine. But knowing that cats are territorial in nature, we can figure some of the reasons why cats sit on uncomfortable places.
Some of the reasons include seeking attention, marking territory, being safe, being warm and being with you. Whatever the case maybe if you are bothered by your cat sitting on your laptop, train her not to. But as to where she sleeps, let her have her space, this is about her safety and security.