Cats do strange things. And one of them is sitting on your chest like a baby, sleeping on top of you and snuggling up to you. More often than not, they might even start purring.
You are not alone. This behavior is common in cats, and there are several reasons why they do it. Let us look at the top 9 reasons cats like to sit on their owners’ chests.
First, here’s a video for some laughs.
To keep warm
Cats like to sit on your chest because it is warm there! When a cat sits on you he absorbs some of your body heat, which helps keep him comfortable and warm.
You have probably seen your cat lying in the sun early in the morning. Cats love the warmth and often seek out warm places to sleep on cold days. You may find them near fireplaces, in cribs, or even on your laptop! But one of the warmest places for them is your chest – because humans generate heat that cats find cozy and comfortable.
Because they love you
Cats sit on a human’s chest because they love you, and this is one of the ways they express their love. By sitting on your chest, a cat is claiming you as his and letting you know that you are loved. Cats will also rub against your legs, purr when you pet them and give head butts to show their affection.
They seek safety
Cats may have their own bed but they still love to sleep on yours. But why specifically your chest?
Like all other mammals, cats stay close to their mothers when they are young to find food and safety. They may continue this behavior into adulthood. After a long day of hunting, cats like to rest in a safe place. They trust you to protect them. Cats are vulnerable when they sleep and feel safe when they sit on your chest.
They love your smell
Have you ever read stories about cats walking miles to get back to their owners who gave them up? Cats have an excellent sense of smell and can detect the scent of their owners. Another reason your cat sits on your chest is that he relaxes to the familiar smells of his favorite places and people -and that’s you.
As a side note, if you leave your cat with a sitter or at a pet hotel, make sure you give him a shirt you have worn. That way, your cat will feel comfortable and will not freak out when he’s in an unfamiliar place.
They are comfortable
You should already know that cats like to be comfortable, and one of the most comfortable places for them is your chest. This is because your chest is warm and soft, which cats find very comfortable. So if you see your cat sitting on your chest, do not worry – he’s trying to get comfortable!
If you are wearing something cozy, that adds to the comfort. So do not blame the cat if he sits on your chest to get comfortable!
They are territorial and lay claim to you
By taking up space on you, your cat is asserting his dominance and claiming you as his territory. This can happen if you have multiple cats and one of them wants to claim you as his.
Cats are territorial and like to have their own place to rest. Some love the couch, others the floor. Your cat may prefer to claim your chest as his. If your cat often sits on your chest, be sure to let him know he is safe and loved with lots of attention and positive reinforcement.
Listening to your heartbeat
Like some of the other points, this is what people think as we never really understand cats. Cats have incredibly sensitive hearing and they can hear the vibrations of your heartbeat. For this reason, they often like to snuggle up to you – it makes them feel safe and secure.
So the next time you see your cat curled up on your chest, know that he’s getting cozy and listening to your heartbeat. This could be a behavior he picked up when he was a kitten sleeping next to her mother and listening for her heartbeat.
To feel better from illness or stress
When a cat is feeling ill or stressed, he may hide in a corner or other place where he will not be seen. Some cats prefer to stay close to their owners. Cats may snuggle up to you when they feel irritable and need some relief.
This can also happen when they feel stressed due to certain situations. Sitting on your chest gives them warmth and comfort, making them feel better about the situation. Cats love their owners and you are a place of relaxation for them.
As a place to sleep
There’s always one of those days when your cat is clingy and follows you around. As soon as you sit down, he will jump on your lap, and then your chest. Well, sometimes he could be just looking for a place to sleep and your chest was the best option.
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There’s nothing wrong with your cat sitting on your chest. There’s also nothing wrong if you have something to attend to and need to move him elsewhere. Just move him gently. If your cat is sitting on your chest right now, enjoy these precious moments!