Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

2. Engaging The Senses

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents.

Cats have a truly excellent sense of smell, with around 200 million odor receptors, compared to our mere 50 million. They are also very attached to routine and familiarity and like to surround themselves with things that smell, sound, and look comforting and familiar.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

Also Read: How To Care For Feral Cats: 4 Tips For Happy, Healthy Ferals

2. Engaging The Senses

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents.

Cats have a truly excellent sense of smell, with around 200 million odor receptors, compared to our mere 50 million. They are also very attached to routine and familiarity and like to surround themselves with things that smell, sound, and look comforting and familiar.

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents, the sound of your breath and heartbeat, and the feel of your clothes.

3. Safety

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping.

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping. Innate instincts lead them to seek out the safest spot to sleep in, protected from potential predators and threats.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

Also Read: How To Care For Feral Cats: 4 Tips For Happy, Healthy Ferals

2. Engaging The Senses

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents.

Cats have a truly excellent sense of smell, with around 200 million odor receptors, compared to our mere 50 million. They are also very attached to routine and familiarity and like to surround themselves with things that smell, sound, and look comforting and familiar.

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents, the sound of your breath and heartbeat, and the feel of your clothes.

Also Read: Understanding Your Cat’s Five Senses

3. Safety

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping.

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping. Innate instincts lead them to seek out the safest spot to sleep in, protected from potential predators and threats.

This is usually a spot that is both up high and away from the ground, warm and comfortable. If they choose your lap to sleep in, this indicates that they feel safe and secure around you, that you are a source of comfort and protection.

4. Warmth

Cats are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Cats have a naturally high body temperature, at around 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (a human’s is around 97-99 degrees), and this heat takes energy to maintain. This means that they are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

Also Read: How To Care For Feral Cats: 4 Tips For Happy, Healthy Ferals

2. Engaging The Senses

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents.

Cats have a truly excellent sense of smell, with around 200 million odor receptors, compared to our mere 50 million. They are also very attached to routine and familiarity and like to surround themselves with things that smell, sound, and look comforting and familiar.

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents, the sound of your breath and heartbeat, and the feel of your clothes.

Also Read: Understanding Your Cat’s Five Senses

3. Safety

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping.

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping. Innate instincts lead them to seek out the safest spot to sleep in, protected from potential predators and threats.

This is usually a spot that is both up high and away from the ground, warm and comfortable. If they choose your lap to sleep in, this indicates that they feel safe and secure around you, that you are a source of comfort and protection. How lovely!

4. Warmth

Cats are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Cats have a naturally high body temperature, at around 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (a human’s is around 97-99 degrees), and this heat takes energy to maintain. This means that they are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Body temperature tends to drop during sleep, so finding the perfect spot for a warm snooze is highly important, and your lap may just be the best place!

5. Affection

Your cat might wish to spend time with you, lying on you or around you because, quite simply, they love you!

Your cat might wish to spend time with you, lying on you or around you because, quite simply, they love you! Cats cannot communicate their feelings verbally to us (although some of the chattier cat breeds do try!), and so their show their affection through a cuddle, a slow blink, and constant companionship. It’s a real compliment!

6. Trust

When they need a deeper sleep, they seek out a super secure place to fully relax.

Cats are vigilant animals, often taking short catnaps in a light sleep mode with one ear always listening for signs of trouble. When they need a deeper sleep, they seek out a super secure place to fully relax. A kitty who sleeps on you is proving their trust in you, that you have a strong bond that means your cat can fully relax in your presence.

7. Territory

If your cat spends a lot of time around you, including rubbing their face, cheeks, and chin on you, they will be coating you with specific pheromones which communicate safety, comfort, and bonding.

Felines tend to be territorial creatures, using pheromone chemicals from their scent glands to mark out their home turf. They often have a peripheral territory, where they patrol and hunt, and a core territory where they fulfill vital needs such as eating, grooming, and sleeping.

8. Breed

All cats have their individual personalities, but some cat breeds are known for their affectionate natures and love of petting and cuddling.

All cats have their individual personalities, but some cat breeds are known for their affectionate natures and love of petting and cuddling. The Ragdoll, Sphynx, Siamese, Birman, and Maine Coon are all known for being great lap cats.

Why Does My Cat Sit On My Partner’s Lap But Not Mine?

Cats are creatures of habit, and once they’ve decided that a lap is right for them, for whatever reason, they’ll stick to it – even if yours is just as cozy.

We’ve just gone through all the lovely reasons why your cat sleeps on a lap, so you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit miffed if your cat sleeps on someone else’s lap and not yours. But don’t take it personally!

Why Do Cats Like Sitting On Laps?

by Lizzie Youens, BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS Updated Nov 3, 2022   Share

Having your kitty jump up into your lap and settle down for nap time has got to be one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership. It’s hard to resist those cuddly cats – and who would want to?

But what are the reasons cats do this? Why do they love a bit of lap time? Well, for many of the same reasons that we do, actually! Warmth, companionship, affection, and comfort are all among the most common reasons cats love laps. Having a cuddle with an owner can also be part of a cat’s communication through scent and cat body language.

Top Reasons You Might Have A Lap Cat

Cuddles are great, of course, but let’s delve a little deeper into the many reasons that your cat may choose you as their preferred sleeping spot.

1. Comfort

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles.

Cats are creatures of comfort, sensitive to textures against their skin and paws, craving softness and snuggles. You may notice that your cat always jumps up onto your lap when you sit with a blanket over you or wear a snuggly garment like a soft bathrobe.

Your lap may well be the perfect size and shape for your cat to get into their favorite sleeping position. They may even knead at your legs, often a sign that a cat is feeling happy and relaxed.

Also Read: How To Care For Feral Cats: 4 Tips For Happy, Healthy Ferals

2. Engaging The Senses

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents.

Cats have a truly excellent sense of smell, with around 200 million odor receptors, compared to our mere 50 million. They are also very attached to routine and familiarity and like to surround themselves with things that smell, sound, and look comforting and familiar.

If your cat has chosen your lap as a good spot, they will naturally return more and more as they become accustomed to your particular scents, the sound of your breath and heartbeat, and the feel of your clothes.

Also Read: Understanding Your Cat’s Five Senses

3. Safety

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping.

Cats can be solitary creatures and are at their most vulnerable when sleeping. Innate instincts lead them to seek out the safest spot to sleep in, protected from potential predators and threats.

This is usually a spot that is both up high and away from the ground, warm and comfortable. If they choose your lap to sleep in, this indicates that they feel safe and secure around you, that you are a source of comfort and protection. How lovely!

Also Read: The 7 Best Cat Doors, Portals, Flaps and Electronic Doors

4. Warmth

Cats are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Cats have a naturally high body temperature, at around 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (a human’s is around 97-99 degrees), and this heat takes energy to maintain. This means that they are highly attracted to warm spaces so that their core temperature can be more easily maintained.

Body temperature tends to drop during sleep, so finding the perfect spot for a warm snooze is highly important, and your lap may just be the best place!

Also Read: 5 Heartwarming Cat And Dog Friendship Stories

5. Affection

Your cat might wish to spend time with you, lying on you or around you because, quite simply, they love you!

Your cat might wish to spend time with you, lying on you or around you because, quite simply, they love you! Cats cannot communicate their feelings verbally to us (although some of the chattier cat breeds do try!), and so their show their affection through a cuddle, a slow blink, and constant companionship. It’s a real compliment!

Also Read: How To Make Your Cat Love You Even More [8 Ways]

6. Trust

When they need a deeper sleep, they seek out a super secure place to fully relax.

Cats are vigilant animals, often taking short catnaps in a light sleep mode with one ear always listening for signs of trouble. When they need a deeper sleep, they seek out a super secure place to fully relax. A kitty who sleeps on you is proving their trust in you, that you have a strong bond that means your cat can fully relax in your presence.

Also Read: 10 Signs Your Cat Really Does Trust You

7. Territory

If your cat spends a lot of time around you, including rubbing their face, cheeks, and chin on you, they will be coating you with specific pheromones which communicate safety, comfort, and bonding.

Felines tend to be territorial creatures, using pheromone chemicals from their scent glands to mark out their home turf. They often have a peripheral territory, where they patrol and hunt, and a core territory where they fulfill vital needs such as eating, grooming, and sleeping.

If your cat spends a lot of time around you, including rubbing their face, cheeks, and chin on you, they will be coating you with specific pheromones which communicate safety, comfort, and bonding. The more that this happens, the more integral you become to their core environment, and they will want to spend more and more time in your presence.

Also Read: 9 Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed (That Much)

8. Breed

All cats have their individual personalities, but some cat breeds are known for their affectionate natures and love of petting and cuddling.

All cats have their individual personalities, but some cat breeds are known for their affectionate natures and love of petting and cuddling. The Ragdoll, Sphynx, Siamese, Birman, and Maine Coon are all known for being great lap cats.

Also Read: The 13 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds That Love to Cuddle

Why Does My Cat Sit On My Partner’s Lap But Not Mine?

Cats are creatures of habit, and once they’ve decided that a lap is right for them, for whatever reason, they’ll stick to it – even if yours is just as cozy.

We’ve just gone through all the lovely reasons why your cat sleeps on a lap, so you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit miffed if your cat sleeps on someone else’s lap and not yours – just don’t take it personally…

Cats are creatures of habit, and once they’ve decided that a lap is right for them, for whatever reason, they’ll stick to it – even if yours is just as cozy. A cat’s sensitivity to smell means they may have strong preferences for certain scents, and once they start sleeping on a lap, they’ll then add their scent each time, so the bond just gets stronger.

Pet cats often bond more strongly to one person in the household than others. This can be especially true if there is more than one pet in the household and a complex social structure is in place.