Cats are often thought of as not affectionate, though this isn’t really the case, they just show affection very differently compared to many other pets. If you own a cat, you’ve probably wondered why does my cat sleep, lay, or sit on my chest. You’ll soon see that cats can be quirky and have very unique ways of bonding with their owners. Keep on reading for answers to these questions, and why they like it.
Here’s a quick answer for you. Cat’s have a few reasons for sleeping, lying, or sitting on your chest. The most common reason is that they love you and want to be close to you. It could also be that they’re using you as a giant hot water bottle. They also see you as a source of security so sitting or laying with you makes them feel safe. If your cat is constantly with you, you’ll need a good lint brush like the ChomChom Roller or DELOMO Pet Hair Remover Roller.
Why Do Cats Sit, Lay, Or Sleep On Your Chest
1. They Love You
People who aren’t used to cats or have had limited interaction with them all seem to think the same thing. Cats just aren’t as affectionate as dogs. This isn’t the case, in fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cat’s are very affectionate animals, they just go about it in very different ways. Where dogs tend to be quite boisterous and upfront about their affections, cats are more subtle and nuanced. Where dogs will lick, cats may just rub up against you.
If you do have a cat, you’ll notice that they do curl up with you from time to time in order to be close to you. This is their way of showing you just how much they love you. They’ll stay with you as long as they’re comfortable.
2. You’re Their Hot Water Bottle
Cat’s tend to sleep for a long time, roughly 15 hours a day and it’s common knowledge that they love warmth. Their body temperature typically sits at about 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they love as much warmth as they can get.
As their owner and a human, you generate a lot of body heat, which to a cat, is impossible to pass up.
You may notice that your cat seeks you out more often during winter or when the weather is cold.
If you’re wanting to discourage your cat from snuggling with you too much, or just want to give it something special, it’ll love a heated cat bed, like the K&H Pet Products Heated Extreme Weather Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad.
3. You Are Safe And Secure
Cats are essentially like babies covered in fur, and since you are much larger than them, and provide for them, they look at you as a source of safety and security. Seeking you out to cuddle is a way for them to know they are safe.
Making your cat feel safe and secure is a great way for it to know how much you love it. Make sure you show your cat that it is completely safe with you, especially if you have other pets in the house.
4. They’re Marking Their Territory
You’ve heard the saying, we own dogs, but cats own us. This is quite true as cats tend to mark their owners as their territory. Your cat may come and lay on you in order to cover you in their pheromones, so they know you belong to them.
Why Do Cats Sit On Your Chest When You Sleep At Night
Cats may sit on your chest while you sleep for the reasons listed above, but there are also a couple of other reasons. One of those reasons is because they could be making sure you are not dead.
When you sleep it can be hard for your pet to tell if you’re sleeping or dead, so a lot of pets, cats included sometimes sit or lie on your chest in order to feel you breathe. The constant rise and fall of your chest shows your cat that you’re ok and helps them feel safe and secure.
Why Does My Cat Like To Lay On My Chest FAQ
Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest And Lick?
Essentially your cat is grooming you. Grooming is a social activity for cats, they do it to strengthen bonds between each other, and to a cat, you’re just a larger version of itself. So a cat sitting on you and licking will be want ing to bond with you.
Think of a mother cat and its kitten, she will often hold her baby and lick it to clean and groom it. Cats do the same thing to humans, though their tongues can get uncomfortable after a while. This is a great way of your cat showing you affection.
Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest And Purr
To a cat, the sound of your heartbeat is incredibly soothing and they know that the sound of their purr is comforting to you. It is also a sign that they are happy and relaxed, because you make them feel safe, secure, and comfortable.
Purring is your cat’s main way of showing that it is comfortable and relaxed. You’ll notice it purrs whenever you scratch it in just the right place or especially when it is lying on your chest. It loves your heartbeat and will purr as a result.
Do Cats Lay On Your Chest To Heal You?
The sound of a cat’s purr can be very beneficial to humans. They purr at vibrations in the 20 Hz to 140 Hz range, which can have healing effects. It helps to lower your stress and blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attacks, and can help decrease infection.
Can Cats Sense Broken Hearts?
Though cats may seem incredibly self-centered, they have a remarkable ability for empathy. Cats, much like other pets, have an amazing sixth sense when it comes to human emotions and they can sense when you’re upset.
If you’ve had a broken heart or experienced deep sadness, you will probably notice your cat seeking you out more often, and rubbing itself on you. They may stay with you for an extended period of time or leave but keep checking on you.
Why Does My Kitten Sleep On My Chest
Since kittens are still babies, they need as much love and attention as you can provide. Kittens love to sleep on your chest for warmth and to listen to your heartbeat, which is very soothing to them. Make sure you provide your kitten with lots of love and security.
Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest When I’m Sad
Cats have an outstanding ability to know what emotions a human is experiencing. If you have been sad around your cat, you’ll notice they will be far more attentive toward you and give you much more affection than they ordinarily would.
Cats can be incredibly helpful in soothing sadness, especially if they lay on your chest. Their purring has wonderful healing and comforting properties and they know this can help you overcome your sadness.
Why Does My Cat Sit On My Chest With Her Back To Me
If your cat sits on your chest and turns its back to you, you should feel overwhelmingly complimented. This act is the single greatest way a cat will show you they love you, so you should feel very special.
A cat turning its back to you is a huge sign that it trusts you and loves you. Think about it this way, you would never turn your back on someone or something you don’t trust. Cats are exactly the same, if they turn their back to you, then they trust you with everything they have.
Final Words About Why Do Cats Sleep On Your Chest
Cats are far more affectionate than people realize, though they show that affection in completely different ways compared to other pets. Cats are subtle animals that tend to show their love in ways that as humans we may not recognize. Where dogs will lick and jump all over you, cats tend to rub up against you or turn their back to you. Cats will also mark you as their territory, which is another reason for sleeping or laying on you.
If you’ve ever wondered to yourself why does my cat sleep, lay, or sit on my chest now you not only know why they do it but also why they like it. If your cat does regularly sleep on you, make sure you have a good lint brush like the ChomChom Roller or DELOMO Pet Hair Remover Roller. It may also be a good idea to get your cat a nice heated bed, especially for the colder months. K&H Pet Products Heated Extreme Weather Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad is a great option.
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