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Many people believe that cats take more time to become comfortable with their owners, particularly when compared to domestic animals, such as dogs. Cats are territorial and like to create boundaries to ensure solitude.
However, once a cat starts to open up, you may notice that they start cuddling up to you more. Cats that are at ease may start to lay on your chest, though you may see them lie against your legs and sides too.
We’ll cover the reasons why cats may lay on you in this post, as well as whether it is bad for your cat to do so (for more cat behavior, read our article on why cats lick then bite you).
Reasons Why Cats Lay On You
Here are some of the reasons why your cat may start to lay on you.
They Love You
If your cat starts to rub their head on you, this is the main sign that they are comfortable with you. Soon enough, they will come nearer until they are fully lying down on your chest.
Lying down on your frame is a huge sign that the cat is displaying their love for you as a parent. Simple as that!
They Find You Comfy
Cats, as well as other furry animals, prize comfort. Cats can nestle and sleep wherever they please, as long as they are nice and cozy! You may see your cat curling up on a plush carpet, on top of the cabinet, or even in the corner of your yard fence.
The other place your cat might find comfortable is your chest. Your pet may view you as another warm and safe bed, so you may see them climbing on top of you at night.
They Like The Way You Look
Your shoulders and chest are areas where your cat can perch and view your face properly. Compared to the shoulders, the chest is much warmer and safer for your cat to lie on.
While your cat is laying on your chest, you may notice that they are staring into your face while you wake up in the morning. The simple explanation is that your cat wants to see your face and wishes to see its protector in a better light.
They Are Stressed
Animals do feel emotions similar to the way humans do. Cats cannot use words to speak, so they try to communicate using actions. You may notice your kitty being quiet for a few days but then come to you for comfort the next.
Stress or negative emotions may be the reason why your cat is laying on your chest (see also ‘Emotional Support Cats‘). They may want some physical contact in the same way humans hug each other for support.
If you notice your cat climbing on top of you, pet them gently while they get comfortable, holding them close to calm them down. This will make sure that your cat gets the solace and attention that they need.
They Like Your Heartbeat
Once a cat warms up to their owners, they view its parents with love and care. This may result in them treating you like their mother. Young kittens will cuddle up to their mother’s stomach. As they get older, they may imitate these actions with their owner.
Cats may lay on your body to listen to your heartbeat. This is a sign of life that can make them feel more protected, in the same way their mother looked after them as young kittens.
They Have Started Trusting You
Street cats and cats from shelters may have experienced awful feelings before they were adopted. They may have felt lonely or abandoned, depending on their circumstances. Your cat may have been in the shelter a long time, or separated from its family while surviving on the streets.
You may have given a cat a different home, but there is still an adjustment period before they feel at ease. They may isolate themselves at first, but once they start to get comfortable, they may begin to climb on your chest for comfort.
Cats will gravitate more toward owners who are dependable, trustworthy, and loving. They are not easily trusting animals, so they may run away from your close relatives or friends. New individuals trigger a cat’s alarm bells so that they run away to a safer setting.
By the same token, if your cat is lying comfortably on your chest, this is a huge sign that they trust you completely.
Is It Bad For My Cat To Lay On Me?
In most cases, there are no problems related to letting your cat lay on you. Despite this, cats may stay on you for a long time, which some owners may find uncomfortable, especially if you want to sleep.
Larger cats that lie on your chest may affect your breathing, while scared or surprised cats may scratch you or your attire. This can result in poor sleep, meaning you keep waking up during the night.
If you want to stop your cat from lying down on you as much, try giving them a different substitute. A spacious cat bed, soft plush, or heated bed can keep them comfortable. Lie a worn piece of clothing down to deliver your scent over the area.
If your cat lies down on you at an unwanted time, delicately transfer them to this bed. Give your cat a lot of praise while they are in this area. Your pet may need some time before this becomes habitual.
Some even find that their cat prefers a cardboard box instead of their new sleeping area, as cats can be fussy creatures!
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why a cat may lay on you, but they will only do so if they are fully comfortable with you. Cats are less trusting than other domesticated animals, but if they have taken the time to climb on top of you, this is a big sign that they view you as their protector.
You can let your cat lay on you without any issues, but if you are having trouble sleeping, you can create a pleasant environment for them to enjoy at night. Reward them with treats whenever they enter this area, and after a while, they should begin to adjust.
If your cat hasn’t started laying on you yet, give it time. As long as you are nurturing, loving, and protective towards your fur baby, they should start cuddling up to you eventually.
