Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest? Top 7 Reasons
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Cats are wonderful creatures. They are adorable both when asleep and awake.
One interesting fact about your feline friend is that they spend a third of their day sleeping. These naps are usually short and frequent, hence the term ‘cat nap’.
Another cute but slightly odd thing you might have noticed your cat doing is sleeping on your chest. But why do they do this when they have a cozy pet bed of their own as well as plenty of space on the bed or couch? If you’re a parent to an adorable furball and you need answers to the question, “why does my cat lay on my chest?” Here are some of the reasons behind this mystery:
1. Your Heartbeat Is Soothing
The rocking motion of your chest when you breathe is very soothing to your cat. So soothing, in fact, that your heartbeat and steady breathing can lull your kitty to sleep.
But it’s not only your furry feline who benefits when they sleep on your chest. Cats will often purr when they sleep and this can help relieve stress and relax your mind. In turn, this reduces your chances of getting heart disease or suffering from a stroke. So, it’s definitely a win-win situation!
2. They’re Looking For Comfort
Since your cat spends up to 15 hours sleeping, they have to find a comfortable place to nap. Apart from your tummy and lap, your chest is the other large, flat spot that your feline can comfortably rest on.
Your chest is comfy and has a relatively large surface area making it a perfect resting place for your feline friend. Besides, your chest smells familiar, and that familiar scent will reassure your kitty that they are safe, helping them to relax.
3. Territorial Behavior
Cats mark their territory by transferring their scent to objects and people. By rubbing their nose and face against you, your cat is marking you as theirs. When she lies on your chest, your cat will spread a large amount of their scent on you. This way, other cats will know that you’re taken!
4. You’re Warm
It’s no secret that cats are drawn to warm places. For instance, you’ll often find your cat on top of your laptop or soaking up the sunny rays on the windowsill.
Your chest is no exception as it gives your furball some of your body heat to keep them warm and cozy. The chest is one of the warmest body parts as it contains major organs like the heart and lungs. Also, your chest is broad and flat, so your kitty can make plenty of contact with you and soak up lots of heat.
The heat from your chest not only keeps your puss body warm but also helps them conserve the energy they needs for their daily activities.
5. To Express Their Love
Cats express love and affection in mysterious ways, and lying on your chest is just a way for your cat to say ‘I love you.’
Other ways your cat may use to show her affection include:
- Licking your face and hands
- Rubbing her face or body against your legs
- Kneading
- Head-butting (known as bunting)
- Biting your nose playfully
- Sitting on your lap
Consider yourself lucky when your kitty shows affection in this manner. It genuinely shows your cat wants to be with you.
6. They Want Security
Cats are top predators in the food chain, but because of their small size, they are also vulnerable when confronted by other large predators. Thus, cats are always on high-alert and keen to pick safe and secure resting spots.
Since you’re your cat’s number one protector when they’re in your home, your cat will often choose to lie on you because they trust you to protect them. Undoubtedly, your cat knows no harm will come to them when they’re snoozing on top of their favorite person.
7. You Smell Good
Your puss feels more at ease when they smell familiar scents. So, they’ll lie on your chest to be surrounded by your smell. This human scent is strongest on the chest, so it’s the perfect place for your cat to sleep.
Summary
In conclusion, when your furry family member sleeps on your chest, they are probably trying to bond with you. On your chest, your kitty feels safe and warm, and they can relax while feeling soothed by your rhythmic heartbeat.
If you enjoy a snuggly snooze with your kitty on your chest, you can reward them with treats to encourage this behavior. But let’s be honest, sometimes letting your kitty lie on your chest may not be comfortable. Your sleep may be interrupted, or you might have trouble breathing due to your cat’s weight. Your cat could also accidentally hurt you with their claws when they’re sleepily stretching.
If you want to discourage your pet from napping on your chest, you should find a warm and soft spot for her to sleep. You can use calming sprays or pheromone diffusers to create a space where they feel safe and cozy, and hopefully it’ll become their favorite snoozing spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a cat lays on your chest and purrs?
Cats show their love and happiness by purring. When your favorite feline is relaxed, a special motor inside their airway gets started, and you’ll hear vibrating sounds. Your cat might also be trying to get your attention when they lay on your chest and purr.
What does it mean when your cat sleeps on you?
Your cat sleeps on you to bond with you and show you affection. Your cat feels more relaxed, comfortable, and safe when napping on you, because they trust you to love and protect them.
Why does my cat sit on my chest and stare at me?
When your cat stares at you, it’s a sign that they trust you and feelvery comfortable in your company. This is also true when two cats stare at each other. It shows that they’re comfortable around each other.
Why does my cat lay on my chest and neck?
Your cat lays on your chest and neck to feel warm. Both the neck and the chest have steady body movements that your cat might find soothing. These are also the body parts where your scent is strongly concentrated, meaning your cat will be comfortable next to your familiar scent.
