Why Do Cats Sit on Your Chest? 6 Reasons For This Unique Feline Behaviour

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Why do cats sit on your chest? Cats like to sit on people’s chests for various reasons; they feel secure and safe, as your chest is a warm and comforting place. Cats lay on their owners to be close to them.

Cats enjoy the feeling of being close to their human companions. By sitting on your chest, your cat can get a good look at what’s going on around them while keeping an eye on you. Let’s look at the answer to the question, ‘why do cats sit on your chest?’ We’ll also discuss how to stop your cat from sitting on your chest while you sleep if this behavior is disturbing you.

Why do cats sit on your chest?

This behavior goes back to cats’ wild ancestry. Cats survey their territory from the top of a high hill or by climbing a tree or onto a rock. Cats like to sit on something high up as it gives them a good vantage point. If you’re lying on the sofa or even in bed, your cat may lay on your chest, so he can see all around and be surrounded by warmth and security.

1. Safety and security

Cats like to sit on their human’s chests because it makes them feel safe. They may also want to feel your heart beating, and your chest is probably one of the warmest and most comfortable places in the house.

2. Familiar contact

Cats are social animals and enjoy being near their human companions. If you have a lone cat, they may seek out your company by sitting with you and by physical contact. If your cat is the only feline in your home or is often left alone during the day while you go to work, it could explain why he likes to sit on your chest. Sitting with your cat will help the two of you bond.

3. Marking their territory

Cats have scent glands around their face and also on their paws. By rubbing you with their face, your cat is marking you as part of the family with his own unique scent. This scent can’t be detected by people, but other cats you come into contact with will be able to smell your cat. Cats are territorial animals and it’s thought that this is one of the main reasons they will lay on their owner’s chest.

Related Article: Do Cats Know When You Are Sad?

4. Healing properties: Do cats sit on your chest to try to heal you?

There is the belief that cat purrs have healing properties. A purring cat is said to be able to help heal emotional trauma, depression, and loneliness. It’s also reported that having a cat sit on your chest for short periods during the day is good for your health.

Many people believe that cats only purr when they are happy or content. But they will also purr if they are in distress, feeling nervous, or even injured. This is due to the healing power of purrs.

Cats purr at a frequency of between 25 and 150 hertz. This frequency is said to have a healing effect and brings many benefits. It can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even help bones heal faster. Having a cat in your life is excellent for health and wellbeing.

If you often feel anxious or stressed, it actually affects your cat. They can sense when their human is feeling uneasy, and many cats will try to offer comfort. (while others will disappear). Some cats will sit on your chest until you feel better.

5. Anxiety

Your cat may be stressed or anxious and feels the need to lay close to you for comfort. Cats with a strong bond with their owners will want to feel secure and may sleep on their chest. Cats can feel heartbeats, and laying on their owner will have a calming effect on a cat.

6. Cats naturally sleep in groups

Cats and other wild mammals sleep in groups as close contact makes them feel happy and comfortable. A hormone called oxytocin is released in mammals and humans, which helps them feel satisfied, relaxed, and bonded to each other.

It’s a cat’s instinct to seek comfort and warmth from others around them. It could be that there are no other cats in the home, and your cat feels lonely and seeks comfort from you.

How to stop your cat sitting on your chest

If your cat likes to sit on your chest, but you don’t want him to, there are some things you can do to deal with the behavior.

Move your cat

One idea is to move your cat away from you each time he tries to sit on your chest. Another approach is to roll onto your side or sit up without pushing him off and cuddle him. You could also try stroking him or playing with your cat, which will be a distraction. In time your cat may learn not to sit on your chest and will find somewhere else to sleep.

Get a cat tree

Some cats prefer being high up, so giving your cat his own special cat tree where he can climb and sit, may be an answer. If you have the room, build a shelf for your cat to climb onto.

Provide comfortable places to sleep

Discourage your cat from sleeping on your chest by providing lots of other comfortable sleeping spots. Use a cardboard box to create a comfortable bed or a cat igloo so he has somewhere cozy to hide.

Close your bedroom door

If your cat sleeps on your chest during the night, your natural sleep cycle may be affected. Cats can sleep for 15 or 16 hours a day but will do so in short bursts. Having a cat in the same room as you while you’re sleeping could disrupt your sleep. It may be best to close your bedroom door, leave your cat in a different room during the day, or let your pet outside at night.

Remember, every cat is different, and you may need to try a few things to stop your cat sitting on your chest. You’ll soon learn what works for you and your pet. If the problem continues, speak to your vet for further advice.

Why do cats sit on your chest?: Final thoughts

Generally, cats sit on people’s chests for warmth and companionship. When a cat sits on your chest, it means that they feel safe, secure around you, and content to be where they are. Cats also like to sit high up.

It’s not uncommon for some cats to seek more attention than others and thus will climb on top of people while they work or go about their business, such as watching TV, working at a desk, or even sleeping.

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