Owners often come home to find their furry friends cuddling on their chests, seemingly hogging all the affection. But why do cats lay on your chest and is there something more behind their purr-fect display of love?
Why do cats like to lay on chests?
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, and one of the strongest smells for them is their owner. For cats, this smell is comforting. Because cats enjoy a protector or a parent in order to feel secure, lying on their owners’ chest gives them a sense of safety.
Apart from providing a source of security and comfort, cats typically like chests because they are warm and cozy. It is also the perfect spot for them to rest and just observe their humans. The chest is also the safest area for cats to sleep since people usually don’t move too much and the chest is close to their face.
Dr. Mary L. Radovsky, an individual certified by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, believes that this behavior is instinctive and comes from their days as feral cats in nature.
“Cats are descendents of desert animals that sought refuge from the intense heat and danger of the ground by sleeping on rocks, cliffs and in trees, where elevation provided a better view and more safety,” Dr. Mary L. Radovsky.
Is it a sign of affection?
Yes, it may mean that your cat is showing love. Your cat sees you as someone who cares for them and probably considers you his or her parent. Their purrs are a way of showing their own affection and love for their owners.
Additionally, cats give off pheromones when they sleep. So when they lay on your chest, that could be a sign of your cat marking their territory or even bonding with you in a certain way.
Do all cats do this?
Most cats do not lay on their owners. This behavior is usually only seen in cats that have been handled a lot when they were kittens and are used to human companionship.
Kittens that aren’t handled very much, especially in feral cats, who remain feral in adulthood and avoid interacting with humans, are less likely to act in this manner with humans.
Is it a territorial behavior?
Cats are very territorial animals. So while they may lay on your chest to show you love, they may also be doing it to establish your home and your body as their territory.
When cats lay on their owner’s chest, it’s their way of leaving a scent marking that ensures that you are their provider and protector and that you are exclusively theirs.
Can it be harmful to the cat or human?
No, cats lying on your chest is usually not harmful to either the cat or the human. It is, however, important for owners to be mindful of their cats’ activities when they are lying on their chest.
Make sure that their claws are not digging into your skin and that their fur is not irritating your skin or that their fur isn’t causing an allergy flare-up.
In rare cases, a cat lying on your chest can cause breathing problems if they are too heavy, so owners should be careful not to let their cat fall asleep on their chest if they are having respiratory issues.
Conclusion
Cats laying on their owners’ chests is a very common behavior. This behavior likely stems from a cat’s feeling of security, love, and even territorial marking. While it can be a sign of affection, it is important to ensure that your cat’s claws are not hurting you or that their fur isn’t causing an allergic reaction or breathing issues.
References
Radovsky, M. L. (2020). Behavior: why do cats lay on their owners? -AAFP. Retrieved August 15, 2020, from www.aafponline.org/why-do-cats-lay-on-their-owners