Why Do Cats Sleep On Your Chest?
If you’re a cat parent, chances are you’ve seen your furry mate doing some strange things. Climbing the walls, squeezing into the impossible boxes or spaces, stealing socks and other articles of clothing, just to name a few. But one of the most peculiar, and one the cutest things that cats do? Lying and sleeping on their pet parent’s chest. This is actually a pretty common behavior for cats, but going to sleep just to be woken up by your cat sitting on your chest (or worse – head) is quite odd nevertheless. So, why do cats do this? While there is no clear-cut answer to this question as every cat is different, there are a few theories on why most cats love sitting and sleeping on their owners’ laps and chests. Here are some of them.
Your Cat Loves You
Let’s start with the most obvious and widely accepted theory on why cats like to lay on their owners: love. Yep, your cat loves you as much – if not more! – as you love them and they show it through various cute behaviors, including licking your hands, rubbing their head against your legs, kneading on your lap, and lying on your chest. By sitting and sleeping on your chest, your kitty is looking for a way to strengthen the bond between you two. In other words, it’s a sign for “I love you, human.”
They Seek Security
Your cat may have their own bed, heck they may even have your bed as well, so why do they choose to lay on you? When your pet was a kitten, they slept on and around their mother for food and safety and this kind of behavior can continue well into their adulthood. Because many cats see their human owners as their parents and protectors, they like sleeping near and even on them for – you guessed it – protection. Sure, your feline friend may look all tough and strong when chasing mice, birds, or toys, but when it’s time to rest, they’re vulnerable and want some sort of protection to feel safe. After all, cats in the wild are at their most vulnerable while sleeping, so being close to someone who they know and trust makes perfect sense.
Cats Love Warmth
Have you ever noticed that your kitty loves soaking up the sunlight? Even if you live in the apartment, there’s a good chance you’ve seen your cat running to the window first thing in the morning to bathe in the warm rays of the sun. That’s because cats love warmth. Even with thick coats, they are known to seek the warmest possible place to sleep in, including close to a fireplace, upon the sunny windowsill, next to a radiator, and on their owner’s bed. But the best warm place to sleep on, according to cats? Your chest or lap. Because you’re dissipating warmth, your chest makes for a super-comfy, safe, and warm sleeping place that no kitty can refuse.
Your Heartbeat Soothes Them
Another reason why kittens love sleeping on and around their cat momma is that they can hear her heartbeat. While your cat may be an adult, they may have not outgrown this comforting behavior – lying on your chest and hearing your heartbeat makes your kitty feel safe and calm, as if they’re sleeping on their mother (which, in some sense, they are!). You’ll be pleased to hear that the opposite is also true – research has shown that a cat’s purr has calming and therapeutic effects on human health. In fact, petting a purring cat can be seen as a form of stress relief, which decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke!
You Are Comfortable
When you’re safe and warm, you’re also comfortable –at least you are to your cat! Especially if you’re wearing a nice, thick sweater or comfy pajamas and you’re lying in your bed. You too would look for the most comfortable place to sleep in if you slept for 15 hours or more a day! On a more serious note, one of the possible reasons why your cat likes sleeping on your chest or belly is simply because you’re comfortable to sleep on. You smell familiar, you’re warm, and it’s always better to nap in good company.
Your Cat is Trying to Claim You
If you’re asking the question “what does it mean when a cat lays on you” in hopes of receiving a positive, adorable answer such as “it means they adore you,” you may be in for a surprise. Some cats lay on their owners in an effort to claim them for themselves. That’s right, the more you let your cat sit on your chest, the more you are in their possession! Come to think of it, that is adorable.
Don’t Let Your Cat Sleep on You For Long Periods of Time
While adorable, your cat sleeping or just laying on your chest is not something you want for a long period of time. Here is why.
- You can get your chest clawed:
- You’ll be woken up frequently:
- You won’t be able to breathe deeply:
- You may get allergies:
- You may crush your cat:
