Why Do Cats Sit on Things You’re Using?


If you are a cat owner might have experienced this situation: while you are trying to use a laptop or read a book your cat decides to sit on your laptop, book, or whatever you are using. Therefore, you can wonder why they act that way or whether it’s just to annoy you.

Well in this post, we’ll discuss some reasons why cats sit on objects you use and how to deal with it.

Let’s discuss it together!

Reasons Why Your Cat Sits on Things

Cats are known for their curious and independent nature, which often leads to unusual behavior.

Here are 4 reasons that your cat sits on things you are using:

1.   Scent and Territory Marking

As we know cats are territorial animals and they use their scent to make their territory and claim ownership.

Therefore, sitting on your belongings could be their way of making their territory asserting dominance. It also helps them to create a sense of ownership.

2.   Seeking Interaction

It’s possible that cats are naturally curious and attention-seeking especially when you are busy.

If you’re interested in something else, your cat may feel abandoned and receive insufficient love and attention from you.

As a result, your small friend may try to disrupt you by sitting on your belongings while you are using them because it is the way to get your attention such as pet them, play with them, or just look at them.

3.   Seeking Comfort and Warmth

Cats may prefer warmer environments since their body temperatures are higher than humans. Sitting on your belongings may provide both warmth and comfort for them.

In this situation, your cat might like to relax or sit on your laptop or other electronic equipment since it can be highly appealing to companions seeking relaxation.

4.   Playfulness and Curiosity

One of the simplest reasons for your cat to sit on your things is curious and playful. As curious animals, your cat may be interested in what you are doing and what the object is.

As a result, your cat wants to look into, paw, or smell at it since it allows them to participate in the enjoyment with you.

However, there may be other reasons depending on your cat’s personality, preferences, and mood. The important thing is to accept and enjoy your cat’s unique and cute behavior.

How to Stop Your Cat from Sitting on Things You’re Using?

It may be cute or funny at first while your cat sits on things, you’re using but it can also be annoying and frustrating. Therefore, you might want to find some tips to stop them without having your cat interfere.

Well, here are some tips that might be helpful for you and your small friend:

Providing Cozy Spaces

Provide your cat with comfy places to stay, like a box, a blanket, or a bed. You need to be sure they are cozy, warm, and in a good location where they can see you and feel secure. You can set up near your work area to redirect their attention.

Additionally, you can set up the shelve to create vertical spaces where your cat can observe you without disturbing your activities.

Offer Toys

Toys can also mainly help reduce your cat from sitting on your things because they can keep your cat engaged. Therefore, it is important to provide them with enough toys and activities.

You should play with your cat regularly and give them some exercise. It also helps your cat to keep active, entertained, stimulated, and healthy.

Offer Reward

Reward your cat with treats, praise, or affection when they sitting somewhere else than on your thing to reinforce their good behavior. By doing this your cat may attempt to select a suitable location in an attempt to receive a reward from you.

Cover Items

One possible reason is to cover your items. Cats know don’t like the texture or feel of the cover material. Therefore, you can stop their action by covering your items with plastic.

Cats may also become less interested in sitting on objects if they are covered with material that smells neutral or different from them.

Avoid Negative Behavior

You must avoid negative actions such as punishing them for sitting on your thing. This could just only make them more confused or anxious and damage your bond.

Instead, you should try to understand why your cat doing it and focus on positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the desired behavior.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, your cat sits on items you use because it feels comfortable and playful to do and it may also be a way for them to get your attention or satisfy their natural curiosity.

However, it is important to remember that each cat is unique in its behavior and motivations. While some cats may exhibit this behavior more frequently than others, it ultimately stems from their natural instincts and desire for comfort and companionship. Anyway, if you want to stop them you can follow our tips above and keep in mind that patience is key.

Daney Hak

I’m a passionate cat mom and pet lover. Apart from being a cat owner, I’ve spent many years of my childhood around them. In my experience, I’ve learned the importance of understanding your cat to be able to cater to them adequately. Thank you so much for your time.

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