As cat lovers, you find it very heartwarming and satisfying when your cat curls up on your chest. You feel loved and trusted and find it an excellent form of stress relief.
But how do your cats feel? Do you make them feel comfortable and safe? What if your cat is trying to get your attention by laying on the chest? Let’s see what it really means.
Cats aren’t as demonstrative as their canine counterparts. But when your cat jumps up on your chest and gets comfortably settled and even starts to knead, it means that he genuinely loves you. You aren’t just a warm spot for him. It’s your furry little friend’s way of showing true love and affection.
Common Reasons Why Your Cat Lays on Your Chest
Your cat is likely to lay on your chest for a number of reasons. It might be seeking warmth or safety, feeling ill, or it just wants to listen to your heartbeat. Whatever the reason, it sure is nice to keep your cat close to your beating heart.
1. Your Cat Loves You!
The most common reason why your cat may lay on your chest may be simply because it loves you. Some people believe that cats are always aloof and cold; however, that’s not the case. They are quite loyal and affectionate. They show their love for their owners in many ways, like snuggling up to them and laying on their chest.
2. Cats Love Warmth
Cats love to sleep; they sleep for almost 15 hours or more in a day. But they don’t just sleep wherever they find space—they’ll typically curl up in any warm place, whether it’s a windowsill or a warm spot on the couch.
You’re also a heat source, so it’s no surprise that cats often seek you out when they want a safe and comfortable place to sleep. There are many cats that like to lay on their owner’s chest for warmth, so there’s nothing to worry about.
3. They Find Your Heartbeat Soothing
Kittens like to sleep on and around their mother, as they find the sound of their heart comforting. Similarly, when your cat sleeps on your chest, it can hear your heartbeat and is comforted by it.
In return, a purring cat can have a positive effect on your health. It reduces the risk of heart attack and lowers your blood pressure and stress levels. It’s also known to help heal muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons, as well as infections.
4. You Provide Security
Cats have a natural instinct to hunt. That’s why, they’re constantly on the lookout for predators and can become quite distressed if they don’t feel protected. They also want to feel safe and secure when they sleep.
So if your cat chooses to sleep close to you, it’s in fact a compliment. Your cat knows that it won’t have to worry about predators or other problems while sleeping next to you. It can rest easy as you’re the safest pet bed in the house.
5. Cats Are Possessive
One of the reasons why cats like to lay on their owner’s chest is because they’re territorial by nature. They like to mark their possessions. By staying close and laying on various parts of your body, your cat is actually marking you with its pheromones.
This is your cat’s way of trying to tell its other furry friends in the house know that you’re not just a nice sleeping spot but his territory as well. So, if your cats love to lay on top of you, sometimes it’s just better to let them sleep there.
Reasons Why You Should Stop Your Cat From Sitting on Your Chest
We’ve already established that there are several benefits of your pet cuddling up to you.
However, in some cases, it’s better to stop your cat from sleeping on top of you:
- Cat dander has protein that can cause allergies. If you suffer from allergies, allowing your cat on top of you can cause problems. However, if you hate missing out on kitty love, choose a cat breed with less protein in their dander. Maine Coon cats are an example of such cats that are known to cause fewer allergy problems.
- Your cat may also bring things from outside into your bed. In addition, it can track litter from the litter box when it jumps onto your bed. This not just makes your bed dirty, but can also bring germs into your sleeping space, and you don’t want your cat to make you sick!
- If you let your cat sleep in your bed, you might not get a good night’s sleep. If you’re a light sleeper, having your cat on your chest can disturb your sleep throughout the night. If startled, your cat can also claw you unintentionally.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your cat out of your bed, providing it with a pleasant alternative is the answer. Invest in a plush, roomy, preferably heated cat bed. Place an old shirt or cardigan in the cat bed to provide your cat with a sense of familiarity.
Reasons Why Cats Want to Sleep on You: Frequently Asked Questions
If my cat sleeps close to me, will it physically heal me?
You’ll be surprised to know that having your cat sit on your chest may have some therapeutic properties. The frequency of your cat’s purrs not only helps relieve stress, but also heals bones and muscles.
Why does my cat put its paws on my heart?
Your pet does this to transfer its scent to you. It’s not being possessive—it just wants the world around it to smell like itself. Cats find their own scent soothing and if you smell like them, they’re more comfortable with you.
How does a cat pick its favorite person?
A cat owner who invests the most effort into getting to know their pet’s body language and communication becomes their favorite human. You can become your kitty’s most treasured companion by taking the time to understand its signals.
Why Does My Cat Lay on My Chest: Final Thoughts
Regardless of how they’re portrayed, cats are quite social and love companionship. They usually cuddle up to you to show that they love and trust you. They feel at ease surrounded by familiar scents, and that’s you! Sometimes, your cat may be trying to seek you out if it’s feeling anxious or stressed, as you make it feel protected and safe.
So it’s no wonder that your pet is always on the lookout for an opportunity to jump on your chest. Cherish these chest moments with your feline friends. Spend some quality time with them to create a strong and long-lasting emotional bond.
Author
Evelyn Baxter, Writer and Cat Expert
Evelyn is an animal advocate, cat expert, and the proud mom of 2 rescue cats, Sugar, a beautiful fluffy tabby and Beebee, a black, fluffy beauty. Evelyn has studied animal care while volunteering at her local shelter. She loves all animals and wants to share the animal knowledge she has been lucky enough to gain together with knowledge from other experts with cat parents across the world.
