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Cats have weird quirks. Wouldn’t you agree? But sitting on your chest isn’t one of them. The behavior is pretty standard for cats. When it comes to getting your attention, sometimes meowing doesn’t work and it’s time to enlist other invasive tactics so your cat gets whatever they want.
Without further ado, this article explores five possibilities of what your cat wants when they sit on your chest. Let’s take a look.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Cat Sits On Your Chest
1. It’s Feeding Time
Meowing is one way to get your attention. Cats have a few more tricks up their sleeves in case the meowing doesn’t work, and they use these tricks only when necessary, like when the food bowl is half empty.
Sitting on your chest offers a nice, wide visual field to lightly paw or scratch at your face in case you fall back asleep. Your cat may accept a few head scratches while loafing on your chest, but only a few. There’s clearly a task to be done, and they can’t let distractions hold up any more precious time.
2. To Feel Closer to You
Cats have their own things going on, but they do schedule time for snuggles into their busy days. Sitting on your chest is warm, right above your heartbeat, and close enough to the hands for head scratches and kisses. And, should you forget to pet them, they can easily headbutt you as a not-so-gentle reminder.
3. Protection From Danger
Even the world’s perfect killing machine feels scared at times. Sitting on your chest is a comforting way to feel tethered to you, so as not to let you out of their sight.
4. Warmth
Cats naturally seek out the warmest spot in the house when the temperature drops. On a cold winter day in a frigid house, cuddling on your chest is a great way to soak up natural body heat, especially in the morning when the bed is the warmest.
5. To Claim You
Cats can be possessive of their owners, and a great way to say “you’re mine” is to do the cat version of the Captain Morgan pose. In your cat’s eyes, you are important cargo, and the rest of the house needs to understand this. Cats are especially possessive in multi-pet households.
To share the love, you can set up scheduled cuddling routines for each animal. They’ll figure it out and appreciate the alone time.
Why Does My Cat Lay on My Chest in Bed?
Cats either need our attention when we’re in bed or take advantage of the opportune moment when we’re lying down.
For instance, cats are semi-nocturnal and are ready to eat just before dawn. Normally, people are still in bed at this time, which is unacceptable for cats. Loafing on your chest, meowing in your face, and gently scratching and pawing at your nose is a surefire way to get you out of bed—or get themselves locked out of the room.
When it comes to snuggles, begging is hardly an option. Cats are proud animals. So, it makes sense for them to choose a time that’s convenient for everyone involved.
Is It Safe for Cats to Lay on Chests?
It’s perfectly safe for a cat to lay on your chest. Some situations are the exception, like someone with breathing troubles or an infant. But generally, your cat’s desire to be on your chest is welcomed.
Final Thoughts
Cats do so many things that melt our hearts, and sitting on our chests is top of the list. Although sometimes inconvenient, their loud purrs and headbutts are always welcomed. The behavior is a cat’s way of expressing a few thoughts. But no matter the reason, if your cat lays on your chest, it loves you.
See Also:
- Why Is My Dog Coughing? Potential Reasons & When To Act (Vet Answer)
- Why Is My Dog Coughing Like Something Is Stuck in His Throat? (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: Koldunov Alexey, Shutterstock
