Cats are among the most affectionate animals in the world. They may not greet you in the same way that dogs run when you come home, but they show affection in unique ways. Moreover, the perfect example of that is snuggling while purring. With that said, you may ask yourself, why does my cat lay on my chest? Well, to find out, keep scrolling.
Why Does My Cat Lay On My Chest?
Indeed, many years passed since cats got domesticated and still some of their ways remained a mystery to humans. Well, cats could have any place to sit, sleep, and snuggle, and yet, why do cats sit on your chest?
Moreover, if you compare a cozy bed to your chest, surely, the bed is a much more acceptable option. However, that’s not the case when it comes to cats. According to research, cats may look like uncaring animals, but they’re deeply attached to their humans.
Therefore, that’s the main factor why cats sit on your chest instead of choosing the bed or some other cozy rag. Our fellow felines view humans as their safe spot. Hence, they like to be as close as possible to their owners because it brings them security, comfort, and warmth during anxious times.
Listening to Your Heartbeat
When cats were still babies, they would lay on their mother’s bellies for warmth and affection. Also, they liked hearing their mom’s heartbeat, thus, as they grew into adults, they retained that hobby. With that in mind, that’s the purpose of why cats lay on your chest.
Trying to Get Warm
Same as humans, cats feel cold too. However, they can’t speak so that’s another reason why cats sit on your chest of all a sudden. Also, when that happens, don’t be afraid or move too much. Yet, the best thing you can do is to support him or give him a heat warmer to make him cozier.
It Is Territorial
Cats have territorial tendencies and they do that in terms of spraying and marking their territories. Well, they may not pee on you, but another way of showing they own you is when cats sit on your chest to have their scents all over you. Further, that will tell all other pets to back away and never come near their humans.
Stressed or Anxious
Animals, especially cats feel emotions too. To be precise, they get stressed, anxious, or even depressed as well. So, cats like to sleep on your chest because that’s one way to show that they need support and comfort.
Trying to be Protective
House cats, no matter how cute and cuddly they look, came from a long history of vicious hunters in the wild. With that said, although domestication made them look fluffy, still they have some wild overprotective traits in them. Thus, the reason why cats sleep on your chest is that they want to protect you.
They Trust You
Trust is an important aspect of the cat and owner relationship. Moreover, cats don’t just trust anyone, yet the moment they give you that, there’s no going back. Hence, to show loyalty and trust, most likely, a cat sleeps on your chest.
They Are Comfortable
Felines love snuggling in small and comfy places where they can barely fit. For instance, they like to curl up in paper bags or boxes, and sometimes on your chest. Well, a cat sits on your chest because you’re like his human box, where he can be warm and comfy.
Showing Affection
The most transparent reason why cats sit on your chest is because of affection. Well, that action improves your cat’s emotional bond with you and establishes more trust around you. Further, for a cat, you are his favorite person, defender, and good provider. Hence, one way of showing his appreciation to you is by cuddling.
Do Cats Heal You When They Lay on Your Chest and Purr?
Over the years, cats developed an ability to read and understand human emotions. That said, according to research, cats recognize audio and visual cues of human anger and joy. Moreover, when their owners displayed happiness, they also expressed a positive response. Whereas, if their owners showed negative emotions, cats would show less positive behavior as well.
On the other hand, felines can sense anxiety from their surroundings and it could also stress them out. When that happens cats lay on your chest to heal you because if they don’t balance out negative emotions, they too will be infected. Plus, science stated that purring has many healing benefits for humans.
In addition, another purpose why your cat likes to sleep on your chest is because of your sadness. Aside from the boost of energy you get when petting them, cats’ purr is powerful enough to ward off depression, loneliness, stress, and even migraines. Well, they also have the power to lower blood pressure making you feel more relaxed.
For starters, a cat sleeping on your chest while purring can lower the chances of heart attacks and strokes by 30%. Plus, purring at a frequency of 20-140 HZ energizes muscles and promotes fast healing of bones and tendons after surgery. Also, even a soft purr has therapeutic effects, that don’t only calm cats but also aid in their owners’ good night’s sleep.
Further, among other factors why cats purr on your chest is because he wants to help you from conditions such as shortness of breath or dyspnea, swelling, and infections. Lastly, another cool thing about owning pets, whether dogs or cats is that it makes you appear healthier, smarter, and more attractive.
Should You Stop Your Cat From Sleeping on Your Chest?
If you’re wondering why cats sit on your chest, the simple and most valid answer is that they like you. However, if you don’t own those cats, and you’re not sure if they’re clean, then most likely you won’t like them sharing your bed.
Cats look cute and fluffy. They come in various sizes, some are fat while others are slender. Well, if it doesn’t bother you that there’s a cat on your chest, then why not just cuddle with them? After all, based on research, cats can help you live a healthy and happy life.
On the other hand, if your cat sits on your chest and then you have trouble breathing because he’s heavy, then you may want to rethink other cuddle options. Although a cat sitting on your chest is the ultimate form of trust, if his weight suffocates you, then it’s understandable if you don’t allow him to do so.
Plus, there are people who despite having pets, are still allergic to fur. Well, who can blame them, right? Pets, especially fluffy cats are too irresistible. Hence, if you’re among those owners that are allergic, then it’s okay to keep a little distance from your furry animal.
Besides, no matter how wonderful it is that cats show you affection by laying on your chest and purring, still it can pretty uncomfortable to sleep in the long run. With that said, cats may accidentally claw you while sleeping or poop in your bed.
In general, if you’re comfortable having your cat lay and purr on your chest, then it’s not a problem. However, if you’re having issues, then you can find other pleasant alternatives for your cat to lie on.
How to Stop Your Cat From Laying on Your Chest
Most vets agree that the most common reason why cats lay on your chest is because of affection and warmth. Yet, if you’re having issues because of your cat’s clingy behavior, then here are some ways to stop your cat from laying on your chest.
Keep Your Room’s Door Closed
Closing the door every time you go in the room gives you more personal space. At the same time, it trains your cat to be calmer and more collected even if you’re not in the room with him. Plus, it also allows your cat to explore more fun options in the house.
Get Them a Warmer
Another usual factor why cats sit on your chest is due to body warmth. During cold seasons, cats like snuggling, and when they don’t have something that’ll keep them warm, their first thought is to cuddle with their owner. Besides, you can get them cozy heat warmers or hot water bottles to keep them warm and comfy.
Provide a Safe Space
Sometimes, when a cat lays and purrs on your chest, it doesn’t mean that the cat is contented. There are instances when he just wants some safe place to snuggle with. So, as a pet owner, you can try and get your cat a cozy bed or give him cardboard boxes.
Remove Stressors
Unknowingly, you may have stressors in your home that scare your cat away. First off, identify which part of your home has the least and most noise. Afterward, transfer your cat’s belongings to a more silent area. Also, try not to overwhelm your cat with new toys, food, and people.
Why Do Cats Lay On Your Chest: FAQs
The reason why cats sit on your chest is a bizarre thing to understand. After all, cats seem to have healing abilities that soothe both felines and humans. Moreover, to guide you in terms of owning cats, here are some frequently asked questions most pet owners have when cats lay on their chests.
Your cat sits on your chest because of affection, trust, and warmth. Come to think of it, cats are gentle animals. They even curl around your legs to greet you and paw at your arm as if saying, I love you. That said, felines feel the need to be around you due to the warmth and security you bring them.
Based on science, cats sense emotions particularly, sadness and anxiety. Moreover, the purpose why cats lay on your chest is due to your anxious thoughts. Besides, cats have purrs that surprisingly have therapeutic benefits like lowering stress, healing bones, and even reducing the risks of heart failure.
Well, it depends on certain circumstances. If you’re not allergic to cats and don’t feel bothered by their weight during sleep, then why not? As long as your furry friend is healthy, with no skin or parasitic infections, then it’s okay to let your cat lay on your chest.
Cats have acute senses that enable them to pick up even the slightest hormonal changes in their owners. Moreover, a study in 2019 stated that cats can sniff cancer cells from people. Plus, they can detect something’s wrong through behavior and shift in emotions. Hence, that’s another purpose why cats lay on your chest during sleep.
Mornings are usually the coldest time of the day so cats lay on your chest to feel warm and to bond as well. In addition, for your beloved feline, you’re not just a cozy bed, but also, you’re the human he adores the most.
From their appearance that brings joy, to their purr that heals people, felines are the most unique animal doctors in the world. Plus, when cats lay on your chest, they feel emotions and sense danger. Overall, cats adore us humans, so it’s only right that we support and takes good care of their needs as well.