Cat behavior, in fact, is a complex emotional and instinctive embodiment, behind a variety of reasons, some will even surprise you.

1. Cats treat people as “mobile heaters”.

Cats are typical “warm-loving animals”, their body temperature is higher than humans, about 38.5 ℃, so they always like to find a warm place. Humans have just the right body temperature, which is like a natural heater. Especially in cold weather, cats lie on the human body, not only to keep warm but also to feel the cozy “hot air”. This is just like we like to hold a hot water bag in winter, for cats, people are the best “warming artifacts.

2. Cats seek security

Although cats seem to be independent, they are actually very sensitive inside. They need a safe place to relax themselves, and the owner's body is the “safe haven” in their minds. When a cat lies on your body, it can feel your body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing, and these familiar signals will make it feel at ease. Especially for those cats that have just arrived at a new home or are timid, sitting on the body of the owner is a kind of instinctive self-protection behavior, just like a child hiding in the arms of its parents.

3. Cats “mark” the owner with their body

Cats have a special sense of “territory”, they will use the glands on the body to secrete a “pheromone” to mark what they think is important. The owner is the most important thing that the cat cares about, so it will lie down on your body and leave this pheromone on you, so as to “declare sovereignty”. In other words, by sitting on you, the cat is actually telling you, “You're mine, and I've marked you!” This behavior is not only a territorial behavior but also an “expression of love” to the owner.

4. The cat is “socializing” with you.

For cats, physical contact is a very important form of socialization. They are not like humans who can communicate verbally, but by sitting on you, rubbing against your legs, or pushing their heads against you, they are expressing their love and trust for you in their own way. This kind of physical contact not only enhances mutual affection but also allows the cat to feel the owner's attention and response. So, when the cat is sitting on you, it may just want to “chatter” with you and interact with you in its own way.

5. The cat may just be “tired”.

Don't forget that cats are notoriously lazy and spend most of their day sleeping. The owner's body is a very comfortable place, soft and warm, it is a natural “cat's nest”. So, when a cat lies on your body, it may just think, “This is a very comfortable place, let's take a nap”, and enjoy the company of its owner in the meantime.

In short, cats sitting on top of people is a natural behavior, driven by both instinct and emotion. The next time your cat comes to “occupy” you, you may want to enjoy the warmth and companionship, because this is their body to give you a “gift of love."