Why Do Cats Love To Sit On Your Laptop?

If you are fortunate enough to own a feline, you are probably aware that cats have a knack for getting in the way. Take your laptop, for example. You've likely been interrupted countless times by your cat sitting on top of the keyboard. Now, perhaps your furry friend is doing this just to be annoying — which is always a possibility — but there are other reasons your cat might find the laptop so attractive. 

Your cat wants attention 

Why do cats sit on laptops? Well, if you look at the world through a cat's eyes, you'll begin to understand one of the main reasons. While you're working on a computer, all of your attention is focused on that inanimate object. That is just not acceptable to a cat. In a feline's mind, the best solution to this problem is to insert itself between you and that laptop. Unfortunately, if you're like most owners, you have probably inadvertently "rewarded" the cat by stroking its fur and giving it the attention that it wants. 

Of course, there are going to be times when you can't indulge the pesky furball in such a way —if you have a pressing work deadline, for instance. At those moments, provide your feline with an engaging distraction. Many cats adore a good box, so try diverting its attention with a cardboard container or carton. 

Cats love warmth 

Have you noticed that most cats love to sunbathe? Any time a ray of sunshine forms a small puddle of warmth on the carpet, your cat is likely to be in the middle of it. That's because cats love to be warm. In fact, their preferred temperature is between 85 and 100 degrees. Of course, most people are not going to set the thermostat that high. So, why do cats like sitting on laptops? They may be looking for a secondary source of heat to warm their little bodies. 

Having a cat on your keyboard can make it difficult to work. One solution? Offer a small heating pad or mat to keep them comfortable. A number of companies design these products specifically for pets, and your cat may find it a suitable alternative to resting on a laptop. 

Cats are nosy 

Cats are naturally curious animals and they tend to be interested in what you’re doing. It's also not unusual for cats to become fixated on any movement appearing on a screen, such as a scrolling cursor or a video with lots of action. In fact, some owners believe that cats just want to mimic their behavior. They theorize that your feline watches you type away on a computer and wants to do the same. The next thing you know, you have a cat walking over the laptop keyboard. To combat this, some cat owners have given their felines a fake or unused computer. 

In the end, your cat is just being a cat 

Yes, it can be annoying to have a cat splayed across the laptop while you're trying to work, but your furry friend means no harm. It is just one of the many interesting behaviors and quirks that cats will exhibit throughout the day. Plus, it's these eccentric mannerisms that make cats so charming, entertaining, and endearing to their owners.

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.