Some cats feel compelled to rest their heads on laptops. Despite having the appearance of being an uncomfortable place to sleep, laptops have features that cats find appealing. Why do cats do it, though? Why use laptops? It’s a fascinating question with some absolutely interesting answers.
7 Reasons Why Your Cat Like Sleeping on Your Laptop
Although it might seem weird for a cat to sleep on a laptop, there are a number of factors that make laptops appealing to cats.
Cats love warmth.
If a laptop has been functioning, it may be warm, and cats enjoy the warmth.
The ideal temperature range for cats is between 85 and 100 degrees. Due to this fact, cats continually seek ways to stay warm as their temperature is significantly higher than a human’s thermoneutral zone, especially in colder locations.
That’s why cats love laying out in the sun even at the height of summer. They get the warmth they require from electric blankets, sunny places, and even used laptops.
Cats are drawn to the warmth that laptops emit because they produce heat when they are in use.
Cats are attracted to your laptop’s scent.
Cats have four times as many odor receptors as humans have, giving them a keen sense of smell.
More than a thousand sweat glands are located on our fingertips, which produce 100–1,000 times more perspiration than other body parts. Although sweat from the fingertips usually evaporates right away, it can also be easily transported to the keyboard of a laptop. Therefore, your scent is all over your laptop.
Your cat will notice this scent and will get drawn to it. They enjoy anything that makes them think of you, and anything that has your aroma on it will make them want to be in the vicinity of it.
Felines are territorial species.
Due to their territorial nature, cats usually mark their territory with scent. Long after they have left, this is a powerful strategy to keep other cats and animals out of their territory.
Cats have scent glands located in their:
- Paws
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Forehead
- Flanks
- Tail
Cats rub their bodies on your laptop to let you know it’s theirs. When you try to remove the laptop from underneath it, your cat can become hostile and irritated — this is typical territorial conduct.
Cats are curious and interested in your screen.
Some cats find it entertaining to watch the laptop screen move. In fact, cats can see laptop screens. They get curious when a video is playing or the screen is constantly flickering. Additionally, the screen plays music, shows films, and displays images, which can pique their interest. They might wish to look into what the purpose of all these stimuli is. They develop stronger cognitive skills by doing this.
Cats want your attention.
Cats are very affectionate animals. They want to spend time with you and experience the same love in return.
It’s likely that you are oblivious to your cat if you are absorbed in work on your laptop. So the greatest method for your cat to attract your attention is to get on your laptop and stand between you and the screen.
Many owners stroke or cuddle their pets, unintentionally reinforcing this tendency. Cats rapidly figure out that lying down or resting on a laptop will garner them the attention they need from their owners.
Cats love your keyboard
The keyboard, a lovely, flexible surface, is another enticing feature of your computer. The keyboard is like a memory foam mattress since the keys depress when your cat walks or lies on it.
Since your cat can’t tell a laptop from a toy, the keyboard probably stimulates its mind in the same way as its preferred games and toys.
Cats love to jump to elevated areas.
Your cat may be seeking height if you use your laptop at a desk. Being high up gives cats a superb vantage point from which to survey their surroundings and keep an eye on what’s happening.
This behavior is a result of their innate need to protect themselves, as being high up offers wild animals the ability to notice predators and other threats and to flee from possible danger.
Is it Bad for Cats to Sleep on Laptops?
Your feline friend sitting or sleeping on your laptop is harmless, at least for them. On the other hand, you might suffer from typographical errors and work interruptions.
Additionally, as cat hair accumulates inside computers over time, you might need to clean your computer’s inside more frequently than usual.
Bottom Line
While it is not bad for cats to sit on your laptop, this habit can be distracting for you while working. It is best to keep your feline friends away from your laptop as it can also damage your device over time.
Find an alternative spot for your kitty or give them a decoy laptop that they can play with. For example, you can buy a heating pad and place it anywhere you want. You can also provide them with a warm rest area so they will not get attracted to the heat that your laptop emits.
