Why Does My Cat Sit and Lie Down on My Clothes?

Have you ever walked into your bedroom only to find your cat sitting on top of a stack of folded clothes, like one giant pancake on top of a stack of smaller pancakes? Why do they do this? Folded or not, it seems like cats really love to lie down on our clothing and there has to be a reason for it… right?

As it turns out, there are a few! Lying down on their owner’s clothing comes with a few added benefits for a cat, though they are mostly psychological. On the plus side, there is no reason to worry about why your cat enjoys lying down on your clothes. It’s just something they seem to do – though you might want to make sure their paws are clean or they haven’t just used the litter box!

We’ve compiled a list of reasons why cats might like to park themselves on top of their owners’ clothing piles.

Comfort and Familiarity

Cats are creatures of comfort and your clothes provide comfort. Not just a soft and cozy spot for them to relax, your scent is also heavily concentrated on your clothes. This makes them particularly appealing to your cat because they love you! Isn’t that flattering? By sitting or lying on your clothes, smelling your scent and feeling familiar material, your cat may feel comfort and familiarity with you. It can be a way of bonding and showing affection, especially if they purr or knead your clothes!

Territory Marking

Cats have scent glands on their paws, cheeks, and all over their bodies. When they sit or lie down on your clothes, they may be having a great time, but they might also be marking their territory by leaving their scent behind. This behaviour can be especially prevalent in cats who feel the need to assert ownership over their owners. If they smell your scent on clothes, they may feel it necessary to add theirs as well. 

Seeking Warmth

Cats are drawn to warmth. We’ve all seen how they love to lie down in the sun and will follow it around the home as it moves across the sky. Human clothing is designed with trapping body heat as its primary focus, therefore making it relatively attractive to your cat. Especially in the case of clothes fresh from the dryer, or clothes that were just worn, cats might be heavily drawn to finding a nice comfy spot on your warm t-shirt!

Curiosity

Cats are incredibly curious creatures and their curiosity typically knows no bounds. Cats might find themselves intrigued by the texture, smell, or folds of your clothes. Some cats even mistake certain textiles for other animals and will approach them carefully, periodically slapping them with their paws as if they were a threat. Exploring your clothing items can stimulate a cat’s senses and provide some mental stimulation, which is essential for a happy and healthy cat.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Some cats like to sleep and avoid people while others would sit on their owner’s shoulders all day if given the chance. Attention-seeking cats are fun and, in some cases, sitting on a pile of their owner’s clothing might be their best move to get some attention or play a game. If your cat notices you react when they sit on your clothes, they might make it a regular thing. Be ready for playtime!

What Should You Do?

Truth be told, if you don’t mind your cat sitting or lying on your clothes, then let them. Sitting or sleeping on your clothes is a sign your cat feels comfortable and secure around you. It doesn’t harm anyone to let a cat do this. The only thing to keep in mind is you might need to do a quick lint roll before leaving the house. Some people (outside your home) might have severe cat allergies and it’s the right thing to do to try to remove the hair before going out. 

If you’d rather keep your clothes fur-free or want to redirect their attention, consider providing a designated spot, like a cozy cat bed, where they can comfortably rest. Reward them with affection and treats when they use it to reinforce that it is a good place for them to be.

Your cat’s habit of sitting or lying on your clothes is likely a combination of seeking comfort, affection, warmth, and exploring their surroundings. It’s a charming feline quirk that reflects their weird personalities and, in a way, their connection with us. If able, try to embrace this behaviour as a sign of their love and affection instead of a nuisance and you’ll continue to strengthen your bond with them instead of harming it.

The Hervey Foundation for Cats is a cat rescue located in Alberta, Canada.

Written by Dan Huen

Image by ChoiceOMG