The act of a feline sitting, lying, or otherwise positioning itself atop a human companion is a common behavior observed in domestic cat populations. This conduct encompasses a range of postures, from lightly resting a paw on an individual’s arm to fully settling down on their chest or lap.
Such behavior may serve multiple purposes for the animal. It offers the cat a sense of security and warmth, facilitating temperature regulation, particularly in cooler environments. Furthermore, it enables the cat to feel closer to a trusted individual, potentially strengthening the social bond. Historically, proximity and physical contact were essential for survival and resource sharing within feline social structures; contemporary domestic cats may retain vestiges of these instincts.
