Why Do Cats Sit on Laptops? Health Risks and How to Stop It

If you own a cat and use your laptop at home for work, you would have seen your cat stepping on your laptop several times. Many times, they also sit over it. If you can relate to this experience, you will get an answer today as to why your cat does this.

In this blog, you will see the main reasons why cats love to sit on laptops and why this behaviour shouldn’t be appreciated, since there are a lot of risks associated with it. You will also see some simple highly effective tips that will help you to stop this behaviour in your cats.

Why Cats Like Sitting on Laptops?

Following are some of the key reasons why your cat is attracted to your laptop,

Cats are curious animals who are interested in everything around them. When they see the flickering screen, the way the cursor moves and the sound of the keyboard clicks, it instantly arouses their interest. The shifting image on the screen triggers their hunting instincts too. Also, when you are focused on the laptop, your cats feel to be part of the action as well, as they feel there is something in store for them.

• They May Be Seeking Attention

Sometimes, your cats will sit on your laptop while you are working, just to catch your attention. They know that by positioning themselves on the laptop, they can effectively disrupt your focus and force a response out of you. Just think of this as your cat’s way of seeking your companionship and interaction, so that you become the centre of the world.

• They are Marking their Boundary

Cats can also sit on the laptop to mark their territory. They do this by releasing pheromones, which are present on their paws and faces. This is why you might have seen them rubbing their face on yourself and other objects. By sitting on your laptop, they claim the area as their own and they reaffirm their territorial instinct through this.

• Laptops Offer Comfort and Warmth

Cats are animals who are naturally drawn to warmth. Since your laptop generates enough amount of heat, it acts as an ideal spot for your cats to sit. The surface of your laptop mimics one of the warm, cosy places where cats like to rest, for instance, sunlit areas or warm beds. Also, the short and elevated space of the laptop offers a secure sport for your cat to settle down.

What are the Dangers of Cats Resting on Laptops?

While it is funny to see your cats sitting on the laptop and looking at you, several potential hazards are involved with this. Following are some of those,

• Scratching and Harm: Your cat’s sharp claws can unintentionally leave scratch marks on your monitor or keyboard, which can cost you dearly.

• Hair and Airflow: As your cats groom themselves while sitting on the laptop, their hair can get into the laptop, blocking the airflow and leading to overheating. This condition can damage vital parts of your laptop.

• Electrical Danger: Curious Cats can start nibbling on your laptop’s charger cable or other open areas of the system, putting themselves at greater risk of injury while also causing potential damage to your laptop.

• Enabling Parasite Entry: Cats often bring ticks, fleas and other parasites into the house after playing outside. While they sit on the laptop, the invading parasites can be problematic to you as well.

How to Stop Cats From Sitting on Laptops?

There are several by which you can keep your cats away from sitting on your laptop. Firstly, try providing them with a cosy cat bed, where they can rest and sleep peacefully. A warm and comfortable bed would be more compelling to rest for them than the surface of a laptop. You can also consider rewarding your cats with some scrumptious cat treats, once they obey you for not climbing on the laptop. This will reinforce their positive behaviour and will make them want to repeat it to get rewarded.

Another great idea would be to use physical barriers like closing the laptop or placing a laptop cover over it, while not in use. Implementing these steps will be a great step to keep both your cats and laptops safe.