With their weird and wonderful ways, cats are simply too adorable to us. And one of the strangest things they like to do is to sit and lie on unusual things around the house – like paper. Why do cats like to lay on paper, you ask? After some research and observing the cats around me, here are six likely explanations for your cats’ paper obsession:
1. Warmth
The first theory for why cats like to lay on paper is warmth. Cats love warm and cozy spots – ever noticed how they love to lie in sunbeams or stretch out by the fireplace? Cats have a slightly higher body temperature (38-39°C) compared to humans (37°C), so the ideal ambient temperature for them is higher too.
While a sheet of paper may not look very warm, it serves as an insulator for the cat’s body heat while still allowing them to survey their domain or observe you as you work. Which brings us to the next point…
2. Attention
This reason for sitting on paper is as good as any other! Cats are very proactive when it comes to asking for attention and if they see you focused on whatever you’re doing with paper, be it a notebook or some letters (or in my case, starting a game of Scrabble), they’ll recognize it as a place to get attention.
There’s also the fact that sometimes, you cat just wants to be where you are. And if you reinforce their paper-loafing behavior with admiration, scratches, and playful attempts to shoo them off, they might start doing it more often as a way to seek your affection and interaction.
3. Curiosity
“Curiosity killed the cat,” goes the saying. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and what I’ve noticed with my cat, at least, is that it isn’t just the paper that interests them – it’s what you’re doing with the paper instead of playing with your cat.
Think of the thousands of videos where cats swipe at the pen when someone’s writing, try to catch a “spider” drawn with ink on paper, or paw at the pages of a book while someone’s reading. When my cat does this, that’s when I indulge him and let him play – any new experience can be great enrichment for bored cats.
4. Texture
Cats are tactile creatures, and paper offers unique textures that your cat may find soothing and comfortable. In fact, as you get to know your cat, you’ll probably notice them preferring certain types of paper over others! My cat’s favorite is tissue paper (the type used for packaging).
Paper is also a wonderful cheap toy for your cat to enjoy, from paper planes to scrunched-up receipts, and they may recognize that the sheet of paper they’re laying on may soon become their next toy.
5. Scent marking and familiarity
Cats typically mark their territory using their scent; that’s why you’ll see them rubbing their cheeks, where they have scent glands, against various objects around the house or even on you. Cats also have scent glands on their paws, so when they lay on paper, they’re leaving their scent behind.
In addition, the paper is most likely has your scent on it, and your cat adding their scent to it helps in reinforcing the group scent in your home. This provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for them, reinforcing the bond between you and your feline friends.
6. Perceived boundaries
Finally, while cats have an unmatched sense of smell, their vision is quite different from ours. Cats see less saturated colors, are nearsighted, and don’t see sharp details like we do. In addition, they have difficulty focusing on things less than 30cm away. Hence the phenomenon of the “cat trap”: when you create an enclosed shape on any surface using marker, chalk, or tape, your cat will sit in it!
In line with this theory, a sheet of paper that contrasts against your desk surface can serve as an imaginary “box” for your cat to lay on. They may even feel more safe in this imaginary space.
How do I stop my cat from laying on paper?
If you want to prevent your cat from laying on paper that you’re using, you can always try:
- Setting out different sheets or stacks of paper just for them to lay on. This is great if you want their company while you’re working!
- Ignore them – any kind of attention, even negative attention like telling them “shoo!” will reinforce your cats’ belief that this behavior gets you to interact with them.
- Redirect your cat to something else, such as by playing with them in another part of the house that they’re free to roam.
Remember, cats are individuals, and their reasons for liking certain things may vary. It’s more likely that you cat likes to lay on paper for a combination of the reasons above, rather than any single one. More importantly, observing your cat’s behavior and preferences will help you better understand their unique personalities. Providing a mix of comfortable and engaging environments will ensure your cat has a fulfilling and enriching life.