Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Does it always seem as if your cat insists on lounging on whatever paper or magazine you’re reading? Or perhaps your cat loves sitting on your desk right in front of the computer monitor? Maybe even lounging on the keyboard? Do you get up to go get a drink of water and come back to find your cat has taken up residence on whatever project you’re working on? Is your cat just showing an interest in the same reading material as you? Not quite, but as baffling as this behavior may seem, there are a few theories that may explain the reason.
Cats Pay Attention
Center of attention. Your cat has incredible senses and is curious, so he can figure out where your focus is directed. Your cat sees you staring at a paper or at the computer monitor and all your attention is directed at that object so he becomes interested in investigating, and also thinks if he sits on it or directly in front of it he will then be the center of your attention.
Texture. There may be something about the texture of the object that appeals to the cat. Perhaps it’s the smoothness of the paper. Cats often enjoy sitting or perching on the one object that’s different. In my home, if a piece of paper is dropped on the carpet, my cat Pearl takes only a few seconds to claim it as a place to nap.
Warmth. It can also be a temperature factor. Your laptop gives off warmth and since cats have a higher body temperature they tend to seek out warmer locations for napping and resting.
Playtime. Cats are attracted to movement, so your kitty may become fascinated with watching the cursor dart around the monitor, or maybe it’s the movement of your pen as you write on the paper. These movements may entice your cat into wanting some playtime.
Scent. Cats have 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity. We have 5 million. Your cat may be comforted by your scent that’s on the papers or the keyboard.
Bonding and closeness. Since you’re in one position and not moving all around as you’re at the computer or reading something, it’s an opportunity for your cat to curl up next to you.
How Do You Change this Behavior in Your Cat?
Many people may respond to this behavior by shooing the cat away or pushing him off the papers or keyboard. If he was trying to bond with you, your reaction will just create anxiety and confusion.
As much as it’s wonderful to feel so loved by your cat, there are certainly times when you need exclusive access to the computer keyboard or need to finish reading a particular set of papers. Provide your cat with a more interesting behavior so he’ll have a better option than just staring at you as you try to work. Offer a puzzle feeder as a way for your cat to engage in a play activity and get a food reward for his good work. Puzzle feeders can easily be made at home or you can buy one at your local pet supply store or online. The concept is that the cat has to touch and manipulate the toy in order to get the reward. There are so many types of puzzle feeders so you should be able to find one that will hold your cat’s attention.
You can also engage in an interactive play session before you sit down to do your work so your cat gets that one-on-one time with you. Interactive play sessions should be done at least twice a day anyway, but if that isn’t enough to keep your cat happy, add a quick play session prior to getting on the computer or reading.
Cat TV is another option to distract your cat. There are many cat-interest videos on YouTube that showcase prey and other small wildlife.
Create a cozy place for your cat to relax that’s near you but not directly in front of where you need to work. If you’re working at your desk, place a cat bed or kitty shelf nearby so your cat has a softer and more appealing area to lounge. If it’s warmth your cat is seeking, place a self-heating bed on the desk next to you. This type of bed reflects the cat’s body heat so you don’t have to worry about plugging anything in. 
Need More Information on Cat Behavior?
For more information on cat behavior and training, refer to the best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
