Cats love to sleep in shoes, don’t they!?
Why Do Cats Sit On Shoes?
In some cases, your cat may be seeking comfort from your shoes. Cats enjoy the scent of their humans, and will often rub themselves against items that smell like people. Your cat therefore may curl up on your shoes in order to feel close to you. If you want to test this theory, consider leaving one or both of your shoes out when you aren’t wearing them.
When it comes down to it, our feline companions are just as different from each other as we are from each other. You may never discover why your cat likes sitting on shoes in particular, but knowing this behavior is normal means less worrying for all involved!
Familiar Smells
Cats love to sleep in shoes, don’t they? It’s a mystery why felines find our footwear so cozy and welcoming, but there are some behavioral theories that provide clues.
Claimed Territory
Your shoes may be just part of the territory your cat is claiming. Cats are naturally territorial, so sitting on your shoes becomes a way to mark the items as theirs.
It might seem odd, but cats will sit on items they want to keep warm. If you’ve been wearing your shoes throughout the day, they’ll retain some of your heat and attract a kitty interested in snuggling up to something warm.
Your cat may also simply be looking for extra attention from you or an opportunity to feel close to you. Sitting on your shoes puts them in closer proximity with you, which is what they’re really after.
If your cat is laying on other belongings that aren’t comfortable, like books or video games, he may be bored and looking for something to do out of sheer boredom.
Comfort Zones
Your cat may also like sitting on your shoes because they’re comfortable and warm, just like the rest of your body. Cats tend to seek out spaces where they feel safe and can keep an eye on their surroundings, so if you have a pair of shoes that leave a big enough opening, you may notice your cat using that spot as its own little comfort zone. The next time you see your kitty look longingly at an open shoe, try putting it in a box or other container. If he or she doesn’t seem to mind the change of venue, then you’ve officially found their sweet spot—and now you know why cats like shoes!
Reclaiming Your Shoes
We all know cats are the masters of hiding, but if you’re on the lookout for a new cat deterrent, you’re in luck! If a cat becomes scared of your shoes just as they appear, your shoes will be safe from them. This means that you can wear them without fear of being torn to shreds by a feline fury.
Of course, no method is foolproof. Cats have their wits about them and will take advantage of any mistakes you make… like a motion sensor that goes off every time someone walks past your shoe area (a common mistake). However, any one of the five methods outlined below has proved itself effective at keeping cats away:
Use a motion sensor. The motion-activated spray triggers as soon as anyone happens to walk by, before they even step inside your house or yard. This is an especially good option for those who live in quiet neighborhoods or live in high-traffic areas where cars may get close enough to trigger it too.
Use an electric shock device. A shock device is an excellent solution for those living in apartments with thin walls (or thin doors) and/or small spaces between floors and walls—which should come as no surprise considering cats’ love for climbing tall things! Any device that sends out an electric buzzer can scare off most species of animals, including cats who are smart enough not to go right up to it but likely afraid that it’s going to hurt them somehow!
Use food to deter cats from areas they’re not supposed to be in. The smellier the better—cats dislike so many different smells that there are plenty of horrible options out there (some more effective than others). Some people have found success with baking soda mixed with crushed up lemons; others have had luck using frozen chicken tenders along with Himalayan salt; while another person had trouble finding her outdoor sprucing solution until she threw some chicken feet into the mix… which seems
Redirect Attention
If you want to keep your cat from chewing your shoes, you can try giving them a more appealing option. Keeping toys or catnip around helps a lot. You can also train them to sit somewhere else by giving them a treat when they do. If your cat loves heights and being watchful, then providing a perch like a cat tree helps distract and exhausts their energy. Another easy way to keep them distracted is to give them a window seat if you don’t already have one.
Cats have many possible reasons for sitting on shoes. Check for other signs of illness, and try some cat-friendly ways to keep them off your shoes.
There are several possible reasons cats may sit on shoes. Cats like warmth and your shoes have likely retained some of your body heat. Shoes are commonly found on the floor, making them a familiar object for your cat to sit upon. Cats also tend to investigate objects that have a scent they recognize, such as the smell of your feet.
Shoes may provide the perfect spot for napping (especially if they’re left out in the sun). Cats also tend to be territorial over objects, which is why many will claim things as their own by sitting on them or rubbing their scent onto them. This is especially true of solitary animals, such as indoor cats who live alone without any feline companionship.
Some people believe cats act as footstools because it’s an attention-seeking behavior, but it’s just as likely that this ritual signals comfort and relaxation rather than crying for attention.
If you can figure out why your cat has taken a liking to your shoes and make adjustments accordingly (such as adding more cozy spots for her), she’ll probably lose interest in sitting there sooner or later—and leave you with one less thing to trip over while going through your morning routine!
