Why Does My Cat Sit on My Shoulder?

Author Adele Gillet

Posted Sep 11, 2022

Reads 79

Dog looking out over mountains

There could be a number of reasons why your cat enjoys sitting on your shoulder. For one, your shoulder provides a great vantage point for your cat to survey their surroundings. Additionally, being up high gives your cat a sense of security and safety. Moreover, your cat may simply enjoy the close physical connection with you that sitting on your shoulder entails.

Whatever the reason, it's clear that your cat enjoys spending time on your shoulder. And who can blame them? After all, your shoulder is a pretty great place to be!

How does my cat know to sit on my shoulder?

A cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human's. They have 200 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to a human's 5 million. Cats also have a special organ in the roof of their mouths called the Jacobson's organ, which is used to interpret scent.

All of these factors help a cat to identify its owner by smell. When a cat sits on your shoulder, it is taking in your scent and marking you as its own.

What does my cat think about while sitting on my shoulder?

Often when I am sitting on my shoulder, my cat will appear to be lost in thought. What exactly is she thinking about? I can only imagine.

First and foremost, she is probably thinking about how much she loves me. She knows that I provide her with a comfortable home, food, and water. She also knows that I am the one who gives her endless affection. She purrs with contentment whenever I pet her, and she often falls asleep on my shoulder. I am her everything, and she loves me unconditionally.

She is also likely thinking about her next meal. Even though she always seems to be hungry, she is a very tidy eater. She never makes a mess, and she always takes her time to savor her food. She knows that I will always give her plenty to eat, so she doesn't worry about going hungry.

Finally, she is probably thinking about how she can entertain herself. She loves to play with her toys, and she also enjoys chasing bugs and birds. Sometimes she just likes to sit and watch the world go by. No matter what she is thinking about, she always looks so peaceful when she is perched on my shoulder.

What does sitting on my shoulder do for my cat's health?

There are a lot of benefits to having a cat sit on your shoulder. For one, it can help your cat's health by giving them a birds eye view of their surroundings. This can help them stay alert and aware of any potential dangers, and also help them to spot prey more easily. Additionally, sitting on your shoulder can help to socialize your cat and make them more comfortable around people. It can also provide them with some much-needed attention and affection. Lastly, it can help to keep their fur clean and healthy by preventing them from lying on dirty surfaces.

Can other animals sit on my shoulder like my cat does?

Most people are only familiar with the common house cat sitting on their shoulders. However, there are many other animals that can sit on your shoulder including: reptiles, rodents, amputees, and even some birds! Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are great at climbing and will often perch themselves on top of your head or shoulders for a better vantage point. Rodents like hamsters and gerbils are also excellent climbers and will often use your shoulders as a way to explore their surroundings. And lastly, some birds like parrots are also known to sit on people's shoulders. So, if you're looking for a new animal companion to sit on your shoulder, don't limit yourself to just cats!

What is the best way to get my cat to sit on my shoulder?

There are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to sit on your shoulder. One is to offer treats or a special food only when she is on your shoulder. Another is to provide a perch or ledge for her to sit on so she feels more secure. You can also try gently petting her back and sides while she is on your shoulder to help her relax. Finally, make sure you have regular shoulder-sitting sessions so she gets used to the idea and knows that it is a safe and comfortable place for her to be.

What is the worst thing that can happen if my cat sits on my shoulder?

There are actually a few different things that could happen if your cat sits on your shoulder. For one, your cat could potentially hurt you with its claws. Additionally, your cat could also possibly transmit diseases to you, such as toxoplasmosis. Finally, your cat could also simply be annoying and disruptive, making it difficult for you to concentrate or focus on anything else.

Assuming your cat doesn't have any diseases and isn't excessively aggressive, the worst thing that could happen if it sits on your shoulder is probably that it will annoy you. It might meow loudly in your ear, resulting in a headache. It might also start to play with your hair or pull on your clothes. In extreme cases, cats have even been known to bite people on the shoulder. While not generally harmful, this can still be quite painful.

So, while it might not be the absolute worst thing in the world, having your cat sit on your shoulder can still be fairly annoying and disruptive. If you have to work or concentrate on something, it's probably best to just shoo your cat away.

What does sitting on my shoulder mean for my cat's relationship with me?

Cats are intuitive creatures and seem to understand us in ways we don’t even understand ourselves. When a cat jumps up on your shoulder, it’s a sign of affection and trust. Your cat sees you as a safe haven, a source of comfort, and a leader.

This behavior is instinctive for cats and arises from their natural behaviors in the wild. In the wild, cats live in groups led by a single dominant male. The females and subordinate males form bonds with each other, but their relationship with the leader is different. The leader protects and provides for the group, and in return, the group looks to him for guidance and support.

When your cat sits on your shoulder, it’s a sign that she sees you as her leader. She trusts you to protect and care for her, and she looks to you for guidance and support. This is a special bond that can only be shared between you and your cat.

What other things can I do with my cat besides having it sit on my shoulder?

There are a variety of things that people can do with their cats besides having them sit on their shoulders. While some people might think that having a cat sit on their shoulder is the only option, there are actually many different activities that people can do with their cats.

One option is to take the cat for a walk. Many people think that only dogs can be taken for walks, but cats can actually enjoy walks as well. Walking a cat can help to burn off some of its energy and can also allow it to explore its surroundings.

Another option is to play with the cat. Playing with a cat can be a great way to bond with it and to keep it entertained. There are a variety of different toys that are designed specifically for cats, so there is sure to be something that the cat will enjoy playing with.

Cats can also be trained to perform tricks. This can be a great way to provide them with mental stimulation and to show off their skills to others. tricks that cats can be taught include sitting, rolling over, and high-fiving.

Finally, cats can be used as therapeutic animals. There is a growing body of research that suggests that spending time with a cat can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Cats can also provide companionship for people who are living alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats jump on your shoulders?

While it is possible for some cats to jump onto your shoulders, it is not generally recommended due to the risk of injury.

Can you train a kitten to sit on your shoulder?

Yes, you can train a kitten to sit on your shoulder by doing the following: 1. Start by teaching the kitten to sit using a treats or a favorite toy. Once the kitten is sitting, slowly bring your hand up until the kitten's bum is sitting on top of your finger. Give her a treat or toy to reward her for demonstrating good behavior. 2. Next, practice placing the kitten on your shoulder while you are sitting down. Hold her close to your body and lift her gently so that she sits in your lap. When she is seated, give her a warm hug and verbally praise her for obeying.

Why do some cats like to be at the same height?

There are likely a variety of reasons why some cats like to be at the same height as people. One reason could be that shoulder cats feel more comfortable this way because they have the ability to escape quickly if they need to. Another theory is that shoulder cats prefer to be on the same level as their owner or pet, feeling closer and more connected. Whatever the reason, it's an adorable behavior!

Should you let your cat sit on your shoulder?

In general, it is best not to encourage cats to sit on people’s shoulders as this may lead to problems down the road. If your cat likes to sit on your shoulder, it may be fine in moderation but it is important never to force a cat to do something that it does not want to do. If your cat becomes intermittently aggressive or clingy while sitting on your shoulder, you should consult a professional veterinarian as there could be medical issues involved.

Why do some cats like to go shoulder riding?

Primarily, this behavior is a display of affection. When cats greet each other and/or interact, they will often leap up to give their companion a good-natured push or a vigorous rub on the back. If your cat loves you enough, it may want to do exactly that - jump onto your shoulder for a closer look at the world. Interestingly, this type of interaction has been seen in felines since prehistoric times. Fossils from around 10,000 BC show evidence of hunting cats who were chest-high to their human partners, apparently using their weight and size as leverage to help pounce on prey. It's possible that this behaviour evolved into shoulder riding because it offered companions an extra level of security when travelling together and helped prevent falls. Looking out over the territory they protect is important to many cats. For some, going shoulder riding provides an enjoyable way to enjoy the lovely views while also staying close to their favorite people.

Adele Gillet

Adele Gillet

Writer at Nahf

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Adele Gillet is an avid writer who has always had a passion for storytelling. She loves to write about her experiences and share them with others, whether it's through her blog, social media platforms or books. Adele is also a keen traveler and enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people and trying new foods.

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