This Theory Might Explain Why Your Cat Sits On Your Keyboard So Often (& It's Not Because Of Heat)

It's probably happened to you a dozen times. You're typing on your laptop or desktop computer when your feline friend decides to plop down squarely on the keyboard, demanding your attention. Or, maybe you assume that it chooses to commandeer your keyboard as its resting spot because of the warmth it provides. According to animal behavior expert Dr. David Sands, the real reason involves feline scent-driven ownership (via Science Focus). This means heat isn't what's attracting your kitty to your keyboard; your smell is. 

As naturally territorial animals, cats primarily use scent to mark their turf. They use the scent glands on their cheeks, face, chin, and paw pads to claim objects as their territory. Simply lying on an object, like your keyboard, also does the trick. With all the typing you do, all the keys and crevices of your keyboard smell like you, so by lying on them, your cat is basically saying, "You're mine." It's mixing its own scent with yours.

This could be seen as a sweet gesture or compliment, depending on your perspective. After all, many pet owners would affectionately say that they "own" their pets. With that comes thoughtful purchases like toys, cozy beds, scratch posts, dog or cat treats, maybe a personalized dog or cat collar, and so on. So when your cat does something that suggests it owns you, the gesture could indicate the same sentiment.

Seeing your kitty lie on your keyboard might seem cute the first time it happens, but if it becomes a regular thing, you'll probably want it to stop. Sure, you could just shut the door while you work, leaving your cat on the other side. However, if you're working in an open space without a door, or if your cat is determined to get in no matter what, you'll need a different approach. So, how do you get your cat to stay off your keyboard? By redirecting.

Consider creating an alternative that's just as appealing to your cat as your keyboard. Place a soft, comfy cat bed or that irresistible cardboard box near your work area and place one of your shirts in it. This gives your cat someplace else to lie that smells like you and still lets it mark its territory, without messing up anything on your computer screen. You might even want to sprinkle some catnip on your shirt to make the bed or box even more enticing.

As another option, you can have some of the best solo-play cat toys on hand as a way to redirect your cat's attention. Whip out the interactive puzzle or electronic concealed motion cat toy to keep your kitty busy and distracted. It just might tire itself out enough that it will lose all interest in what you're doing. That way, it can still hang out with you without interrupting your work.