Why Is My Cat Sitting Like a Person? 4 Main Reasons

Updated on Feb 2, 2024

scottish fold cat's unusual sitting position on a couch

If you own a cat, you know that they are curious creatures that do very interesting things. Whether it’s running through the house at full speed or sitting and staring at something only the cat seems to be able to see, there’s a lot to ponder when you have a cat.

If you’ve ever noticed your cat sitting like a human being, you might wonder why and if that behavior is normal. Should you be concerned about this type of behavior in your feline? This behavior is perfectly normal and we’ll discuss why felines sit in strange positions and if you should be worried.

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The 4 Reasons Your Cat Sits Like a Person

There are a few reasons that a cat will sit like a person. Although the position is odd, it may not be the strangest behavior you’ve witnessed.

1. It’s a Grooming Session

It could be just as simple as your cat hosting its own grooming session. The cat may be holding itself up so it can reach those out-of-the-way places. It might look funny, but it works pretty well for your cat, so who are we to say it’s wrong?

a scottish fold cat's unusual sitting position — Image Credit: zossia, Shutterstock

2. Your Cat Is Too Hot

It could also be possible that your cat’s just trying to cool off. You’ll see cats sitting like humans, often in the middle of a heat wave. Cats don’t sweat as we do, so they have to think of other ways to cool off and regulate their body temperature. Since cats can sweat through the glands on their feet, sitting like a person allows them to take their feet off the floor so they can cool their body down effectively.

3. The Cat Is Copying Your Behavior

As a cat parent, you probably know that cats watch everything you do with dedication and interest. This makes it possible that the cat is just copying your behavior and how you sit. Of course, we can’t be sure why cats sometimes sit like humans, but it’s an interesting theory to ponder.

the cat sitting against the wall looks like a person into the frame — Image Credit: Andrei Metelev, Shutterstock

4. Your Cat Is Showing that It Trusts You

Exposing its underside is a way for your cat to show that it trusts you. The stomach is a very vulnerable part of the body to display, especially for a cat. If your cat is sitting up like a human, it could be the ultimate sign of respect, as it means it trusts the people in your household.

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Should I be Concerned?

While this isn’t the best position for your feline’s posture, it isn’t anything to be concerned about. Most cats sit like humans on occasion. If you are concerned, you can always make an appointment with your vet for a checkup and reassurance that your pet is indeed fine.

fluffy grey cat sleeps sitting on bed like a man — Image Credit: Madhourse, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Cats sit like a person for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s copying you, showing that it trusts you, or merely grooming, cats have their reasons for all the strange little things they do. It’s normal for your cat to sit like a person on occasion, so you don’t need to worry. If you are, however, visit your veterinarian for a checkup. Felines are strange animals, and sitting like a person isn’t the only odd behavior you’ll encounter as a pet parent.

See Also:

Why Do Cats Sit On Squares, Even Squares of Tape?

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Featured Image Credit: Mert Akkas, Shutterstock