Do you ever wonder why your cat likes to lie on your clothes? It’s not just because they’re soft and warm – there are several reasons why cats may do this. In this comprehensive article, we will answer some of the most common questions about this behavior, as well as provide helpful tips on how to deter your cat from doing it. If you’ve been wondering why your cat lays on your clothes, read on for answers!
To Provide Comfort
One of the most common reasons why cats lie on clothes is for comfort. When cats are feeling anxious or stressed, they will often seek out a warm and soft surface to lie on. This helps them to feel more secure and relaxed. If your cat seems to be lying on your clothes more often than usual, it may be because they are feeling extra stressed or anxious. There are a few things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable:
- Provide them with a cozy spot to sleep in, such as a cat bed or blanket-lined basket.
- Make sure they have plenty of toys and playtime to keep them occupied and distracted from whatever is stressing them out.
- If possible, try to reduce any sources of stress in their environment, such as another pet or loud noises. [2]
To Work Out Where You’ve Been
If you’re a cat owner, you might have noticed that your feline friend likes to lie on your clothes. While this might seem like odd behavior, there are actually a few reasons why cats do this. One reason is that they are trying to figure out where you’ve been. Cats have a very strong sense of smell and by lying on your clothes, they can pick up your scent. This helps them feel comforted and reassured that you’re nearby even when you’re not in the same room. [2]
To Ease Stress Anxiety
One of the reasons your cat may be drawn to lying on your clothes is that it provides them with a sense of comfort and security. Your scent can be very calming for them, especially if they associate it with positive experiences like being petted or fed. If your cat is prone to anxiety or stress, lying on your clothes may help them feel more relaxed.
There are a few things you can do to help your stressed-out kitty feel more comfortable:
- Make sure they have plenty of places to hide: Cats feel safest when they have a place to retreat to if they’re feeling overwhelmed. If your home doesn’t have many hiding spots, consider getting a cat tree or some boxes that your cat can use as a makeshift fort.
- Provide them with plenty of toys and playtime: Playing can help relieve stress in cats, so make sure your kitty has plenty of toys to keep them occupied. Wand toys are a great option, as they allow your cat to safely “hunt” without leaving the house.
- Talk to your veterinarian: If your cat’s anxiety is severe, your vet may be able to prescribe medication that can help them feel more relaxed. [2]
Your Cat Has Separation Anxiety
If your cat follows you around the house and seems particularly needy, it may have separation anxiety. When cats feel anxious, they will often seek out their owner for comfort. This can manifest in different ways, such as meowing excessively, urinating outside the litter box, or chewing on objects.
Lying on your clothes is just one way that your cat may try to cope with separation anxiety. If you think this might be the case, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions. Medication may be necessary in severe cases, but there are also some behavior modification techniques that can help alleviate your cat’s anxiety. [2]
To Mark Their Territory
Cats have glands in their paws that secrete a scent. When they lay on your clothes, they are transferring their scent to you. This is their way of claiming you as their own and marking their territory.
While some people may find this behavior off-putting, it’s actually a sign of your cat’s affection for you. So, if your kitty likes to lie on your clothes, consider yourself loved! [2]
They Are Comfortable To Sleep On
Cats are creatures of comfort and will often choose the softest, most comfortable spot to take a nap. And what could be more comfortable than your clothes? The fabric is soft and warm, making it the perfect place for your cat to curl up and drift off to sleep.
If you find that your cat is lying on your clothes more often than not, it may be time to invest in some new bedding for them. There are plenty of options available that will provide your feline friend with a cozy spot to rest their head. [2]
Why Cats Like Lying On My Clothes
Cat Laying On My Clothes And Marking Its Territory
Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to lie on your clothes? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a common behavior among cats and one that can often be confusing for their owners.
There are a few reasons why cats may choose to lie on our clothes. One reason is that they see our clothes as an extension of us. When they lie on our clothes, they are essentially claiming us as their own and marking their territory.
Lastly, some cats simply enjoy the texture of certain fabrics (e.g., wool or fleece). These fabrics may provide them with a sense of security and comfort. [1]
Other Reasons Cats Lay On Clothes
There are a few other reasons your cat may be drawn to your clothes. If you typically wear fragrant lotions or perfumes, your scent may be appealing to them. Additionally, if you have recently been petting another animal, their scent could also be appealing and comforting to your cat. If you notice that your cat only lays on certain articles of clothing, it’s likely because those items carry your scent more strongly than others.
Another possibility is that your cat simply enjoys the fabric of your clothes. Certain fabrics, like wool or cashmere, can be very soft and inviting to lie on. If you notice that your cat seems particularly fond of lying on a particular type of fabric, try investing in a pet bed made from that material. They’ll love having their own special spot to relax in that’s just as comfortable as your clothes!
Finally, it’s possible that your cat is just looking for some extra warmth. If they tend to lay on your clothes when you’re not wearing them, it could be because they’ve absorbed your body heat and are seeking out a source of warmth. This is especially common in cold weather or if your home is particularly drafty. Providing your cat with a warm bed or blanket to snuggle up in should help solve this problem. [1]
Why Cats Start Peeing On My Laundry
Cats are very territorial creatures. They like to mark their territory by urinating on things that have your scent on them. This is why you’ll often see cats peeing on their owner’s clothes or bedding. It’s a way of saying, “This is my territory.”
There are a few reasons why your cat might start peeing on your laundry. One reason could be that they’re not happy with the litter box situation. If the litter box is dirty or in an area that they don’t feel comfortable with, they may start urinating elsewhere.
If your cat starts peeing on your laundry, it’s important to figure out the underlying cause. Once you know the reason, you can take steps to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. [1]
How to Stop My Cat Sleeping on My Clothes
Remove Stressors
The first step in trying to stop your cat from sleeping on your clothes is to remove any stressors that may be causing the behavior. If your cat is sleeping on your clothes because they are afraid of other animals or loud noises, try moving their bed to a quiet room where they can feel safe and relaxed. If your cat is sleeping on your clothes because they are bored, try playing with them more often or providing them with more toys and scratching posts.
If you are unsure of what might be causing your cat’s stress, consider taking them to the vet for a check-up. Once you have determined the cause of your cat’s stress, you can begin working on removing it from their environment. [2]
Get Pheromone Diffusers Or Collars
If your cat is spraying or urinating on your clothes, it’s important to get pheromone diffusers or collars. Pheromones are a natural scent that helps cats feel calm and relaxed, and can be very effective in reducing stress-related behaviors like spraying and urinating.
There are several brands of pheromone diffusers and collars available, so talk to your veterinarian about which one would be best for your cat. Some diffusers need to be plugged into an outlet, while others can be battery-operated. Collars usually last around 30 days before needing to be replaced.
Pheromone diffusers and collars can be a great way to help reduce stress in your cat, and can ultimately help keep your clothes clean and free of urine or spray. [2]
Donate Old Clothes For Your Cat’s Bed
If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, donating old clothes to your local animal shelter or rescue organization is a great way to go. Most shelters accept all types of donations, including clothing, towels, and bedding. And since most of these organizations are always in need of supplies, your donation will be put to good use. Plus, you’ll be helping out some kitties in need!
There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to go this route. First, make sure the items you donate are clean and free of any pet hair. Secondly, it’s best to avoid donating items that are too small or too big – cats generally prefer medium-sized beds. And lastly, be sure to call ahead or check the organization’s website to see what items they are currently accepting. [2]
Why Does My Cat Lie on My Shoes?
There could be a few reasons for this feline behavior. One common reason is that your cat likes the smell of you on your clothes. When you wear something, your scent gets transferred to the fabric. To a cat, this smell is comforting and familiar, like a security blanket. So if you notice your cat gravitating towards your dirty laundry basket, they’re probably just looking for a cozy spot to relax in that smells like you.
Another possibility is that your cat enjoys the texture of certain fabrics. Some cats prefer soft materials like wool or flannel, while others might prefer rougher fabrics like denim. If you notice your cat lying on a particular type of clothing more often than others. [3]
My Cat Soils My Dirty Clothes
There are a few reasons why your cat might be doing this. One possibility is that they’re trying to spread their scent on you and your things. This is a form of marking behavior that helps them feel more secure in their environment. Another possibility is that they simply enjoy the comfort of lying on something soft and warm. Cats are also known to lie on clothes that smell like their humans, which could be another reason why your cat is drawn to your laundry pile. [3]
Human Scent
One possible reason your cat enjoys lying on your clothes is because they enjoy your scent. Much like how we often take comfort in the smell of someone we love, cats may do the same with their humans. If you notice that your cat seems to gravitate towards certain articles of clothing that you wear often, it could be because they’ve picked up on your unique smell.
Additionally, some research has shown that certain scents can have a calming effect on cats. If your cat is prone to anxiety or stress, lying on your clothes may help them feel more relaxed and comfortable. Certain essential oils, like lavender or chamomile, are thought to be particularly calming for cats and may be worth trying if your feline friend is in need of some extra relaxation. [3]
Why Does My Cat Like My Scent?
There are a few reasons your cat may enjoy your scent. One possibility is that they associate you with safety and comfort. Another is that your smell simply relaxes them–think of it like aromatherapy for cats! It could also be that they enjoy the way you taste. Believe it or not, some cats will actually lick their humans as a sign of affection (or to see if you’re edible).
If your cat likes to lie on your clothes, it’s likely because they enjoy your scent. This behavior is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s actually quite flattering! Just make sure to keep an eye on things and clean your laundry regularly to prevent any unwanted accidents. [3]
Is this harmful behavior?
No, this isn’t harmful behavior. In fact, it’s actually quite normal for cats to do this. Cats are very clean animals and they like to keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris. Lying on your clothes helps them accomplish this. Additionally, lying on your clothes gives them a sense of security and comfort. It’s also possible that your cat simply enjoys the smell of you and your clothing. [4]
FAQ
Why does my cat like to sleep in my cupboard?
The most common reason for this is that cats like small, enclosed spaces where they feel safe. Your cat may also be seeking out your scent by sleeping in your cupboard. If you think this is the case, try placing a piece of your clothing in their bed to see if they prefer it.
Another possibility is that your cat simply enjoys the warmth of your clothes. If you notice them doing this on cold days or in drafty areas of your home, consider getting them a heated bed or blanket to keep them comfortable.
What should I do to remove cat hair from my clothes?
There are a few things you can do to remove cat hair from your clothes:
- Use a lint roller. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to remove cat hair from your clothes.
- Wash your clothes in the washing machine. This will help to loosen the cat hair from your clothes so that it can be easily removed when you dry them in the dryer.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge. Dampening the fabric of your clothing will help to lift the cat hair off of the surface so that you can then brush or vacuum it away.
How can I persuade my kitty pal to use its litter box?
There are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to use its litter box:
- Keep the box clean. Scoop it out at least once a day, and give it a good cleaning with soap and water every week or so.
- Put the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home.
- Make sure there’s enough litter in the box. Add more if needed.
- If you have multiple cats, provide one litter box per cat plus an extra one.
Do cats feel love when you kiss them?
No, cats don’t feel love when you kiss them. Cats have a very different way of showing affection than humans do. They may rub their bodies against you or purr to show they are content, but they don’t kiss to express love.
Why does my cat follow me to the toilet?
There are a few reasons your cat may follow you to the toilet. One possibility is that they simply enjoy your company and want to be close to you. Another possibility is that they’re curious about what you’re doing. Cats are very curious creatures, after all! Finally, it could be that they associate the sound of running water with something positive, like getting fresh water in their bowl.
If your cat follows you to the toilet and is disruptive, there are a few things you can do to deter them. First, try closing the door to give yourself some privacy. You can also try training your cat with positive reinforcement – rewarding them when they stay away from the bathroom. With patience and consistency, you should be able to train your cat to stay out of the bathroom.
Do cats check if you’re breathing?
No, cats don’t check if you’re breathing. However, they are very attuned to our scent and the rise and fall of our chests when we’re sleeping. This is likely why they enjoy snuggling up close to us when we’re asleep.
Do cats protect you when you sleep?
One theory is that your cat sees you as part of their pride, and they want to protect you while you sleep. By lying on top of your clothes, they can watch over you and make sure you’re safe.
Another possibility is that your cat just likes the way your clothes smell. We all have our own unique scent, and to a cat, that can be pretty intoxicating. Lying on your clothes gives them a chance to enjoy your scent without having to actually be close to you.
Useful Video: Why Do Cats Like Dirty And Sweaty Clothes?
Conclusion
So, why does my cat lie on my clothes? There could be a number of reasons, ranging from the practical to the emotional. But at the end of the day, it’s just one more way that your cat shows how much they love you.
Do you have a cat that likes to lie on your clothes? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
References:
- https://www.animalfoodplanet.com/why-do-cats-lay-on-your-clothes/
- https://mrbosscat.com/why-does-my-cat-lay-on-my-clothes/
- https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/why-does-my-cat-lay-on-my-dirty-clothes/#Why_Does_My_Cat_Like_My_Scent
- https://www.cuteness.com/13770400/why-does-my-cat-love-my-dirty-clothes
I just adopted the cutest little tabby kitten last month from the local shelter. She’s still getting used to her new home and has started laying on the pile of clean laundry on my bed while I’m trying to put it away. I think it’s because the clothes smell like me, so it helps her feel comfortable and secure. The warmth probably feels good too. She especially loves burrowing into my sweatshirts and t-shirts. I don’t mind too much since she looks so cute and cozy all curled up in my clothes. Though sometimes she drools a bit or leaves little cat hairs which means I have to wash a few things twice! But for the most part, I’ll happily deal with some extra laundry if it helps her adjust to living here.
My Siamese cat Mittens has laid on my laundry since she was a tiny kitten. Now that she’s full grown, it’s a bit more problematic! She’ll jump right into the clean laundry basket and make herself comfortable, stretching out across all my nice folded clothes. I think my clothes must remind her of cuddling up with me – kind of like having my scent close even when I’m not there. She’s always been super affectionate. But now my business clothes are covered in white fur if I don’t catch her first! I tried putting the basket up higher but somehow she still manages to climb and squeeze her way into it. Looks like some items are getting washed twice from here on out.
I know exactly why my tuxedo cat Pip lays on my freshly dried clothes – it’s because she’s utterly obsessed with warmth! She loves to lay in the patch of sunshine streaming in from the window, sprawled on the heated floors, or directly in front of the fireplace. No surprise that a basket full of toasty, fluffy clothes right out of the dryer seems like heaven to her! The moment she hears the dryer buzz, she comes running and immediately dives into the clean laundry, getting comfy in the folds of the warmest blankets and sweaters. I don’t have the heart to move her – she just looks so blissful all curled up there purring away. Of course I don’t mind the occasional cat hair. A small price to pay for a happy kitty!
My senior cat Coco has started laying in the laundry basket more as she’s gotten older. I think the walls of the basket help her feel cozy and secure – almost like a little nest. The clean clothes probably remind her of cuddling up with me too, which she’s always loved to do throughout her 14 years. She rubs her face against the fabric and kneads her paws, purring up a storm. I know she finds comfort in having something that smells like me close by when I’m away at work or out running errands. I make sure to leave one of my old t-shirts that I don’t wear often in her favorite napping spot too for a similar soothing effect. As long as I don’t mind a few bonus cat hairs on my clothes, I don’t see any reason not to let her nestle in!
I caught my ragdoll cat Blue snuggling up on the pile of clean clothes on my bed today. He had the happiest, most relaxed expression as he stretched out over my shirts and sweatpants. As soon as I walked closer to pet him, he started purring loudly. I think laying on the laundry makes him feel safe and content because it smells familiar like me. He’s always been snuggly and attached to me. The clothes probably feel soft, warm and almost like a fluffy blanket he can bury himself in. Moving the clothes means moving him – and with those big pleading eyes looking up at me, I just can’t bear to disturb his cozy little nest! Even if it means dealing with some extra cat hair. Seeing him so blissfully happy is what really matters.
For the longest time I couldn’t figure out why my calico cat Luna kept jumping in the laundry basket to lay on all the clean, folded clothes. No matter how many times I took her out, she’d always hop right back in again! Then I realized what it was – the warmth. Fresh from the dryer, the clothes are nice and toasty. The laundry basket traps the heat and keeps everything bundled together for the optimal cat nap experience. She does the same thing with piles of our clothes on the bed, snuggling up under shirts and blankets. So I made her a cozy heated cat bed for napping instead. Now when she sees me taking clothes out I gently guide her over to the bed. It took some patience but she loves it – and my wardrobe is cat hair free!
My girlfriend just moved in with me and brought her long-haired Himalayan cat Callie. I noticed Callie keeps jumping up on the bed and laying on my pile of clean clothes, getting white and gray fur all over my shirts and jeans. At first I thought it was annoying, but my girlfriend explained that it’s because Callie associates my scent with safety and comfort. Since she’s still adjusting to our new apartment, laying on my laundry helps relieve her anxiety. The warm, fresh clothes probably feel soothing too. Now I try to remember it’s for Callie’s wellbeing. I put a cozy blanket on the couch for her too and make sure to give plenty of pets and affection. The fur on my clothes will wash out eventually. Supporting Callie as she transitions to our home together is what matters.
I adopted an adorable grey kitten named Stormy last year. Lately when I’m folding laundry, he insists on climbing inside the laundry basket and rolling around on all the clean clothes! At first I worried he would get tangled or stuck so I tried moving him. But he is persistant and keeps hopping right back in! Now I realize he just loves burrowing himself in the warm fluffy fabrics. The clothes must feel comforting surrounding him snugly on all sides while still allowing peeking his little face out. And of course catching a whiff of my scent on the clothes probably makes Stormy feel safe and secure. As much as I try to shoo him out to fold properly, I can never resist that cute face for long. I suppose I don’t mind his fur on a few pieces of clothing anyway!
My girlfriend’s cat Jasper has a habit of sneaking into the walk-in closet and napping on my freshly dry cleaned suits and dress pants. At first I was so frustrated – cat fur does not come off nicely tailored clothes! But she explained that the scent of my clothes comforts him when I’m away on long business trips. He sometimes lightly suckles or kneads the fabric too. I realized it’s his way of feeling close to me since we’ve bonded over the years. Now I make more effort to play with Jasper when I’m home so he’s less inclined to miss me. I also bought a few soft blankets to leave on the couch with my worn t-shirt that he can snuggle instead. We’re still working on it, but at least I understand his perspective better now.
We recently adopted the most affectionate Ragdoll cat named Oliver. While I thought he always wants to cuddle just for fun, my partner explained that laying on our laundry is Oliver’s way of comforting himself. The clothes carry our scents, reminding him of us when we aren’t home. This eases separation anxiety he developed after whatever happened in his past before adoption. Now whenever I do a load of laundry, I make sure to leave a blanket or sweater on Oliver’s favorite spot on the couch to snuggle. He happily kneads and purrs into it instead of jumping in the laundry basket! Accomodating his needs for closeness is essential while he continues adjusting. After all, he gives us so much love and companionship in return.
My girlfriend and I just moved in together with my silver tabby cat, Goose. Lately Goose has started insisting on laying atop the clean laundry piles on the bed, keeping guard over them almost. My girlfriend jokes that he’s “helping fold” but really I think it’s his way of soaking up our combined scents now that we share the space and laundry duties. Smelling traces of both his favorite humans probably comforts Goose as he transitions. So I’ve been more diligent about leaving worn clothes in his favorite napping spots too. A nice fluffy blanket straight from the dryer doesn’t hurt either! Cat hair on laundry is a small trade-off for keeping Goose feeling secure. Changes take patience but we’ll adjust together.
I first noticed my cat Lucy laying on the laundry shortly after bringing her home as a kitten. She would climb right into the clean laundry basket and fall asleep curled up in the fresh warm clothes. At the time, I thought it was just a funny quirk! But my vet later explained that the laundry likely soothes Lucy during all the big life adjustments – new home, new sights/sounds, new human companion. The scent of my clothes reminds her of me when I’m not around, reassuring her. Now when I do laundry, I always leave a small pile of worn shirts and socks on Lucy’s bed too. She sleeps curled up with them like a snuggly security blanket! I’m happy to comfort her until she fully settles into our home.
For the longest time, I couldn’t keep my cat Socks out of the laundry basket. Yet my roommate’s cat never goes near it! That’s when I realized Socks lays on the clothes because they smell like me. My scent must give her a sense of familiarity. Socks has always followed me everywhere like a shadow. She gets separation anxiety when I’m gone long. Now I make sure to leave unwashed shirts in her favorite sleeping spots. I also give her extra playtime and affection before leaving the house. This prevents her from seeking out my dirty clothes hamper for comfort! Accommodating her need for closeness has reduced her anxiety. Who cares about some extra cat hair on clothes? I want my girl happy!
I first noticed my newly adopted tabby Milo nesting in the clean laundry basket within his first week at home. At first I worried he might mark the clothes or get tangled. But I soon realized Milo was kneading and cuddling the laundry simply because it smells like me! He purrs loudest when snuggled up with worn shirts too. Coming from an uncertain past, having my familiar scent around clearly reassures him. Now when doing laundry, I set aside a small pile of clothes on Milo’s cat bed as well. He rubs his face ecstatically against the fabric instead! I don’t mind letting Milo soak up the comfort. Bonding with this sweet boy and easing his worries is what matters most!