After living with cats for a while, most pet parents no longer question many of the more common weird behaviours that our pets exhibit (chirping at birds, anyone?). But what about actions like walking all over you? Or standing on you right when you're trying to get some sleep? Read on to learn why this cat behaviour means you're more than just part of the furniture.

Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?

You may think that the number one reason your cat likes to walk on you is because they can, and you wouldn't be too far off the mark. Most often, standing or walking on you is a precursor to the ultimate goal: staying warm.

This especially is true for kittens who are searching for a substitute for their mother. Young kitties need to stay warm to stay healthy, and they instinctively search for the comfort of a trusted caretaker who will keep them safe. Domestic cats retain many of their kitten instincts, and that means they seek the safest spot in the house: with their cat parent. Your body heat gives your cat the security they crave.

Basically, your feline friend sees you as one big cushion they can relax on. Just as they do with a pile of blankets, a pillow or the couch, your kitty needs to make sure they have chosen the perfect napping spot, and walking all over you fulfills this goal.

The act of walking all over you is closely related to the need to knead. Cats knead instinctively, often from kittenhood to adulthood. Although no one can say with absolute certainty why, many experts believe cats "make biscuits" because they are replicating the attention of their cat mum.

"Because the pads of cat's paws contain scent glands, kneading emits a distinctive scent, discernible by other cats or pets but not by the human nose," explain Animal Planet. "In a subtle manner, this signals that this is their own spot, and that other cats can just go knead somewhere else." In other words, when your cat tramples you, not only are they looking for a comfy sleeping spot, they’re claiming their territory too.