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Why Do Cats Like Keyboards – Is It Normal?

Why Do Cats Like Keyboards – Is It Normal?

Cats have a funny way of always wanting to help out or be in the midst of whatever you are doing. While this can be an endearing quality, it can be frustrating when you are trying to work, and your cat decides to plop down and sit on top of your keyboard. So, why do cats like keyboards?

Cats like keyboards because they are a warm spot that allows them to sit close to their owner. Cats have long discovered that keyboards are a fun spot to hang out, as they know sitting on the keyboard is sure to catch their owner’s attention.  

Although cats coming at your computer keyboard can be very annoying, its actually charming behavior!

Five Reasons Cats Like Keyboards 

Here are a few key reasons your cat is obsessed with your computer keyboard, and what you can expect to see them do!

Your Keyboard Is Warm

Cats love sleeping in any warm and cozy spots they can find, whether this is a spot on the floor directly in the sun or on top of a warm washing machine. Another spot they often love is a computer keyboard, as your computer generates heat when it is running and makes for a great source of warmth for a cat.

Your Cat Finds Your Keyboard Comfortable 

While it may not seem rational, your cat might find your laptop keyboard comfortable for taking a nap. Cats sleep in all kinds of strange places, from bathroom sinks to tiny nooks and crannies. The laptop keyboard is flat, warm, and compact, and your cat might view this as the ultimate napping retreat.

Your Cat Is Trying To Get You To Stop Working 

Cats are savvy and will quickly learn that you are trying to get work done when you are on your computer. When cats sense you are hard at work, they often want to disrupt this, so you will spend more time paying attention to them.

The fastest way to stop you from working is to block your access to the computer!

Your Cat Is Trying To Get Extra Attention

If your cat feels like they haven’t gotten a lot of attention lately, they may resort to sitting on your keyboard to force you to pay them some attention. If you believe this is the root cause behind why your cat constantly jumps up on your computer, you may be able to prevent this behavior moving forward by giving them a lot of cuddles before starting your computer work. 

Your Cat Is Distracted By Your Computer Screen. 

Your cat may be fascinated by whatever you are looking at on your computer screen and might jump up on the keyboard to get a closer look. This is particularly likely if you have a screensaver on your computer that moves around or jumps on the screen.

Cats may see your computer and think it is a type of interactive toy and jump up to engage with it and play. You can damage your laptop screen or keyboard if your cat scratches it, so keep the computer closed or cover it with a screen protector if your cat is prone to getting on top of it. 

Why Does My Cat Like My Laptop

Your cat likes your laptop because it usually is perched on a high table or surface that allows them to have a great vantage point of the room. Cats are quite talented at jumping and climbing, and as a result of this, they love to sit up high so that they can see more of a room.

This allows them to survey their territory better, which is an engrained hunting skill for cats. Not only can they scope out what is going on around them, but it allows them to ensure they are part of the action.

If you can tell, your cat enjoys sitting on your laptop because they enjoy being on an elevated surface, purchase them a climbing tree or jungle gym of their own. This will encourage them to enjoy their toy instead of interrupting you and getting in your workspace. 

Why Do Cats Sit On Keyboards 

Your cat sits on your keyboard to block you from being productive. Cats recognize that you are spending your time on an activity that does not involve them when you are working on your computer.

They usually will sit on the keyboard as a way to get your attention, as they know you cannot keep typing while they are perched on it.

If you notice your cat sits on your keyboard and seems to be trying to catch your attention, take note of what they are trying to communicate with you.

Your cat might have a pattern of when they do this, and that can signal to you that they are sitting on your keyboard when they are hungry at night or during a particular time in the afternoon when they want someone to play with them.

If you notice a pattern with the timing of when your cat sits on your keyboard, try to be one step ahead of them and feed them before they have the chance to jump up, or schedule in some playtime before you start working for the day. 

How Do You Keep Cats Off Of Your Keyboard

Keep your cat off your keyboard by keeping your laptop closed when you do not actively use it. It’s easier to prevent your cat from getting on your laptop than it is to remove your cat once they have already gotten cozy on top of it.

It can also be helpful to keep the door to your office or the room where you most frequently work closed to eliminate the temptation for your cat to jump up and sit with you.

It may also be helpful to build an area of your room that is a designated spot where your cat can curl up and get cozy while you are working on your laptop. If they have a better spot to sleep in, they may lose interest in sleeping on your laptop all the time. 

How Do I Get My Cat Off Of My Laptop 

To get your cat off of your laptop, redirect their attention elsewhere. While it is a hazard to have your cat on top of your laptop while trying to work, you don’t want to scold your cat too aggressively for sitting there. When your cat is sitting on your laptop, they try to be close to you and show affection.

If you scold a cat while expressing their affection, they may begin to build negative associations around this.

Cats can be quite sensitive when they have a strong reaction, so always be mindful to act respectfully when redirecting their attention to something else.

An excellent way to handle this scenario is by acknowledging your cat and giving them a few minutes of petting and affection. If you do this and still will not move from your laptop, it is fair to pick them up, put them on the floor, or offer them another activity as a distraction. 

Things to Consider 

Observe whether your cat jumps up and sits on your other possessions as well, or if it is just your keyboard they love. You likely will notice that your cat is sleeping or rubbing itself on all sorts of your possessions.

Your cat behaves this way because they are rubbing their scent into your possessions to mark you as their human. Leaving their scent behind on items serves as a message to other animals that might be in the area that you have been claimed and that your home is another cat’s territory.

That is why you may also notice your cat rubbing their face on various objects, as that also transfers their scent to whatever they are rubbing on. Sometimes cats are drawn to an object simply because it smells like their owner.

Your laptop is likely something you frequently use, and they may notice a strong scent of you on the keyboard in particular. They are drawn to the familiar smell of their owner and sit on it to be closer to you.

Ultimately, it is not always the worst thing when your cat jumps up to interrupt whatever you are doing on your laptop. Appreciate the furry friend you have in your life and be thankful they want to spend some quality time together.