If your feline friend has a habit of commandeering your favourite chair the moment you stand up, you're not alone. This common cat quirk, however, has a much deeper and more emotional meaning than simply seeking a warm spot, according to a veterinary expert.
The Emotional Truth Behind a Cat's Claim
Veterinarian Dr Mark West took to TikTok to explain this peculiar feline behaviour. He urged owners to stop laughing it off as mere stubbornness or a quest for comfort. "This is not cute behaviour. It is one of the most emotional things your cat will ever do," Dr Mark stated at the beginning of his video, which was shared on 19 January 2026.
He challenged the typical assumptions that cats take your seat because it's warm or because they are being awkward. Instead, Dr Mark revealed that the action is intrinsically linked to their bond with you. "When your cat looks at you, they don't see someone who feeds them, they see their safe place, their territory, their anchor in the world," he explained.
Your Scent Equals Safety and Belonging
According to the vet, the specific spot matters because it is saturated with your scent, which provides immense comfort and reassurance to your cat. This is why they will often choose your recently vacated seat even if there are more spacious or comfortable options available nearby.
"To your cat, that spot is not just somewhere to sit, it is your spot. And when they choose it, they are choosing you," Dr Mark said. He emphasised that cats are not primarily seeking physical comfort, but rather the emotional security of feeling protected and at home. "Your scent tells them everything is okay. They feel like they're protected, that they're home," he added, noting that this is a quiet, profound way cats show their love.
Cat Owners React to the Heartwarming Insight
The explanation resonated deeply with many cat owners in the comments section of the video. While one user humorously insisted, "No, he just knows its warm," others shared touching anecdotes that seemed to confirm the vet's theory.
One viewer wrote: "Thanks for sharing I've never understood why she's always running to my spot, she has a whole entire house, but she will specifically take my spot." Another shared a photo of themselves being used as a bed by four cats, captioning it: "They use me as their bed."
A particularly devoted owner commented, "My boy will forever have my seat in my home and i will forever love him and give him the food off my plate until i die," highlighting the unique bond the behaviour signifies. The consensus among many was summed up by one user: "I love this. any cat owner who is tuned into their cat knows and feels this instinctively. that bond is so powerful."
So, the next time you find your cat curled up in your warm seat, remember it's less about theft and more about a heartfelt, if silent, declaration of love and trust.
