Every cat owner has experienced some weird behavior from their cat. A shoulder perching cat is only looking for attention and also the view from your shoulders. Sometimes, the cat just enjoys the security your shoulder gives it.
Part of what makes cats fascinating is the weird little things that they do. One minute you are standing and minding your business when suddenly, a fur animal perches on your shoulders. It can astound you at first, but the sweet eyes of your feline will make you relax in an instant. A cat might not look as graceful on your shoulder as a parrot would, but hey, as long as it gets your attention, everything else is not important.
Why do some cats like to sit on shoulders?
There are various reasons for this. Cats can be adorable little weird creatures and do things that excite us.
Height
Naturally, cats are attracted by height. The elevation on your shoulder gives a cat the perfect view of its surroundings. Before domestication, early cats climbed on tall trees to hunt for prey. The height provided them with a view of their prey. This instinct is still intact even in today’s felines. Today, cats do not need to hunt for survival, but the elevation gives them security and a great view. Interestingly, cats perch on peoples’ shoulders to be at the same height as their owners. So, the next time your feline pulls a parrot stunt on you, just know that it is exercising a natural intuition that existed way before in its ancestors.
Attention seeking
There is nothing a cat craves more than its owner’s attention. A perch is the surest way of getting your undivided attention. If your kitty has tried other methods like purring or rubbing against your feet to no avail, a shoulder perch will work every time. When the cat is nearest to your face, the chances of ignoring it are very slim. This position is a winner for any cat that craves undivided attention. If you encourage the cat to keep perching, it associates this behavior with a positive outcome and you should expect more perches in the future. I should warn you that cats will perch on you even when they are a tad heavy. These felines are always flexible even when they don’t look so fit. As long as you remain to be its loving owner and keep petting it whenever it perches, you will always have a fur companion on your shoulders once in a while.
Personal Space
A cat who lives in a shared environment with other animals might use your shoulder as an escape from all the chaos on the ground. If this cat feels overcrowded on the ground, a shoulder perch will give it some time to itself. This trick works especially if the owner has great height. The cat can just look around at its companions from up there. The tree can be an alternative to your shoulder, but a tree does not move and it’s not you.
What does a cat sitting on your shoulder mean?
The shoulder perch only means that your cat is agile and can make it up to your shoulder. Cats that develop this habit are either young or athletic in build. Senior cats would rather seek attention in other ways. You will not find them on your shoulder. An obese cat will also not be found in a perching position. The weight of the cat can hinder it from enjoying a sit on your shoulder no matter how willing your cat is.
When a cat develops the habit of perching, it knows all too well that you are its caregiver and it can trust you. The perch is also a way of showing you affection and bonding with you.
Is it normal for cats to sit on shoulders?
Yes, it is. Although this habit is not found in all cats, those that perch are normal cats. Other cats prefer to climb on trees if they are shy and are not sure if they are welcome to perch on your shoulders. Cats who exhibit this behavior are called shoulder cats. According to cat experts, not all cats are shoulder cats even when the desire to be on top is natural. Some are limited due to physical agility while others just don’t like it.
Can you teach your cat to sit on your shoulder?
You can teach a cat how to perch if it is not natural. This can be done by encouraging the cat to perch. You can pet it and offer it treats for every successful perch. Avoid situations that could spook the cat and give it a bad perching experience. For instance, avoid all the temptation of giving your cat an outdoor ride on your shoulder. If it spots a dog or a moving object and gets startled, it might never return to your shoulder. A slow and progressive start is the surest way to teach a cat this new trick. Never force the feline out of its comfort zone as you might scare it permanently.
Teaching dos and don’ts
Dos |
Don’ts |
Encourage by petting |
Don’t force the perch |
Stay still or limit your movement |
Don’t take the cat for an outdoor ride |
Offer treats for every successful perch |
Dismiss the cat after an unsuccessful perch |
Conclusion
If your cat likes to sit on your shoulder, you can encourage it through petting and offering treats. However, some people don’t like this and would rather not host a fur animal on their shoulders. You can discourage the shoulder perch by placing the cat back down every time it perches. You can also offer an alternative to your shoulder like a bookshelf or indoor secure tree.
FAQs
Should you worry if your cat does not sit on your shoulders?
Not at all, some cats are not shoulder cats.
Can I stop my shoulder cat from perching?
Yes, you can. If the cat is not encouraged or is placed back down when it perches, it will eventually get the cue and stop.