It’s possible that cat owners have noticed their cats’ obvious obsession with shoes—they may even sleep on, in, or close to them in addition to sniffing and batting at them. Why do cats find it so enjoyable to sleep on shoes? Why do certain cats even relocate and conceal their shoes in places other than the front door?
What Causes Cats to Sit on Shoes?
There are good reasons why cats find shoes to be so fascinating, and knowing these reasons will help prevent future shoe-related problems. Cats would prefer to remain close to shoes for the following reasons:
Known Odors
Of the five senses, a cat’s sense of smell is arguably the most crucial. They have twice as many olfactory receptors in their nasal tissue as humans do, making it fourteen times stronger than a person’s. In addition, they possess a unique organ called a Jacobson’s organ, also known as a vemeronasal organ, which is situated in the roof of the mouth and is entirely absent in humans. With the help of this organ, cats can virtually taste the pheromones and scents in the air, providing them with a wealth of knowledge about the local wildlife and people. Because they are naturally curious, cats will investigate new smells and will also seek out the smells of familiar objects or places where they feel comfortable and safe.
Territories with Claims
Cats have glands all over their bodies, including in their cheeks, where they produce and secrete their own distinct pheromones. Your cat is leaving their mark to communicate, “I’ve been here before,” when they bunt, or rub their face up against you or an object. This feels safe and like it belongs in my space. Things that smell like their loved ones and themselves will draw cats to them. Your cat is just trying to tell you that they love you, feel at ease in your presence, and are comfortable in your company when they sleep on your shoes!
Comfort Levels
However, your cat may be communicating with you in more ways than just sleeping or grooming your shoes. Your clothing, shoes, and blankets, or other items that carry your scent, can help your cat feel less anxious. Your cat may use sleeping on your shoes as a way to self-soothe while you are gone for the day. It might even explain why your cat moves your shoes to a different spot rather than just resting on them where you leave them. To keep a piece of you close at hand, your cat might carry your shoe, serving as a security blanket, to a favorite spot to relax. Your cat may even suckle on your socks or shoes if they were raised in a bottle. This is due to the fact that cats who are prematurely weaned from their mothers frequently acquire an oral fixation and nibble or suckle on objects that have their owner’s scent. Shoes left on the floor for easy access are a convenient outlet for this behavior, which is another form of self-soothing.
Taking Back Your Shoes
Of course, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating when you are running late and your cat has taken off with one of your shoes just because you now know the reason behind their obsession and even how it is a way for them to show you how much they appreciate you. It gets pretty tiresome to have to search for your shoes all the time because your cat keeps moving them. However, it can be a difficult battle to win your cat over to leaving your shoes alone.
Shoes from Store Away
It can be much simpler to keep your cat from getting to your shoes than to try to break the habit completely. One easy fix is to keep your shoes hidden away in a closet or airtight plastic container. Keep in mind that cats are excellent climbers, so locking your shoes up on a high shelf might not be sufficient to keep them out of reach.
Distract Your Focus
If you can’t keep your cat from getting to your shoes, you might be able to entice them to something else that smells like you but that you might not notice as much. An old T-shirt or pair of socks would make a suitable replacement. Try not to startle your cat by yelling at it or acting in a way that might come across as hostile if you catch them attempting to take your shoe. Your cat will only be startled by these actions, and they might not connect your irate yells with their shoe theft. Your cat might not understand why you were upset, even if they drop the shoe in alarm.
Cats think shoes are great because they remind them of their favorite people, even though we don’t think they would make for a comfortable hangout. The next time you find your cat curled up on your shoes, take a picture for future generations, give them a blanket in its place, and celebrate your newfound affection.
