The joy of learning how to get a cat to sleep on your lap can be exciting. However, it’s not always easy and many cat owners struggling in making it happen.
So, what can a cat owner do when they want a cat to sleep on their lap?
It’s important to understand what your cat’s routine is, how they behave around you, and what’s needed to keep their interest.
By doing this, you are going to start to appreciate the benefits of getting a cat to sleep on your lap regularly.
The benefits include:
- A Stronger Bond With Your Cat
- More Comfortable For Your Cat
- A Unique Experience For You
Take the time to use this guide as you learn how to get a cat to sleep on your lap. Is it going to be easy? No, but following the tips mentioned here, you are going to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
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The TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats are excellent for any type of training. When it is time to appeal to your cat and earn their trust, it’s never a bad idea to use delicious cat treats. This will get their taste buds going and that is half the battle right there!
These cat treats offer a unique flavor profile that’s enjoyed by all cat breeds.
With the nutrient-dense formulation and crunchy texture, these treats are absolutely perfect for your cat’s needs and will make them purr in delight.
How To Get A Cat To Sleep On Your Lap
Tip #1: Use Quality Cat Treats
The best starting point is to use cat treats to lure your feline friend in.
The idea is to get them used to the cat treats and resting in your lap. In the first few days, they make grab the treats and then move away from your lap. However, with time, they are going to start to associate your lap with eating goodies.
This is when you are going to see the cat calm down and want to spend as much time in your lap as possible.
Your goal has to be to use cat treats as a way to get your cat to rest in your lap.
The benefits of doing this include:
- Providing an Immediate Incentive to Your Cat
- Easier to Train Them
- Faster Results
If you don’t use cat treats, you may never learn how to get a cat to sleep on your lap. It is one of those proven tricks that need to be implemented to make things easier on you.
If you try to grab the cat and gently place them on your lap, it may work for a few seconds but then they will move away.
Cats need to feel safe and comfortable in your lap and that is only possible with treats.
Tip #2: Get Them Used To Your Touch
Your touch is going to matter a lot, especially with cats that don’t already spend time in your lap.
The idea is to get the cat used to being petted by you. As a result, they are going to start feeling more and more comfortable with each passing day and will like the idea of getting a quick scratch under the chin.
You will start to notice the cat gently rushing to your lap for a scratch. This may even happen when it isn’t nap time!
If this happens, it’s a good sign and you are on the right track. Continue to pet them as much as you can and build that trust.
Remember, the cat sleeping in your lap means they are going to be in constant contact with your hands and body.
This means they have to get used to the idea of trusting you when their eyes are closed. In many cases, you will see the cat close its eyes when you pet them and that’s a wonderful sign of things to come.
If you start noticing these patterns, it’s time to continue with what you are doing because it’s working well.
Tip #3: Use a Soothing Voice
A lot of cat owners forget about using their voice to attract or soothe a cat.
They are going to respond well to touch as they learn to trust you, but it’s also smart to use your voice.
The idea of using your voice is to get them to know you are not being aggressive. Over time, they will begin to feel comforted by your voice and will want to stay around you as much as possible.
To the surprise of many, this can happen all of a sudden depending on how long your cat has already been in the house.
When you are learning how to get a cat to sleep on your lap, it’s important to say things such as “Good Boy/Girl” and gently pet them on their head.
They need to appreciate both the soothing voice and your touch in unison. This is when they are going to start seeking your attention and wanting to be around you.
A lot of people don’t do this and that is what holds them back.
Don’t just assume touch on its own is going to get the job done because it won’t. You have to use cat treats, your voice, and your touch to see quality results.
Tip #4: Only Train During Nap Time
When are you taking the time to train your cat to sleep on your lap?
It’s important to think about the timing of your approach because it does matter. A cat that doesn’t want to rest or isn’t tired will be less receptive to the idea of being around you or on your lap. They might want to move around instead!
This means it is time to take a step back and schedule your training sessions with a bit of intelligence.
The best time to train your cat to sleep on your lap is during or right before nap time. To do this, you will want to see at what time of the day your cat likes resting.
The benefits of doing this include:
- Easier to Convince Your Cat
- Builds a Routine
- Smoother Transition to Sleeping
After you know when the cat goes and takes a nap, it’s time to start targeting or planning training sessions 30-45 minutes before that time slot.
This is when the cat is going to be more receptive to bunkering down and relaxing.
If you get them to associate nap time with your lap, the rest is going to work out smoothly. It may take a few weeks to get them used to the idea, but it will eventually lead to the cat resting on your lap.
Tip #5: Use a Scent The Cat Trusts
Cats love certain scents and it starts from when they are young.
You will often see cat owners using scented blankets (i.e. mother’s scent) as a way to make their cat comfortable. This is a proven biological trick that soothes a kitten and it remains true to the end of their lives.
As a result, you should be employing the same method when it comes to getting a cat to rest on your lap.
The benefits include:
- Creating a Sense of Safety for the Cat
- Helps Build Trust
- Easier During the Initial Training Sessions
Over time, you are going to start to see a shift in your cat’s behavior and it will want to spend time in your lap.
They are going to associate comfort with your lap and that is the best way to get through to them. If not, you are always going to be a step behind and it won’t work out in your favor.
Use a calming scent for cats and rub a little bit on your lap. This can be anything that your cat already loves.
Final Thoughts
This is how to get a cat to sleep on your lap.
There are several details to ponder over when it comes to getting a cat to sleep on your lap. This includes taking the time plan training sessions, using quality cat treats, and making sure you are as patient as possible.
It is not going to be easy at first and nothing good ever is!
Take your time to see how your cat responds and go from there. This will make it easier to initiate change and make it as comfortable as possible for them.
For more on making life easier for your cat, here are a few articles to read through – best rope for your cat scratcher at home, best air freshener for houses with cats, using Greenies for cats, and best ways to demat a cat.