Why Your Cat Sits In The Middle Of The Floor

Cats can act strange sometimes. Their behaviors may seem odd, but generally have a reason, or reasons, behind them.

For example, they often plop themselves down in the middle of a room for long periods. As humans, we much prefer a couch or a chair, so this can seem weird to us.

Cats sit in specific areas for specific reasons; a biological inclination, attachment, a warm sunspot, watching outside, or illness can explain why they are in the middle of the floor. There are a whole host of potential explanations- some concerning and some not.

We often find our cats sat throughout the day in the middle of the floor in different rooms looking content, especially those that have carpet or rugs.

Read on to discover many of the potential reasons your cat may sit in the middle of the floor and whether or not it may be an issue of concern.

It’s In Your Cat’s Genetics To Sit In The Middle Of The Room

Your cat has evolved over millions of years and has developed specific survival instincts. Cats are predators, but they are also prey.

Your cat may be choosing to lay out in the open for no other reason than to be able to observe its surroundings.

This may seem strange due to the fact that cats often like to be in small spaces, like in small boxes or under furniture. If your cat is sitting out in the open, they are either observing their surroundings or feeling comfortable in their space.

If their feet are tucked under them “cat loaf” style, this is a further indication that they are feeling comfortable, and don’t expect to need to utilize their claws for defense any time soon.

Cats are extremely fast, and being out in the open (in the wild) would have provided extra time for them to react to potential predators. It also provides more surveillance area for hunting.

These are natural behaviors, and if your cat is sitting in the center of the room observing, there is nothing to be worried about.

Your Cat Sits On The Floor Because They Love You

If your cat is sitting in the middle of the floor, it may be as simple as this: your cat enjoys your company and wants to be near you.

Your cat may join you in the living room for a movie but sit in the center of the floor or sit in the kitchen while you cook.

Cats are generally social creatures, and it is not surprising to find them hanging out in the gathering rooms of the house (kitchen, living room). They want to be near their people, and sitting in the middle of the room is an excellent way to do this.

Your cat may also be feeling playful, and there’s no better/easier way to reach out and bat at a passing ankle than to already be in the middle of the room where everyone has to step around. This is also true for doorways and hallways.

If you find that your cat has plopped themselves down in an inconvenient place, they may very well have done it on purpose to get your attention.

Provide your cat with plenty of attention, and if they are not in danger of being run over or stepped on, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be able to stay where they are.

Cats Like Sunshine

Cats love sunshine and warmth.

They’re often depicted in books and movies as curled up in a sunny spot. There is a biological reason for this. Cats have a higher base body temperature than humans, so they tolerate heat much better than we do. They sit around 101.5 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, where humans hover right around 98.6.

They also experience a slight drop in body temperature while sleeping. To conserve energy while sleeping, cats often seek out warm sunspots to sleep or sit. If you have a sunny spot on your floor and a cat in the house, expect the two to eventually meet.

You may even notice your cat moving along the floor in order to stay in the sunspot as the angles of the light change. This is entirely normal and expected behavior, so don’t be alarmed.

Provide soft cushions or beds in sunny areas, and you may find your cat there even more often.

Your Cat May Be Interested In the Outdoors

Cats are predators and have incredible sight. So if your cat is sitting in the middle of the floor and staring off into space, there’s a good chance they are watching something that our human eyes can’t easily detect.

Average human sight is 20/20, where a cat can be around 20/100 or 20/200. This means that what a human can see at 20 feet, a cat can see at 100 or 200 feet. They do not need to be right next to the item to see it clearly.

For example, a living room window may offer a peek into the outdoors. If your cat is near or in front of a window, this is most likely the case, and they may be watching birds in a distant tree.

They may also have detected something more local. For example, they may be intently watching any of the following:

  • Corner cobweb
  • An ant
  • A fly
  • Some other small object of interest in the room

Eventually, they may move closer for a better look and maybe some investigation.

If your cat is sitting in the middle of the room and staring off into space– this is also quite normal.

They are likely watching something you either can’t see or haven’t noticed. Don’t be alarmed by this behavior; it is very normal for cats.

Your Cat May Be Feeling Unwell

If you notice that your cat’s behavior has changed drastically, it may be telling you that something is wrong.

However, the majority of the time, your cat sitting on the floor is nothing to be alarmed about.

But on occasion, your cat may display behaviors such as:

  • Hunching up on the floor with their nose to the ground
  • Pressing their head into a wall/floor
  • Lethargy; laying in one spot for an extended period of time

If your cat suddenly begins any of these behaviors, it may be a good idea to get a veterinarian’s opinion.

Sitting Positions Can Indicate Illness

The hunched up sitting position, with feet together and nose to the ground, indicates that your cat may be feeling unwell. Also, if your cat is pressing their head into the floor/wall for an extended period, this could indicate a possible neurological problem.

Changes in behavior, such as an active cat becoming lazier and sleeping a lot, behavior changes such as irritability, or mats and ungroomed fur, may indicate a health problem that needs to be addressed.

If your cat previously enjoyed small spaces and boxes but now will only sit in the middle of an empty room, keep an eye out for other behavioral changes that may indicate a health concern. Often, this can be accompanied by lack of grooming, increased matting, and general hygiene issues.

Cats, like most pets, don’t express pain in the same way that we do and can’t communicate their needs. So it’s up to the humans in the household to notice if something is out of character.

Conclusion

There are many reasons that your cat may be sitting in the middle of the floor. Many times, these behaviors are natural and instinctual.

But occasionally, this behavior may alert you to some underlying issues with your cat. As a pet owner, it’s essential to pay attention to the habits and quirks of your pets to better understand their needs.