Feline Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett is the author of a number of award-winning and critically acclaimed books, including Think Like a Cat and Psycho Kitty. The innovative methods described in all her books are based on Pam's unique way of training by actually understanding the way a cat thinks. She makes numerous television appearances including CNN, Fox News Channel, and National Geographic specials, as well as being a popular guest on many nationally syndicated radio programs. She is now considered to be one of the leading experts on feline behavior.

Q: I am a first-time cat owner -- I have owned dogs all my life. But when my last dog passed away and I moved into a new house, I thought it would be cruel to own a dog with such a small yard. So I have an 18-month-old female cat (I've had her since she was two months old). She's been a very good companion for me, but the one thing I find very strange is that she likes to lie on top of me when I'm in bed or lying down on the couch. Why does she like to do this?

A: This is truly one of the joys of living with a cat! Enjoy these moments together, because there are so many cat owners out there who wish their cats would engage in this bonding behavior.

Your kitty's behavior is very normal. Cats naturally seek out warm, cozy places to nap, and when that place also represents the warmth and comfort of a loving owner, it doesn't get any better than that. You may also notice that when your cat naps on top of you, she often faces away from you. This is actually a very good thing, because she's saying that she totally trusts you and can focus her attention on watching the rest of the room.

Before settling down to nap, you may notice your kitty starts kneading her paws on your lap. This is also a very normal behavior and is a holdover from kittenhood. During nursing, a kitten does what is called the "milk-tread" on the mother's teats to stimulate milk flow. This behavior often stays with a cat throughout her life and she engages in that milk-tread behavior when she finds herself in a very comfortable, cozy, soft place.

Enjoy! Napping with a cat on top of you is one of life's sweetest moments.