The simple answer is that it’s not unusual. The main reasons cats jump on the legs of their owners are for entertainment and to get attention. The majority of cats who engage in this kind of behavior are confined to furniture or in corners before suddenly bursting out at their owner.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

They simply desire to be in close proximity to you. Just like humans love the comfort of having a loved one being close, cats like it too and that beloved one is you. Sometimes, just the sensation of being in the presence of their humans makes a cat feel at ease and relaxed. When they sleep on your legs, it will allow them to feel your presence while relaxing and sleeping.

Certain cats may have realized that if they jump on their owners, they may shout or chase after them. In this situation, cats learn that if they do this it is a way to have more interaction with you which cats generally find enjoyable. Also, the reactions you have to be jumped on have turned into big fun for your cat.

In certain situations, the cat might jump on the owner if she is upset, and the root cause is typically connected to other animals around her which could have caused the behavior of pouncing. For instance, there are cats who observe a cat from a neighbor walking through the yard and get angry. Since the cat can’t run off and chase the cat next door and then turn its aggression towards the closest living thing, which in the household is usually the owner. Certain cats can also be annoyed by owners’ rapid movements around the home. If the owner is still at home, the cat seems peaceful, however, if the owner is moving while cleaning or cooking food, the pet can be agitated and start jumping on you.