Cat psychology: lap cats

[Lunificent]

We have 2 cats.
One is often very antisocial and sensitive but when she wants our company (after a quick scour of the room to check for enemies) she will climb up onto our laps, never ever sit just beside us.
The other cat is very social and a lot less sensitive than the other. She wants to be with us a lot. She can more often than not be found nestled in a gap right next to one of us, but she never ever climbs up on our laps.
So I’m just wondering, why is our antisocial cat a lap cat but our sociable cat isn’t?

Sociable cat might feel overstimulated on your lap, or too warm?

Because all cats are different, just like humans. Perhaps your social cat finds your laps uncomfortable. Perhaps the antisocial cat likes the comfort of a lap.

Who knows?!! I don't think we are supposed to be able to
Understand their behaviour, it would endanger their plans for world domination.

I've also wondered about this. Neither of mine will sit on us but will sit beside us. Like yours op, one sensitive and one you an do anything with. They're not yet 2 so I'm still hoping!

I suspect some cats like the comfort and reassurance of a lap, whereas others find it quite restrictive.

One of mine loves a lap and will be on there as soon as you sit down.
The others - well, one has only sat on a lap less than ten times in the four years we've owned him and for maybe 20 minutes max. As soon as you move an inch, he's off. The kitten does like a lap but on his terms and not for very long.

intersting! my cat is 6months, and will not sit on your lap. She will usually be in the room where you are, but not right by you either. often she'll sleep on beds whilst we are in them! If you pick her up for a cuddle and bring her to the sofa, she just runs away and gives you 'the look' - !
I think she likes us tho...!

Magic prefers to sit bevy to me. But recently has been sitting on me more. If I fuss her she doesn't stay as long, so I leave her alone.

Our cat, who is mostly unfriendly unless it's mealtime, sleeps on our laps for hours - in wintertime - because we are warm. She ignores us in summer!

Our boy cat will try his hardest to get as close and possible to you. Round our necks, lying up along our front etc. He shuffles in to get close. Our girl cat is just as affectionate but likes to be held in our arms, which can be pretty uncomfy but as she's so cute we do what she wants.

Our cat will sit on my feet or on a cushion on my lap never on my lap. Contrarily, he will happily snuggle on OH’s lap, chest, in his arm pit.

No rhyme or reason though I do suspect that catty finds me too fidgety to be a reliable seating device.

My cat hates DH during the day, running a mile if she even hears his footsteps, but after 6pm will clamber off my lap to lie on him and gazes lovingly at him demanding attention.