Cats like to play with their owners' shoes mainly for excitement and relaxation. Cats naturally like to scratch things. Cat scratching shoes can help them consume excess energy and relieve tension. Another thing is to mark the cat's territory. Cats like to leave their own scent. Catching the owner's shoes can make their scent stay on the shoes to mark the scope of the territory.

Cats like their owner's shoes because they smell a familiar smell. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and everyone has their own unique smell, especially shoes. They lie on the shoes not only because they are their owners’ shoes, but also because the familiar smell makes the cats feel comfortable and at ease.

Cats may view their owner's shoes as a representation of their owner because they often leave the house wearing their shoes. Therefore, when the owner is away, the cat may lie on the shoes, trying to find the owner's scent and presence.