Table of Contents
- Disclaimer
- 1. Cat Curled Up In a Ball
- 2. The Acrobatic Pretzel
- 3. Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (Cat Paws On Face)
- 4. Sleeping On Their Owner’s Head
- 5. The Loaf of Bread Snoozer or The Cat Loaf of Bread
- 6. The Side Sleeper
- 7. The Belly Up (I’m Taking Over the Couch Pose)
- 8. The Face Down Superhero (Cat Sleeping Face Down)
- 9. The Upside Down Head Tilt or Cat With Head Tilt
- 10. I Would Like To Shake Your Hand
- 11. Cats Sleeping in Boxes and Rectangles
- 12. The One Eyed Sleeper (Cat One Eye Closed)
- 13. Sleep with Someone
- References
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as veterinary or professional advice. While the article offers insights into common cat sleeping positions and their potential meanings, these interpretations are based on general observations and may not apply to every cat. Individual behavior may vary, and any concerns about your cat’s health, behavior, or sleep patterns should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian. The author and publisher of this blog do not accept responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any consequences that may arise from misinterpreting your cat’s behavior.
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Cat sleeping positions can be mysterious and head scratching at times but hopefully a few of those riddles will be a bit more understandable after reading through some of these common positions!
1 – Cat Curled Up In a Ball
Description of position:
Often described as the most common nap position cats will take. They will curl themselves up almost in a complete circle or donut type position with the head tucked into the chest. The tail may even get right back to the face in certain professional cat sleepers lol.
What does it mean?
Many theories exist around this but it would make sense that this is simply the most comfortable position for them. This position is thought to conserve warmth especially. Also to note is that cats are protecting their body all at all times in this position [3.]
2 – The Acrobatic Pretzel
Description of position:
If your cat is sleeping in a position that looks really twisted and uncomfortable, you’re probably in the right section. Sometimes you can’t make heads or tails of where your cats head or tail might be! Often you may get a confusing stare trying to figure out how your cat got like this or what in the world made them lay this way lol. This often looks like it would be uncomfortable for them. Surely no human could ever sleep in these positions.
What does it mean?
Nobody knows! Lol Even the experts are wondering! [4] Cats are very flexible, like to stretch their muscles, and enjoy comfort and relaxation. This must check every one of these boxes or they wouldn’t assume these awkward positions. Is it perceived that their flexibility allows them to achieve these odd angles without discomfort.
3 – Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (Cat Paws On Face)
Description of position:
One of the cutest positions in the book of cat napping delight is some position where the cat will use their front paw or paws to cover their eyes, nose, or entire face.
What does it mean?
Are there lots of lights on in your home or perhaps they are in direct sunlight? It seems that some cats may do this to use their paws as a blindfold to get that extra level of comfort, to keep their nose warm, or just an extra step to relaxation. From personal experience, this has played out when the cat is trying to block out light and sometimes noise if they are also covering their ears.
4 – Sleeping On Their Owner’s Head
Description of position:
Why do cats sleep on their owners head 🤣? Literally on their owner’s head in some shape, form, or fashion. Obviously us humans have to be able to breathe comfortably but nevertheless if kitty wants to plop down on your head, they will.
What does it mean?
Theories behind this odd behavior are fairly simple. A need to bond, finding warmth, a sense of security, marking you with their scent, wanting attention, or merely just being playful.
5 – The Loaf of Bread Snoozer or The Cat Loaf of Bread
Description of position:
Cat sits normally with eyes shut and sometimes with the front paws tucked inward. If you put a loaf of bread next to them, it generally comes very close to the look of this pose.
What does it mean?
Theories about this position include that they are simply resting before the next activity and taking a relaxing sit (resting their eyes if you will) but are still ready to spring into action if needed [1.]
6 – The Side Sleeper
Description of position:
The cat leans to one side in a comfortable and relaxed position typically with their belly partially exposed.
What does it mean?
Theories into this position suggest that your cat may be trying to cool off a bit or just simply be comfortable in this given position at the moment. There is some belly exposure in this pose so it also is a trusting state of sleep. Whomever the cat is surrounded by is being trusted and kitty is in a relaxed state.
This position suggests a strong bond between cat and owner (or whomever is with kitty at this time.) [2]
7 – The Belly Up (I’m Taking Over the Couch Pose)
Description of position:
Ever felt the need to sprawl out on your bed as wide as possible? Lol Well, this seems to be the closest position cats have to that. All four paws are typically up in the air pointing north with the belly up and laying on their back.
What does it mean?
Anytime a cat feels safe they will have no problem exposing their belly to who’s next to or around them or within their surroundings. A cat’s belly is a very vulnerable spot. Just as when a cat flops down for a belly rub, a cat who will open their belly up during sleep likely feels like a very loved cat and no harm will come from those around it.
Just think about it. Would you lay belly up next to someone you didn’t trust?
8 – The Face Down Superhero (Cat Sleeping Face Down)
Description of position:
Kitty has both front paws stretched out in front of its face. The entire body looks like a superhero flying through the air (except obviously sleeping.)
What does it mean?
Kitty is likely to have entered a deep sleep. Don’t wake up kitty! This is another sleep arrangement that indicates relaxing, comfort, and a happy feline [5.]
9 – The Upside Down Head Tilt or Cat With Head Tilt
Description of position:
Ever seen a cat fall asleep and basically curl their head 180 degrees? If you have, you’ll think to yourself…how in the world do you sleep like that? This is one of the cutest poses and often cats look so relaxed and happy when they are in this position.
What does it mean?
If you catch kitty posing a snooze in this manner, watch and smile because clearly you are doing a great job! Happy kitty.
10 – I Would Like To Shake Your Hand
Description of position:
So your cat is laying casually with their eyes closed, body to the side, and one of their paws is straight out forward as if begging for a handshake! Sometimes they’re not even sleeping and have their paw out for one!
What does it mean?
You have a very relaxed and comfortable kitty on your hands. The loosened arm could also incorporate a lazy pose or stretch. Needless to say more likely than not, they feel there is no immediate threat and can be at their height of coziness.
11 – Cats Sleeping in Boxes and Rectangles
Description of position:
A cardboard box or a box-like structure is sometimes the choice of evening for Snoozeville. The cat just falls asleep in there and typically their face is upright so it can peer out of the box.
What does it mean?
Since we can’t ask a cat themselves, we’ll have to reason this one out. It makes sense that a cat have this as a protective and safe surrounding [6.] Perhaps your cat doesn’t want to be caught off guard during sleep. If they’re in a cardboard box, that means they typically only have one side of the box to worry about as far as vulnerability. Kitty may be worried or wants to be in a position to be able to know where any threat would be coming from.
While the explanation makes sense, it also makes sense that protection like this can give them an extra sense of comfort so don’t be surprised if your cat does this regularly when there are no obvious threats around. Throw some catnip in the box and see if they have a party with it!
12 – The One Eyed Sleeper (Cat One Eye Closed)
Description of position:
Did you know that cats can get some rest with one eye open? Cats can really assume any position and do this but it is most often seen with the bread loaf sleeping pose.
Cats are known to engage in what is called “Unihemispheric slow-wave sleep” where half the brain is conscious while the other is asleep [7.]
What does it mean?
It is suspected that cats do this to allow them to rest and keep a state of awareness at the same time.
If there is someone or something new in your home it may be that they are just “keeping an eye on things.” lol
13 – Sleep with Someone
Think of your most vulnerable moments. If you’re allowing someone to sleep next to you what would that indicate? Cats are no different in this instance. Anytime a cat cuddles with someone or another cat, pet, etc. it is a huge compliment.
Description of position:
Next to another cat, on top of a human, cuddling with the children in the house, etc.
What does it mean?
This is the desire to bond with who they are sleeping with and a true sign of the utmost trust and comfort. There is no clearer signal than a cat who turns over their entire state of health and well-being to their human or other pet in this way that there is no doubt in kitty’s mind you are a good cat human.
References:
- Expert, F. (n.d.). What do my cat’s sleeping positions mean? Feliway UK. https://www.feliway.co.uk/blogs/news/what-do-my-cats-sleeping-positions-mean?srsltid=AfmBOoqbTptFLp1L_ZhEjhIE9zZRbuxnWwnA7RvWUOxT-R–D71G4ukK
- Coleman, L. (n.d.). 13 Common cat sleeping positions & What they Mean. The Dog People by Rover.com. https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-sleeping-positions/
- BetterSleep. (2022, March 15). Sleeping Cats Explained: What your cat’s sleep positions mean. Bettersleep. https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/sleeping-cats-explained-what-your-cats-sleep-positions-mean
- Gait, C. (2021, October 11). 13 Common cat sleeping positions & What they Mean. Oh Furtropolis. https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/cats/cat-sleeping-positions
- What your cat’s sleeping position really means – PetSafe® UK. (2022, August 5). https://intl.petsafe.net/en-gb/about-us/press-media/releases/what-your-cats-sleeping-position-really-means
- Tractive. (2023, February 01). 9 Cat sleeping Positions & their Meanings. Tractive. https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/cat-sleeping-positions-and-their-meaning?srsltid=AfmBOoozqhQa4MLGLOvibDqEihMrtDFWyxjhi3L7UTgxpTIlwgGvK6jf
- Cat sleeping positions and what they mean. (2020, July 22). Macoda Mattress. https://macoda.com.au/blogs/sleepbetter/what-your-cats-sleeping-position-means