This guide breaks down the most common cat sleeping positions and explains the science behind why cats sleep in certain ways.
#1. Curled-up
In the curled-up position, the cat curls its tail around its body and tucks its head towards the chest. This resting position means that your cat might be trying to conserve body heat and provide protection to the fundamental parts of its body. It’s the most common sleeping position for animals in the wild, too, as it helps conserve warmth and protects the vital organs.
#2. A Cat in a Box
A cat in a box position means that your cat is worried about its security and is seeking comfort and protection. When cats sleep in smaller, congested areas, this shows their concern about safety. The solid walls of a box make them feel secure by providing them with a tight and secure space. Other than boxes, cats may also seek out drawers, bowls, and other objects that they can fit tightly into. Maybe your cat is scared of other pets or children in the household. You can help her out by creating an enclosed box with sufficient fluffiness inside to help her sleep comfortably.
#3. Belly up Position
A cat’s stomach is its most vulnerable area. So, if your cat is sleeping in a belly-up position in which the legs are pointed at weird angles while the stomach is facing the ceiling, this is a sign that the cat feels comfortable and safe in your home. You can consider yourself lucky that you’ve won the trust of your fluffy pet. That’s because, cats are usually concerned about their safety and won’t expose their vulnerable parts when they aren’t sure about their surroundings. Sleeping on their back is an indication that your pet is confident and relaxed with its surroundings.
#4. The Half-Eye Shut Position
One thing about predators is that they hunt and do not like to get hunted in return.
This is the reason that your cat is not closing its eyes all the way even though it is dozing off.
In this position, you will notice that your cat’s ears are constantly moving, which means your pet is alert. This shallow form of sleep can last for hours. Your pet is aware of what is going on in its surroundings, and any unusual sound will jolt the cat into complete attention.
In another version of this position, the cat sleeps with one eye shut and the other open. This is called Unihemispheric Slow-wave Sleep. In this form, half of the brain is in unconscious while the other half is conscious and alert.
This form of sleeping is beneficial because your cat can rest even in places with some sense of threat.
#5. The Loaf Position
In this position, the cat sits upright but tucks its front paws under the body. If you find your cat sleeping in a loaf-like position, this means your cat does not want to sleep for long and is only resting before the next activity.
#6. Sleeping Sideways
Sleeping sideways is an extremely relaxing sleeping position for a cat. Sleeping on one side with their limbs stretched out means that your cat is fully content and feeling safe. Your cat is in total relaxation mode and does not feel the need to remain alert. Cats fall into a deep sleep in this position.
#7. Paw Above the Face Position
Paw-over-face is one of the most adorable sleeping positions common to cats which will leave you surprised at most times.
When the cat puts a paw across the face, it signals that they don’t wish to be disturbed.
This generally happens when the cat is sleeping soundly and unknowingly. This position also occurs when a bright light or the daylight is making the cat feel uncomfortable and so they cover their eyes as a result.
#8. Monorail Cat
Monorail position is when the cat lies on the arms or backs of chairs, sofas, staircase banisters, fence posts, or the tops of doors. Typically, the cat dangles down all four legs in this position. This position is called the “monorail” because the posture of the cat is such that it resembles a monorail transit system.
Cats have zero understanding of architectural rules regarding access and functionality. They like to rest in this position as it is more suitable for general surveillance
#9. The Contortionist
A cat in the contortionist position, will sleep all twisted up with their limbs hanging in different directions while her head is twisted at weird angles. There is no particular reason behind this position and your cat might only choose it because it is comforting to them at the time.
So, there you have it, all the most important and commonly observed cat sleeping positions lined up for you. You can now easily understand all those untold signals and signs that your cat cannot tell you themselves. You can find out whether your cat is feeling secure or threatened and if they are sleeping comfortably or not.