It made me curious about cat sleeping positions—is there a particular significance to them? Does one pose say more than I understand? Should I expect my Otis to be in different states of mind as he switches from one sleeping position to another?
I did the research for you so you don't have to! Here are 13 basic sleeping positions and what they could reveal about your furry friend.
1. The Crescent Position
This is one of the common sleeping positions in cats. It is a position that keeps their body heat while at the same time protecting all essential organs as the cat sleeps. This was vital back when our felines were living in the wild.
Often in the curled-up position, cats appear to have wholly curved their back to make a crescent or croissant-like position, hence the term. Cats can additionally take this pose sometimes if they are feeling insecure.
2. Box Cat Sleeping Position
We know that cats are crazy about boxes. Never mind what's inside; my cat will certainly go wild for a great package.
A box can be a way to keep cover when hunting or to make sure other predators don't find them. Similarly, cats sleep in packs or groups since they feel secure this way. When your cat sleeps this way, it might mean that there is something or someone that your cat wants to hide from in the house.
Is there a new pet at home? Perhaps there's a new dog that wants to play more than your cat? Or maybe there are new people or changes in the house? These are some of the reasons why your cat might be in the box cat sleeping position.
3. Belly Up Position
Otis, my cat, especially enjoys hanging out on the floor, splaying his legs, and getting his floofy belly fully exposed. It is a delightful sight!
The belly-up cat sleeping position indicates that a cat has a superb connection and a complete trust with its owner. This is an exceptionally vulnerable sleeping position for your cat, so they would do it only if they're entirely confident about the environment and people around them.
4. Eyes Half Shut
Have you seen that your cat can seemingly wake up extraordinarily swift? Felines are undoubtedly specialists when it comes to comfort, but they can sleep with their eyes half-open or close.
If your cat sleeps like this, it means that they want to make sure that they will not miss any potential hazards. Think about the situations in which your cat does this: is it when visitors are to the house? Or has something in the surroundings changed?
5. The Timeless Loaf of Bread
We all know and love the bread loaf cat position. It is a common cat sleeping position and is a well-documented form on social media platforms, complete with hashtags. The cat loaf position is when a feline is upright but tucks its front paws beneath its body. The kitty essentially appears like a loaf of bread in these cat sleeping positions.
Cats take this upright position when awake or when resting. If they are in this pose when sleeping, they will not remain in it for long. This is a cat napping position instead of deep sleep.
Although they maintain their wits about them, the loaf is considered a sign of a loosened-up pet cat, so it is a favorable feline resting position. This position enables your cat to save power. It is obtaining some rest while still staying on a watch.
6. Lateral
The sideways cat has a lot in common with the belly-up one. It is not as vulnerable and open as a belly-up, but they still expose several sensitive parts, like their stomachs.
This is likewise more of a nap position than a full sleep. Again, it is a positive indicator that your cat is in its comfort zone.
7. Paws Across the Face
This adorable cat sleeping position is similar to a "do not disturb" sign. Your cat is placing its paws in front of the face subconsciously, and it is a sign that they're in a deep sleep.
Your cat will certainly not welcome any nuisance while in this pose.
8. On the Edge
Felines commonly like to perch on the edge of a sofa, a terrace's railing, or a staircase rail. This makes sense when they are awake as they have an outstanding balance.
It shocks me to see cats asleep like this. Firstly, how do they keep themselves from falling? And secondly, how do they fit?
Cats on edge commonly hang their paws over each side. When a cat sleeps like this, it means they want to keep an eye on what is going on around them.
9. Sleeping on You
A feline sleeping on its owner is another sign of trust. Your cat does this because they wish to be close to you—and they know that they can put their guard down when they are asleep like this.
Cats commonly like the legs or chest to sleep on because they are likely to keep still than, say, your arms. They are not dumb and do not want to be interrupted. This pose is perhaps the ultimate sign of a healthy relationship with your feline.
10. Sitting Up
I know that many humans are proficient at sleeping sitting up; however, I can only do it when tired. Cats will typically sit up, cover their paws with their tails, and get 40 winks.
This is another pose that is a lot more nap than a full sleep. Your pet will probably only stay in this for 15 to 20 minutes. In this sleeping pose, your cat wants to wake up at a second's notice.
11. Cuddled Up Inside
Cats frequently want to snuggle up under coverings, sofas, beds, cabinets, and other covered-up and tucked-in places. A cat under a bed can relocate to the center of that area, making it difficult for its owner to get them out. When it is ready for some deep sleep, it will look for the best possible room.
These adorable positions are mainly for body heat preservation and defense.
12. Superman
This pose is when your cat lies on its stomach and extends its paws to the front and back, like Superman in flight. This means that your cat is extremely loosened up. They are likely to be in deep sleep if sleeping like this.
13. With Another Feline
When a kitten is born, they sleep with their mothers and their kindle all the time. Their mommy knows precisely where they are, and also, they know where their mom is. This keeps them all safe and warm.
Consequently, they typically have good memories of having their bodies near other cats while resting. Cats sleep with their stomachs exposed to other cats when together, indicating they are comfortable.
Frequently cats within the same home will sleep together. This is a positive sign in terms of their partnership.
Final Words
Felines can spend up to 70% of their lives asleep. Sleep can range from a light doze to deep sleep. Among the reasons why they require so much rest is to digest their high protein diet.
Cats take comfortable positions when asleep. There is often meaning to these cat sleeping positions, and recognizing these can help you be the best feasible owner/slave of your favorite feline!
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