It’s widely known that our furry canine companions love their nap time. On average, cats spend about 70% of their lives sleeping and the remaining 30% engaging in mischievous activities. The innate tendency for cats to snooze is ingrained in their genetic makeup. Cats are quite literally designed for slumber!
While the sight of a sleeping cat is undeniably charming, their sleeping habits are equally fascinating. Cats can sleep just about anywhere and adopt numerous sleeping positions. Here are some of the most common sleeping postures that every cat owner should be familiar with.
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The 18 Most Common Cat Sleeping Positions
Cats are inherently solitary creatures, so it’s no surprise that they prefer to sleep alone in a cozy spot. Occasionally, they may snuggle up with their own kind or other friendly pets. Below are some solo sleeping positions as well as those that involve their furry companions.
The 13 Healthy Sleeping Positions
1. Curled Into a Ball
Cats love to curl up into furry balls before drifting off to sleep. This curled-up position, also known as the crescent, is a favorite among most cats. It helps them retain body heat for added warmth and protects their sensitive areas like the stomach and internal organs.
This sleeping posture comes naturally to cats, especially those in the wild. It’s a secure position for them to catch some Zs.
2. The Bread Loaf Position
Another common sleeping position is when a cat sits upright, tucks its front paws under its body, and nods off. This pose is aptly named the loaf position because the cat somewhat resembles a loaf of bread.
Cats typically don’t sleep deeply in the loaf position. It’s usually a brief nap lasting no more than five minutes. Cats remain quite alert in this posture and can quickly flee if they sense any danger.
3. Side Sleeping
Cats also enjoy sleeping on their sides with their legs stretched out. If your cat sleeps on its side near you, it indicates trust. By lying on its side, the cat exposes its vital organs to potential threats, showing a high level of comfort around you.
However, sleeping on the side also means the cat can swiftly dash away at the slightest disturbance. It’s a pose that balances relaxation and readiness to react.
4. The Monorail
The monorail position involves cats sleeping on narrow surfaces, with certain parts of their bodies hanging off the edge. This cozy sleeping stance can be traced back to their ancestors who would dangle from branches while catching some shut-eye. It’s also a safe position as cats can leap to safety if they feel threatened.
5. The Filler
Cats can’t resist snuggling into an open container to nap snugly inside. If you leave your mixing bowl or shoebox unattended, you may find an adorable feline curled up inside enjoying a brief siesta.
Cats tend to “melt” into containers to sleep when they sense a threat in their surroundings. These containers offer a secure hiding spot where they can nap without worrying about potential dangers. However, sleeping in this position may hinder their ability to escape quickly if caught off guard.
6. Sitting Upright
If you’re fortunate, you may catch your cat dozing off in an upright seated position. While not very common due to its unnaturalness and vulnerability of the belly area, cats may end up sleeping in this posture after accidentally drifting off while grooming. It’s an alert position that enables them to spring into action if startled.
7. On Their Backs
Cats seldom sleep on their backs as it exposes their vulnerable stomachs and organs. However, if you’re lucky, you might spot your cat on its back with its front legs resting on the belly or stretched out.
Sleeping on their back signifies that the cat feels safe and comfortable in your presence. Nevertheless, refrain from touching their belly while they sleep in this position, as they may instinctively react by scratching or nipping.
8. The Superman Pose
The Superman pose is a favorite among cats when resting on soft, fuzzy surfaces. They stretch out their front legs and lay their bellies flat on the surface, with their hind legs also extended outward. This posture protects their sensitive bellies and allows them to swiftly react to any potential threats. It’s a way for cats to conserve body heat while enjoying a snooze. They may assume this position on tiles or wooden surfaces in warmer weather.
9. The Pretzel
The pretzel sleeping position can be best described as haphazard. It’s when a cat sleeps with its arms and head facing various directions, resembling a furry pretzel. Surprisingly, this contortionist pose is quite intentional.
With different parts of their body oriented in different directions, cats make it difficult for predators to anticipate their next move. It also allows them to have a comprehensive sense of their environment as their limbs and face are spread out.
10. The Kitty Pile
If you have a litter of kittens, you’ve likely witnessed them snuggling up together for a nap. This sleeping position, known as the cat pile, provides maximum warmth and security. Sometimes, the kittens huddle with their mother to rest and replenish their energy with some milk.
Cats sleeping in a pile indicates a healthy social bond where they trust and feel at ease with one another. Occasionally, this pile may extend beyond feline species, so don’t be surprised to see your cat cuddled up with your dog. It’s always a heartwarming sight.
11. Tucked In
At times, cats may beat their owners to bed, sneaking under the comforter for a cozy nap, particularly if they’re accustomed to snuggling at night.
The tucked-in sleeping position allows cats to maximize their body heat by curling up within the bedding. It also offers a safe hideaway where they can evade threats under the covers. Plus, it presents a perfect opportunity for some cuddle time with your furry companion.
12. Paws Over the Eyes
Cats sleeping with their tiny paws covering their eyes exude a sense of beauty and charm. The paws provide insulation against the cold and shield the eyes from harsh light and environmental pollutants like dust and pollen.
If you catch your cat in this endearing pose, don’t miss the chance to snap a quick picture and share the cuteness on social media.
13. Sleeping With Its Tongue Out
A cat sleeping with its tongue peeking out isn’t teasing—it’s a sign of comfort and contentment. Sometimes, cats get so relaxed during sleep that they let their jaws loosen, allowing the tongue to slip out.
The 5 Unwell Cat Sleeping Positions
Certain sleeping positions may indicate that your cat is unwell. Some of these positions include the following:
1. Sleeping Next to the Water Bowl
Some cats may find sleeping next to the water bowl a comforting spot. However, if your cat rests near the water bowl frequently, it could indicate thirst and dehydration. Gently pinch the skin between their shoulders and observe if it returns to normal quickly. If not, your cat may be dehydrated and in need of water.
Dehydration could signal an underlying health issue. If coupled with symptoms like frequent urination, weight loss, and bloody urine, it could indicate kidney disease. Excessive urination and lethargy may point to diabetes. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary care promptly.
2. Sleeping With Its Face Down
Cats may sleep with their faces down for privacy or warmth. However, if your sociable cat starts doing this in warm weather, especially while in the loaf position, it could be cause for concern.
If this is the case, watch out for other symptoms such as:
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Uncoordinated walking
- Seizures
- Drooling
These symptoms could indicate conditions ranging from liver toxicity to brain tumors. Early detection and treatment by a qualified veterinarian can potentially save your cat’s life.
3. Sleeping in the Same Position
If you notice your cat sleeping in one position for an extended period, it could indicate a problem. Cats have a sleep cycle of about 104 minutes. They may wake up in between cycles to change positions. Prolonged immobility in one position could suggest an issue.
An unwell cat may lack the strength to move and sleep longer than usual. If this occurs, monitor for other signs of illness and seek advice from a vet to ensure your cat’s well-being.
4. Sleeping While Hidden Away
Cats typically seek solitude for sleep due to their solitary nature. However, if your cat avoids sleeping near you or in open spaces altogether, it could be a red flag.
Injured or sick cats tend to isolate themselves until they feel better. If your cat hides away to sleep, it’s a clear sign to consult a veterinarian.
5. Eyes Half Open
Unlike humans, cats can sleep with their eyes partially open. Cats possess a nictitating membrane that allows them to sleep with their eyes ajar for protection and moisture. However, certain symptoms combined with this behavior could indicate health issues.
- Swollen eyes
- Squinting
- Frequent eye-pawing
If your cat displays these symptoms alongside sleeping with partially open eyes, it could signal issues like a foreign object in the eye or a blocked tear duct. Use sterile eye wash or tap water to remove the foreign object and consult a vet for severe concerns.
Last Thoughts
Adequate sleep is crucial