Do you ever look at your cat and think, “That can’t be comfortable?” Yet, somehow your fuzzy feline is content to snooze belly-up with their legs stretched over their head. Since cats sleep roughly 16 hours a day, it’s understandable they’d have a few interesting sleeping positions. But is your cat telling you something through their weird (often cute) siesta poses?
In a nutshell, yes. It turns out that a cat’s sleeping position signals various things, from how they feel to social responses. So, with that bit of information in mind, read on to see what your cat’s favorite snooze shape says about them.
15 Common Cat Sleeping Positions
Your cat can change positions several times during a sleep cycle, but what does it mean? Here are 15 common cat sleeping positions and what they say about your favorite feline.
1. Sleeping on Their Back
Animals have an instinct to protect their vulnerable organs, which is why many sleep curled up. Therefore, if your cat sleeps on their back, exposing their belly, it’s a good bet that they feel safe and secure.
2. Curled Into a Ball
Curling up is a natural sleeping position for many animals because it makes them feel safe. When curled into a ball, an animal protects its organs, making them less vulnerable to attacks.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean your kitty doesn’t trust you. Your cat may also be sleeping in a cozy little ball because it helps them stay warm.
3. The Loaf of Bread
This sleeping position makes your cat look like a cute, furry loaf of bread. They curl their front paws underneath their body, keeping their head up, resembling an adorable little cat statue.
This position helps your cat retain their body heat while also protecting their organs, making them feel comfortable and secure. Your cat may feel relaxed, but they’re also ready to pounce if danger approaches.
4. Side Sleeper
When cats sleep on their sides, they also expose their vital organs. Therefore, similar to sleeping on their back, this position shows that your pet feels at ease.
However, it’s easier for a cat to spring into action from this position than on its back. If your cat is relaxed but likes to be prepared for anything, this could be their sleeping pose of choice.
5. Doing the Superman
This cat sleeping position adopts its name from one of the most legendary superheroes of all time and the similarly-named exercise pose. Your cat basically looks like they’re flying in their sleep, with their legs stretched out in front and behind them.
Since the cat is on its belly, they feel protected. Plus, with their paws all outstretched, they know they can jump up and get moving in a moment’s notice. However, it’s also a comfortable position, so your furry friend is likely still feeling pretty relaxed.
6. Asleep While Sitting
You’ve likely seen a few memes showing off this utterly adorable cat sleeping position. The cat sits upright, exposing its belly, perfectly content.
This position makes it a breeze to do a little belly grooming in between cat naps. Sitting upright also helps support your cat’s back muscles.
7. Your Cat Sleeps on Top of You
Cats sleeping on top of their pet parents likely want to be close to their human companions. Your cat might sleep on your chest to hear and feel your soothing heartbeat. It also could be that your cat wants to take advantage of your body heat.
If your cat prefers sleeping on your head, they want to stay close but know your head won't move as much when you sleep. Your cat may also want to be closer to your mouth or face so they can get your attention ASAP.
Cats that want to sleep on their humans but prefer an easy escape often choose the feet. Maybe they’re being nice and keeping you warm, but they also could be getting warmth from you.
8. Sleeping Atop Furniture and Other High Places
High places, whether the back of the couch, top of the fridge, or on a bookcase, make cats feel protected while they sleep. When your cat is in a high place, they’re less likely to worry about other pets, children, or strangers bothering them.
Providing your cat with designated high vantage points to perch is a good option if you prefer them off of your furniture. Look for a tall cat tree or consider installing floating cat shelves.
9. Your Cat Sleeps Near You
Sleeping near you, but not on you, is a good indication that your cat feels close to you and trusts you. However, they still want the security of a small buffer zone to have a quick escape if they get spooked.
If your cat loves to sleep between your legs, they may enjoy the extra layer of protection. Your legs make a nice, cozy nest for your fur baby.
10. Sleeping in a Box
Cardboard boxes are the ultimate play space and safe zone for cats, providing warmth, security, and a fun place to squeeze into. But a box also gives your cat an easy exit if they feel threatened or need to evacuate the premises quickly.
11. Sleeping in Their Litter Box
Sleeping in a cardboard box may be cute, but if your cat is sleeping in their litter box, pay attention. You may already know that if a cat is not using their litter box it could signal potential issues.
However, if your cat sleeps in or near their potty spot, an underlying medical condition may be to blame. Your cat might be dealing with digestive issues or one of several feline urinary problems. Contact your vet as soon as possible. Don’t panic though, some cats simply prefer to sleep in their litter box. Go figure.
12. Covering Their Eyes
You know those sleeping masks people use to block out as much light as possible? Your cat uses their paws in much the same way. Covering their eyes with their paws also provides some additional warmth for their face and feet.
13. Sleeping With Their Eyes Open
As unsettling as it is, some cats sleep with their eyes open partially or all the way. Cats have a third eyelid that’s see-through that protects their eye from dirt and other irritants. Therefore, even if your cat sleeps with eyes wide open, their peepers stay safe.
However, if you notice any swelling, squinting, discharge, or your cat paws at their eyes, contact your vet. There could be a medical reason or problem causing your pet to sleep with their eyes open.
14. Snoozing With Other Pets
Some cats like to sleep solo, but what if your cat enjoys being with other pets? Your cat may feel bonded to their fellow furry housemates, or they’re seeking the warmth of more body heat.
Snoozing side-by-side with purring kitties offers a soothing sound. Your feline friend might even curl up with the family dog if they have a strong relationship.
15. Tucked in Tight
Does your cat wriggle under the covers with you at night? They likely love being close to you and feel warm and safe. The covers also tend to mask noises that your cat might find disturbing. But make sure your cat can breathe easily and doesn’t get tangled up in the sheets.
But That Can’t Be Comfortable, Right?
Sometimes, you can’t tell what position your cat’s in because it’s so convoluted you’re sure your furry friend is a cat contortionist. Let’s face it, cats do some strange things, including sleeping like a furry pretzel. It’s hard to resist moving them into what you might assume is a more comfortable position. However, rest assured, your kitty is quite cozy.
Cats are extremely flexible, with an almost elastic-like spinal column that enables them to bend and twist into all sorts of shapes. Their shoulders also have a broad range of motion thanks to the shoulder blade’s attachment via muscle instead of bone.
The Language of the Cat Nap
How your cat sleeps tells you a lot about them, even clueing you into important potential health issues. But sometimes, your kitty’s strange snooze posture is simply because they’re loving life without a care in the world.
The one constant is no matter how your cat sleeps, it’s best to let them be. Trying to wake up a sleeping kitty could prove risky, especially if your pet startles easily. Think about it. Are you pleasant when someone shakes you out of a deep sleep? Let sleeping cats lie, unless you want a few scratches for your troubles.
For more fun and helpful feline tips and answers to your pressing pet questions, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.