Have you ever seen your cat taking a nap in a weird position and wondered what is going on in their small head to sleep in such an awkward position? It’s kind of funny to see your fluffy cat sleeping like a burrito or a donut, curling their body like a furry ball.
However, there is always a reason behind their bizarre sleeping position, whether it’s comfort, warmth, or safety. So, let’s dive into this article and learn the 20 sleeping styles of your feline friend.
Why Do Cats Sleep In Strange Positions?
The bodies of cats are extremely flexible, which allows them to twist and turn their bodies to sleep in weird positions. However, their sleeping style depends on other various factors like warmth, security, environment, purpose, and personality of the cat.
For instance, no matter how much a cat is domesticated, it has an inherent feline habit of prey and hunting, which cannot be hidden. So when cats are in a more threatened environment, they tend to sleep in a loose position or half eye close position to be alert every moment.
Read more: How to Know If Your Cats Love You: Key Signs
20 Sleeping Styles
On Their Back
You may probably have seen your cat sleeping on their back with their front legs settled in their belly or outstretched over their head. In this sleeping style, the belly of your cat is fully exposed.
Usually, cats instinctively protect their vulnerable areas like the belly. So, if your cat is sleeping with their belly exposed it can explain that they are feeling safe and comfortable. This is equivalent of them saying, “I trust you with my life”.
However, an exposed belly doesn’t mean any invitation of touch or pat. So make sure you don’t touch or pat your cat while they are sleeping on their back, as it can make them defensive, and you may end up hurting yourself with scratches.
Curled Up in a Ball
Curled-up style is a common sleeping position where cats sleep curled up like a fluffy ball, where their paws tucked in beneath their body and their tail wrapped around them. Since cats sleep in a ball-like structure, this will serve them the practical purpose of heat retention and conservation while protecting their vital areas. Your feline friend can opt for this style when they are in an unfamiliar environment or chilly places.
Side Sleeping
Sometimes, you may notice your furry friend taking a nap, lying on their side with their legs stretched out. Just like sleeping on their back, cats have a somewhat exposed belly while sleeping sidewise. So this indicates that your cat is relaxing and enjoying the comfort. Watching your cat sleeping in comfort is such a piece of joy.
The Loaf Position
Another style that you may catch your cat snoozing on is the loaf position. In this sleeping style, your cat will tuck their legs underneath their fluffy body while keeping their head up. Your feline friend will look like an adorable loaf of bread. When your cat dozes off in a loaf position, it can look like they are in a deep sleep, but don’t be fooled since cats in a loaf position are on high alert.
Between Your Legs
It can be quite uncomfortable for you when your cat sleeps between your legs. However, this shows cats’ instinct to feel comfort and warmth. When your cat snuggles its body between your legs and adjusts perfectly to the confined space, it will give them a sense of security and reassurance.
Sleeping With Other Cats
If you have more than one cat, you may notice your cats sleeping together, forming a pile-like structure. This style usually indicates that they are comfortable with each other and enjoying each other’s company. This will not only increase their bonding but also enhance the quality of sleep.
Blanket Burrito
Does your cat also like sleeping with blankets tucked on? If yes, then this sleeping style is called blanket Burrito, where the cat likes to cover themselves with blankets or covers and wrap them like a burrito. Covering them with blankets will give them warmth and a sense of comfort. In some cases, it may also help them escape loud noises.
The Pretzel
If you notice your cat sleeping by twisting their body at odd angles while keeping their legs intertwined like a pretzel, then such a sleeping style is called the pretzel style. While this kind of cat sleeping position may look uncomfortable to watch but this shows your cat’s comfort and flexibility to sleep soundly by twisting their body.
On Top of You
If your furry friend pur contentedly while sleeping on top of you, either on the chest, back, or head it indicates that they want to be close to you and show it as a sign of affection. You can take it as a sign that you have gained some level of trust from your cat.
Half Eye Open
You may have come across a sight of your cat dozing off without fully closing their eyes. This cat sleeping position originates from their natural instinct to hunt and prey. You may notice that the ears of the cat are constantly moving despite they are dozing off.
This indicates that they are alert, and any unusual sound can make them jolt off their sleeping position. Another version of half-eye open is one eye closed and another eye open. This allows your cat to rest even in a threatened atmosphere.
The Superman Position
This sleeping style is the direct opposite of sleeping on the back. In this Superman position, your cat tends to lie flat on their belly with their limbs and paws stretched out in the front and back, respectively.
Generally, cats sleeping in this position can be relaxed and in a deep slumber. However, if you notice your cat sleeping frequently in this Superman position, it may indicate some serious problems like spinal issues.
When your cat is suffering from spinal problems, sleeping in this position will let them elongate their back and relieve any pressure that they may be experiencing. So if you notice your cat sleeping on their belly frequently along with other signs like limping, hunching over, etc, you should take your furry baby for a vet checkup.
Monorail Position or The Hammock Hang
Sometimes, you may see your cat draping themselves over the edge of the staircase or tops of the door. This position is generally called a monorail position. In this sleeping style, your cat lies on the arms or the back of chairs, banisters, sofas, top of doors, staircases, or fence posts with their four legs dangling downwards.
The Paw Shield or Paw Above the Face Position
This is one of the most adorable sleeping positions when your furry baby will look like a piece of snuggle. In this position, your cat puts their paws across their face while sleeping. This style may indicate that they do not want to be disturbed. This generally happens when your cat is sleeping soundly and puts their paws unknowingly over the face.
Likewise, when bright light or daylight hits the cat and makes their eye uncomfortable, they can opt for this paw shield style.
The Contortionist
Usually, contortion can be defined as the practice of twisting and bending the body in unusual and seemingly impossible positions. A cat sleeping in a contortionist position can sleep all twisted up with their limbs hanging in different directions while its head is twisted at weird angles.
When you find your cat sleeping in this position, you may burst out laughing. However, some pet parents can be concerned about hurting their cats since they are sleeping at odd angles. This may not be the case, as cats have exceptionally elastic vertebrae and furry bodies. There is no any particular reason why your cat is sleeping this way, but they might choose it as they are comforting at the time.
The Sphinx Position
Sometimes, you may notice your cat hunched over their front paws, as regal as the grand Egyptian Sphinx. During this position, your feline baby will sleep with their front paws stretched out straight and hind legs tucked beneath the body. This cat sleeping position usually means that your cat is ready for action or play. However, it’s not just about being alert and playful. Studies show that cats that often opt for the sphinx style have higher energy levels.
The Face Plant
When your cat sleeps lying on their belly with their face buried in the surface, floor, or blankets, then such a cat sleeping position is called a face plant. Cats usually sleep in this position when they are fatigued yet comfortable. Watching your cat in deep sleep, hiding their face with paws and legs stretched out, is truly a sight to relish.
The Lap Nap
Cats are territorial animals in nature that are protective of their space. So, if your cat decides to sleep soundly on your lap, it indicates that they have strong affection and trust towards you and feel safe around you.
The Floor Flop
When your cat sprawls out their legs on the floor as far as they can, either by lying on their back or belly, it shows that they are comfortable and unthreatened. Likewise, it can also indicate their territorial nature of claiming the floor. Moreover, if they sleep with their belly exposed, they are trying to cool themselves off from the heat.
Head Tilt Snooze
You may have noticed your cat snoozing off with their head tilted at an awkward angle. This cat sleeping position shows that the cat is comfortable and at ease without feeling any threat or discomfort.
In Small Space
Watching your cat sleeping all cuddled up in a box is truly a cute and adorable sight. If your cat loves to squeeze themselves into small and confined areas like card boxes, drawers, or even rice cookers, then it usually indicates that they are seeking protection and some sense of security. Congested areas provide them with secure space and allow them to relax.
Conclusion
As a pet parent, when you look at a cat sleeping in a weird position, twisting their body it can feel uncomfortable. Despite these sleeping styles looking weird and strange to us, it is perfectly comfortable for your cat. We hope that this article has given you some meaningful information about your pet sleep. For more similar information, stay tuned with Littlefurr!
FAQs
- How do cats sleep when they are sick?
When cats are sick, they tend to sleep with hunched bodies and tilted heads. They can lie flat on the floor or sleep in a curled position.
- Why is my cat sleeping suddenly near me?
If your cat suddenly starts to sleep near you, it may indicate a change in mood, needs, and atmosphere.
- Is it normal for cats to sleep hanging at the edge of the staircase?
Yes, it is absolutely normal for cats to sleep hanging on the edge of a staircase. Strong balance and agility allow them to sleep in such weird places.
- Why does my cat sleep in a weird position?
Usually, cats have incredibly flexible bodies, and sleeping in weird positions speaks more about their personality, nature, and inner feelings.
- Why does my cat sleep in high places?
Cats usually seek high places for safety, which gives them a good view for monitoring and surveillance.
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