Cats spend a great deal of time asleep, and you might have idly questioned whether all those various sleep positions indicate anything about their state of mind, tension levels, or health. Actually, how your cat selects to sleep can undoubtedly provide insight into their psychological and physical health. We spoke with a number of vets and a qualified cat behaviorist for their take on cat sleeping positions, plus what to bear in mind about feline sleep practices in basic.
Long Story Short
- Your cat’s sleep position can be a hint into their psychological and physical health.
- Being acquainted with your cat’s favored sleep positions is a great way to recognize modifications that might show a health concern.
The Crescent
As the name recommends, the crescent sleep position is when a cat huddles on its side, head bent towards the feet and tail embeded (comparable to a furry little donut!). “Curling up into a crescent shape is one of the most common sleeping positions for cats,” Primrose Moss, a vet in the UK, informs Sleepopolis. “It’s a safe position with the belly concealed from potential predators that leaves your cat able to respond rapidly to any surprises.” Plus, she says it assists cats remain warm and permits them to sleep more deeply than some other positions.
Seeking Shelter
Cats appear to be drawn to tight areas, whether it’s a box, a drawer, even a sweatshirt. Moss says that’s due to the fact that regardless of their credibility as callous predators, cats are likewise a victim types. Dr. Janet Cutler, Ph.D, and accredited used animal behaviorist, informs Sleepopolis that this habits might have an evolutionary basis that kept cats concealed or secured from predators. “In our homes, they may feel more secure or less likely to be bothered when sheltered,” she says.
But a cat looking for shelter to sleep might likewise be experiencing tension or health problem. “If your cat is hiding more than usual, try to work out what might be causing it, and if you suspect they might be unwell, discuss it with your vet,” says Moss.
Somewhat oddly, some cats likewise oversleep their litter box. “Just like a box, the tray provides a sense of safety — and also smells like them!” says Moss. In some cases, cats might see it as an affordable last hope. “Some cats will sleep in litter boxes if no other acceptable surfaces are available, or if they are fearful of other animals or people that are blocking (or near) their sleeping areas — and if the litter is a surface that isn’t as hard to rest on [as other options],” says Cutler.
If it’s a brand-new habits, oversleeping the litter box can be a sign of a health concern, too. “Conditions like kidney disease, cystitis (bladder inflammation), urinary blockage or a stomach upset may make your cat wary of risking an accident by straying too far from the litter box,” says Moss. She encourages calling a veterinarian if your cat starts oversleeping its litter box, specifically if you observe other modifications, like consuming more or straining to urinate or defecate.
Belly Up
If that furry tummy is on display screen, you’re most likely taking a look at a cat who’s quite happy. “This sleeping position exposes your cat’s most sensitive areas, so they definitely trust you and are able to fully relax,” says Moss. “Cats are also more likely to lie like this in warm weather, as it can help them to cool down.”
Loafing Around
The “bread loaf” sleep position is a traditional — upright, with paws and tail embeded. “A cat that chooses to ‘loaf’ may do so for a number of reasons, including cold temperatures, stress and pain,” says Moss. “This position conserves heat, protects the vital organs and leaves your cat ready to respond to any possible threats.”
Pretzel Style
Any position that has your cat appearing like a contortionist can fall under the pretzel classification, and it’s usually an indication of a happy cat. “For your cat to pick this position, they need to be pretty relaxed, as they’re usually exposing their belly and aren’t in the best position to respond to any possible threats,” says Moss. It might look downright uneasy, however bear in mind that cats are naturally rather versatile. “For them, these odd positions may actually be comfortable,” says Moss.
On Their Side
Cats might begin oversleeping a crescent position and ultimately end up on their sides as they unwind more completely. “This also allows them to lose a little more heat than lying curled up, so they may opt for this position in warmer weather,” says Moss.
Hiding Their Face with Paws
This downright charming position might be an evolutionary habits. “This position protects their eyes and nose, which are vulnerable and critically important for cats,” says Moss. “However, cats may also choose to sleep like this simply because it’s comfortable, helps to keep their face warm and can also block out excessive light.”
Sitting Up
“Cats often doze sitting up, which is normal,” Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, informs Sleepopolis. “However, if you observe that your cat cannot get comfortable or continues to try to lie down but cannot stay lying down due to discomfort or breathing difficulties, this is a sign that they require immediate medical care.”
Eyes Half Open
Sleeping with their eyes open? It’s a cat thing! “This position is normal for many cats,” says Moss, explaining that it can be rather befuddling when you see it for the very first time. “Cats usually only keep their eyes open during light sleep, and this enables them to keep an eye on their surroundings and quickly wake up if needed,” she says.
Superman
A cat extended flat on its tummy looks a bit like Superman. And like Superman, your cat is feeling both unwinded however prepared to spring into action if requirement be. “This position can also help them to cool down in summer if they lie on a cold surface,” says Moss.
Perched on the Edge
Cats that perch themselves high on a rack or veranda are using their natural impulses to be up high, says Whittenburg. “Cats tend to enjoy perching up high to enable them to protect themselves and to see any potential threats,” she says.
Cuddled with Fur Siblings (Or With You!)
Cats might have a credibility for being aloof, however Moss mentions that they can be deeply friendly and caring family pets. “If your cat chooses to sleep either with you or with another pet, it’s a sign of deep trust and affection,” says Moss. “Cats that frequently sleep together may be bonded, meaning that they care deeply for one another and seek each other out for company.” In cool weather condition, she says cats might likewise snuggle up for additional heat.
General Cat Sleeping Habits
Cats have what’s called a polyphasic sleep pattern, indicating they choose cat naps throughout the day over a single long sleep session. Moss says the typical cat sleeps in between 12 and 18 hours a day, however keeps in mind that some cats, like kittens and senior citizens (1), might sleep even longer. All those hours of sleep might break down into naps of differing lengths. “Cats often take the opportunity for a 10-minute snooze when they can,” says Moss, “but at other times may sleep more solidly for a much longer period.”
If your cat appears to accelerate simply as you’re prepared to unwind, it’s quite normal habits. “Domestic cats are actually crepuscular, meaning they’re usually most active around dawn and dusk — the best times for hunting,” says Moss. There may be a variety of factors for it, from diet plan to age to character. Check out our guide for sleep training your cat for a much better night’s sleep (for the both of you!).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do cats sleep when they’re ill?
There’s no single “sick” sleep position for a cat, however Whittenburg keeps in mind that it prevails for an ill cat to conceal and be less interactive than typical. Some cats might be visibly basically active than what’s typical for them. “They may stay in one position, such as on their side, and not move much at all,” says Cutler. “In other cases, they may struggle to get comfortable and move around a lot.” Both specialists suggest looking for a veterinarian’s care if you observe modifications to your cat’s sleep patterns or habits that aren’t connected to modifications in their environment.
Why do cats sleep with their paws extended?
Usually, this position is an effort from your cat to cool off — or heat up. Stretching out their front and back legs can help control body temperature level. In a bright area, it’s a method to take in the heat. In both cases, it’s a sign of a happy cat.
What does your cat’s sleeping position indicate?
Different sleep positions can provide a little insight into your cat’s general wellness. “Your cat’s sleeping position can be influenced by a whole range of factors, including their mood, stress levels, underlying illness and temperature,” says Moss. By acquainting yourself with what’s typical for your cat, you’re in a good position to detect modifications that may show a health concern.
The Last Word From Sleepopolis
Being conscious of your cat’s favored sleeping positions is a great way of watching on their basic health. “Illness and even slowly progressive conditions like arthritis can cause your cat to spend more time snoozing — and because cats are generally pretty stoic, this may be one of the only signs you see,” says Moss. If you’re discovering modifications to your cat’s sleeping practices and positions, it’s most likely worth calling your veterinarian.
Sources
1. Sordo L, Breheny C, Halls V, Cotter A, Tørnqvist-Johnsen C, Caney SMA, Gunn-Moore DA. Prevalence of Disease and Age-Related Behavioural Changes in Cats: Past and Present. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7(3):85.
2. Primrose Moss, personal interview. July 2023.
3. Janet Cutler, personal interview. Juy 2023.
4. Jamie Whittenburg, personal interview. July 2023.
