Tired Sleeping Moment For Cat

Cats sleep up to 18 hours a day, or sometimes even more as they age. You’ve probably found your cat sleeping in a number of different positions, and some of them may be pretty strange.

What does it mean when your cat sleeps curled up versus right next to your head?

Much of a cat’s sleeping behavior stems from social tendencies. Despite their reputation as aloof, cats can have social connections and form bonds with pet parents and other pets. They also seek out warmth from body heat while sleeping. This is what leads cats to sleep on you or next to you or another pet in the household.

Other cat sleeping positions go back to their wild roots. Cats are both predators and prey animals, so in the wild or while outdoors, their lives depend on paying attention. Because of this, cats are highly observant of their surroundings and protective of their bodies. So that explains why they might sleep curled up in a ball, for instance.

With a little insight, it’s possible to decode your cat’s sleeping positions and what they say about your cat’s state of mind. Here are 20 positions you might find you cat sleeping in and what they mean.

Curled in a Ball
Cats often sleep curled up in a ball, with nose to tail. Cats like to be warm, and this shape helps them retain body heat. This position also protects vital organs in their abdomen by surrounding them with less essential and more resilient muscle and bone.

On Their Backs
You’ve probably seen your cat sleep on their back, with their front legs either resting on their belly or outstretched over their head, and their bellies fully exposed. Cats instinctively protect their vulnerable organs, so if a cat is sleeping with their belly exposed, it means they feel very safe and confident.

Even though your cat feels safe, you should probably not try to rub your cat’s belly when they are in this position. Most cats will still attempt to defend themselves when touched in the belly area (by biting, swatting, or scratching).

Side Sleeping
Cats also like to sleep on their side, with their legs stretched out. Similar to sleeping on their backs, your cat’s vital organs are exposed in this position. Again, this means your cat is very comfortable with you.

However, sleeping on their side makes it easier for your cat to jump up and/or run if they need to. As prey animals, having this escape option acts as a bit of insurance, helping your cat to get a restful sleep.

In a Loaf Shape
This position resembles the shape of a loaf of bread. Cats sleeping in this position keep their front paws curled underneath their body, with their head up. This position preserves a cat’s body heat and protects their vital organs. Cats sleeping in a loaf position may be relaxed, but they are also poised to spring into action and use their claws if they’re suddenly in danger.