Just because a cat has its eyes closed doesn’t necessarily mean it’s in a deep sleep. Whether it’s dreaming or simply resting, whether it’s relaxed or still alert, you can often tell by paying attention to its different sleeping positions.
A cat exposing its belly while sleeping indicates it feels safe and comfortable in its environment.
Cat Sleeping Positions: What do a Cat’s Resting Poses Mean?
Adult cats can sleep for up to 16 hours a day. These velvet-pawed hunters need plenty of rest to recharge for their next hunting adventure. They adopt a wide range of positions – from fully stretched out to tightly curled up.
The various sleeping positions of a cat can reveal whether it feels comfortable, trusts you, or is feeling unsure.
Stretched Out: A Favourite Sleeping Position for Many Cats
When cats stretch out luxuriously, they increase the surface area of their body. The aim: maximum heat exchange, for example in front of the tiled stove or on the living room floor when warm sunlight streams through the window.
In summer, when the velvet paw finds it too warm under its fur, it will often choose a cool surface to lounge on, such as bathroom tiles.
Curled Up: The Cosy, Warming Sleeping Position
When a cat makes itself very small while sleeping, it’s usually trying to keep warm: it rests its head, tucks its paws under its belly, and wraps its tail around its body like a scarf.
Outdoor cats who take a break from their rounds in rain or snow will seek out a sheltered spot and curl up in this way.
If your cat adopts this position indoors at home, it may be feeling a bit chilly. Or it might simply be snuggling comfortably into its basket.
On Alert: The Half-Sleep Position
In this position, the cat also tucks its paws under its belly. However, its head remains raised and its ears often swivel towards the source of a sound. In this pose, the cat isn’t truly asleep but resting. It’s aware of its surroundings and ready to flee if it feels the need.
Cats often maintain this half-sleep alertness when they don’t yet feel fully at ease in a new home. Sometimes, this posture can also be a sign of illness.
How Do Cats Sleep When they’re Happy? The Back Position
If a cat dares to expose its sensitive belly while sleeping, it feels safe and secure in its home. You can take this as a sign of trust when your sofa tiger sleeps on its back with its paws stretched out.
In multi-cat households, this position is often shown only by the highest-ranking cat.
How Do Cats Sleep When they’re Relaxed? The Side Position
When a cat sleeps on its side, it’s usually enjoying a deep slumber. Its whole body – including paws, head and tail – rests loosely on the surface.
Muscles and joints are relaxed, allowing the cat to recover well before the next (toy) mouse hunt. At this stage, it’s best not to disturb your cat and only wake it in exceptional circumstances.
How Does a Cat Sleep When it’s in Pain? The Sphinx Position
A crouched sleeping position is often not a good sign. If the cat pulls its legs tightly under its body and arches its back, pay close attention to the position of its head.
If it lowers its head towards its chest and turns its ears downwards, your cat may be in pain. Rapid breathing can also indicate that your pet isn’t feeling well. In this case, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Dreaming Cats
A quiet meow in sleep or twitching paws is no cause for concern. It’s likely that your cat is dreaming – perhaps about an evening mouse hunt or even about you.
