Cat Sleeping Positions: What Do They Mean? Curled Up, Belly Up, On The Side, And More

If there is something cats love more than anything else, it’s sleeping.

A full-grown feline can sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. Young kittens aged six months or less can spend 20 hours per day asleep.

Felines snooze their way through approximately two thirds of their lifetime!

You may find your cat sleeping anywhere – on the window, in its bed, in your bed, on the couch, in your wardrobe, on the countertop, even under the sofa. As long as it feels protected and cozy, the cat will sleep anywhere, even if you think that its choice of location seems like the most uncomfortable place on the planet!

Some cats prefer sleeping next to their owners, especially if they are extremely affectionate. One such breed is the Sphynx cat, which always seeks the warmest place in the house.

But regardless of your fluffy pal’s sleeping corner and daily routine, its sleeping position can tell you a lot about your pet’s feelings and the way it perceives its surroundings.

Cat Sleeping Positions And Their Meanings

A cat’s sleeping position has different meanings. No two cats are the same, so these are not universal, but in general they hold true.

If your kitty is sleeping in a curled crescent position and it has wrapped its tail around its body, this means that your furry pal isn’t sensing any nearby threats or dangers.

The Curled Up Crescent

Cats usually sleep in this pose when they wish to preserve some extra heat on a cold day. Not only are they keeping themselves warm, but they are also keeping their bellies hidden and safe from the world.

Tucked In Or Under Something

It’s not uncommon to find your cat tucked under the covers or inside your drawers. Dark corners, nooks, and upholstery covers provide safety, warmth, and comfort.

And that’s exactly what the cat seeks if it’s snoozing tucked in or under the cover of furniture pieces.

Outstretched Ears And Half-Shut Eyes

Felines sleeping with half-shut eyes and outstretched ears are definitely on high alert! They will wake up at the faintest of sounds.

Often, newly adopted cats, residing with noisy families, sleep like that. The position means the kitty can’t let its guard down and get proper sleep.

Belly Up

If your cat is sleeping with its belly up in a hilariously straddled sleeping position, then it’s the happiest kitty in the world!

The belly-up position means the cat is feeling 100% secure and elated. This type of sleeping position makes the feline’s body extremely vulnerable and it doesn’t provide the cat with a quick chance to flee from the scene.

If your furball is rolling on its back while it’s sleeping, it means that your pet trusts you unconditionally.

Cat Loaf

Sometimes cats get in a relaxed position with their front paws underneath them. In this position, they are usually not fully asleep, although it can happen.

Occasionally, they’ll stretch forward slightly, and go to sleep. But many times, they’ll just relax and stay content in this position for long periods.

It’s kind of like a meditative pose for cats.  How zen of them!

Final Notes on Cat Sleep and General Health

Some feline breeds, like the Abyssinian, adore jumping and climbing. Such breeds may prefer sleeping on countertops, window perches, and difficult to access heights. Purchasing a cat tree with a variety of high levels will be more suitable for these breeds than a cat bed.

Regardless of your feline furball’s sleeping positions, make sure its health and safety are your priority.

Buy only high-quality cat food, never miss appointments with the vet, and don’t ever neglect your kitty’s needs and well-being. As long as your pet is healthy, safe, and happy, it will cherish you for the rest of its lifetime.