Content
- Curled up with the paws on the head
- stretched out
- belly up
- Paws shrunken and without supporting the head
- shrunken paws supporting the head
- Beside
- Covered
- the position of the hug
- Sleeping positions of kittens
- Other sleeping positions for cats
Cats are world champions in sleep. Pass an average of 13 to 20 hours a day sleeping or napping. What position does your cat sleep in? Have you ever noticed? A cat's sleeping positions provide information about the cat's health and well-being.
The sleeping positions they choose depend on many factors, such as temperature, the environment they are in, and whether they feel safe or very tired. If you want to know more about the body language of cats why they sleep this way or that, keep reading this PeritoAnimal article to find out what the positions of a sleeping cat mean. Good reading.
Curled up with the paws on the head
The position of a sleeping cat curled up with its paws on its head dates back to the old days when our cats were still wild. Staying curled or in the shape of a ball is ideal for the protection from wind and cold. If your cat sleeps in this curled position and covering his head with his paws, he wants to feel safe and secure.
In this position your tail can help you, often functioning as a kind of scarf to give. warmth and safety. When he's like this, it's best not to disturb him, as the cat's body language is indicating he wants to remain calm.
stretched out
During the hot summer months, cats often sleep stretched out on the cold ground. If you find your sleeping cat stretched out and suddenly appearing twice as big, it's because he's wanting to cool off on the cool surface, like tiles or on the shady floor in the backyard.
In addition to these fun sleeping positions, you may also be interested in this other article on where a cat should sleep?
belly up
Cats that feel very comfortable in their home and trust the safety of the environment they are in sleep in more relaxing positions, but at the same time most vulnerable. Because they feel safe, they allow themselves to show off their most delicate body areas, such as their throat and stomach. The "belly up" position is the most vulnerable position for a sleeping cat, as it demonstrates complete confidence and well-being. If you observe this sleeping position of your cat, you can be sure that your cat is very relaxed right now.
In homes with multiple cats, this sleeping position becomes a little less common. If there is a new member in the family, be it a human baby or a kitten cat, it is often possible to observe that we will see a cat sleeping less and less in this position or the cat will only sleep this way in more sheltered places. It is normal for the feline to prefer a position that allows him to quickly escape from the new member, until he gets used to the person or the other pet.
Paws shrunken and without supporting the head
Another position of a sleeping cat is when he is on top of his shrunken front legs with your head up, not supporting it. It is common that he, in this position, also has his ears back when he has his back to his tutor. Although the cat's eyes are closed, this position has nothing to do with deep, relaxed sleep. When the cat lies down in this way, it means it is alert, listening carefully to everything around it, and it is ready to get up and run away at any time.
This position is actually of a insecure cat. It is often seen in cats that have just arrived in a new home and are not yet completely comfortable. It's common to look like this with your eyes half-closed. Sick cats often rest in this way too. If your four-legged companion is in this position too often, you may be suspicious of a problem and we even advise you to see a veterinarian to find out possible health issues such as indigestion or other aches that can lead to a cat sleeping this way.
shrunken paws supporting the head
This is the position of a sleeping cat. more ambiguous that there is, because it allows him to sleep comfortably and, at the same time, that he can get away quickly if necessary. The cat may not be able to assess whether the situation and environment are safe and prefers not to surrender completely. His head is supported and his paws are often bent, which indicates a little more confidence and keeps him in control while he can relax and regain strength for his next adventures.
Beside
When you have a cat sleeping on its side, the cat's body language indicates that it is happy and carefree. The lateral position allows for restful sleep and is the most popular sleep position among cats. They love to recharge their energy this way and with their paws outstretched. Once the cat has rested in this way, it will soon be in top shape, ready to do new things with a lot of energy.
Covered
Cats love boxes and burrowing into nooks and crannies to sleep. Is it a craze? Because of their ancestral instinct, they love to sleep in a more secluded and covered place, like inside a box or closet, because that gives them security. They need to feel the darkness and the boxes are a perfect refuge for them to see without being seen. So, if you see the kitten sleeping in these places, pretend you haven't seen it and let it rest peacefully.
the position of the hug
In the embrace position, the cat sleeps sweetly with its companion. Animals usually only do this with other felines they really like, feel comfortable with, and see like your family. In this position, sleeping cats appear to be completely relaxed and happy. By the way, cats not only hug other cats, it can also happen to other animals like dogs.
Sleeping positions of kittens
In kittens all kinds of sleeping positions can be observed. Kittens usually sleep completely relaxed. If at one point they are breastfeeding, then they have already fallen asleep in the most comfortable position they are in, usually with the four legs stretched out in all directions.
Puppy cats a few months old, on the other hand, often simply fall asleep where they are at that moment, in the weirdest and funniest positions you've ever seen. Completely exhausted and tired, they fall asleep sitting up, leaning against a piece of furniture, on their backs, with their heads hanging from the sofa and their feet up. We don't think it's very comfortable, do we? Well, since they don't feel fear or insecurity, they love to sleep carefree.
Other sleeping positions for cats
As we saw above, a cat's sleeping postures are highly dependent on its well-being and safety. But despite the positions explained, there are others that depend on each cat and its state of mind. Does your cat sleep with you? If your cat sleeps with you, he is showing you his affection and affection, even if he is at the foot of the bed or even sharing a pillow with you.
In any case, it's a sign of his love and respect for you, as he feels good and protected by your side!
Now that you know what the positions of a sleeping cat mean, you might be interested in this video that explains why the cats sleep on top of their guardians. Has it happened to you?
If you want to read more articles similar to What do the positions of a sleeping cat mean, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.