There’s something so interesting about watching our cats’ behaviour and we never get bored of it, even when they’re sleeping! Did you know, however, that there’s more to meet than the eye, and that cat sleeping positions are more meaningful than we thought?
Cats almost seem to be snoozing, and they’re always contorting themselves into all kinds of styles that some have speculated that cats could have inspired yoga! Nonetheless, there is a reason to why they do this, and it’s actually traced all the way back to their wild ancestral roots, in which their desire to protect vulnerable body parts is inherently ingrained in their instincts.
What kind of cat sleeping body language exist and what do they mean?
i. The Crescent
One of the most popular sleeping positions that ensures this is the “Crescent”. This is when your kitty is curled up in a ball, nose to tail, and is aptly named because it looks like crescent of the moon, besides being perfect for warmth optimization too, though it may also be a subtle sign of
insecurity.
ii. The Bread Loaf
Although cats look as if they’re sound asleep, there are certain positions that allow them to be on guard. The Bread Loaf involves your cat snoozing in an upright position with tucked paws under their body, resembling a bread loaf. This means that the cat isn’t completely relaxed and while it is somewhat comfortable, it still remains alert. Aside from this, there’s also the Superman pose, in which all four of the cat’s paws are extended in a manner that looks as if they’re flying.
iii. The Side Sleeper and Belly Up
It should go without saying that if your favourite feline chooses to sleep and expose its tummy to you, it’s showing you that it trusts you (kudos to being a great furry parent!). By sleeping on the side, it encourages longer and deeper sleep. Another variation of this is the Belly Up, whereby the cat sleeps on its backs and exposes its whole tummy to you.
iv. The Cuddler
Another position that showcases their love is if they suddenly plop themselves onto your chest, knowing full well that it’s not as mobile as your arms and legs. While this might make it hard to breathe and move for you, it is still a moment to cherish, and it is best to never push them away when they are expressing their love to you.
It is also important to note that…
If your furry baby enjoys finding boxes to sleep in, there could be something in the house that they aren’t comfortable with and wish to hide from. Even if there’s none, boxes are a safe refuge for them, so you may want to keep a lookout for extra cardboard boxes. However, if they start sleeping in their litter box, you may want to consult a vet for any underlying urinary or digestive issues.
Finally, don’t fret if they seem to be sleeping in extremely uncomfortable-looking positions because felines possess extremely lithe and flexible bodies. Understanding the semantics behind our favourite feline’s sleeping position will undoubtedly help you understand your pet even more and is a step closer to strengthening your bond with them.
