What a Cat’s Sleeping Position Says about Them

Source: © Shutterstock

When a cat sleeps, it’s not just resting; it’s communicating its mood and often posture. The position of a cat that is sleeping can tell us a lot about their state of mind – which makes cats one of the most interesting animals to keep as pets. Although there are many different theories as to what sleep positions say about a pet, each study has its own merit because cats are such complex creatures with impeccable instincts. Understanding your cat’s sleep position may give you insight into their mood and personality.

Cat Sleep Position Studies

In general, cats prefer to sleep curled up in a defensive crouch with their body completely covered by their tails and legs. This is because this position helps them stay warm and also aids them in evading attacks when they’re small and hiding from predators under the bed or behind a piece of furniture. This is called ‘defense mode’. When confronting unknown or threatening objects, cats also use the ‘marking out’ stance, which involves standing and extending their neck with an open mouth while gazing at the object with big eyes. Studies have shown that this sleeping posture is closely related to an individual’s emotional state.

For example, if a cat “wakes up” from the ‘marking out’ position, this indicates that something is bothering them which they can’t explain. Think of them as cats who are jumping at shadows. In a similar vein, close monitoring of the sleeping positions of unwary or unhappy cats may help us predict their future behavior. For example, if a happy cat begins to sleep in the defensive stance, this probably means that it will be attacked by an unfamiliar animal and need to hide. If we observe our cat in the ‘marking out’ position before they have the chance to move into defense mode, we can anticipate violent aggression and increase our chances of preventing it.

Cat’s Sleep Position Research Summary

Here is a breakdown of cat sleeping positions and what they might indicate:

Cats, like humans, prefer to sleep curled up in a defensive crouch with their bodies completely covered by their tails and legs. This preferred sleeping position is related to an individual’s emotional state. When confronted by unknown or threatening objects, cats also use the ‘marking out’ stance, which involves standing and extending their neck with an open mouth while gazing at the object with big eyes. This, too, is related to an individual’s emotional state.

Close monitoring of the sleeping positions of unwary or unhappy cats may help us predict their future behavior. For example, if a happy cat begins to sleep in the defensive stance, this probably means that it thinks it will be attacked by an unfamiliar animal and needs to hide. If we observe our cat in the ‘marking out’ position before they have the chance to move into defense mode, we can anticipate violent aggression and increase our chances of preventing it.

  1. A cat lying on its side indicates relaxation and comfort. It is also a great position for grooming or taking naps. Cats who sleep on their side in the manner of a human are likely to be extroverted.
  2. A cat curled up at the edge of its bed probably feels insecure and is also likely to be shy.
  3. A cat lying on its back with all four legs stretched out fully indicates that it has adopted a carefree attitude. These cats don’t worry about anything, acting as though the world around them owes them something. They are typically in good humor and playful moods, but are sometimes slightly lazy and may not respond well to discipline from their owners.
  4. If your cat sleeps on its back with both paws over its head, this means that it is suffering from extreme depression.
  5. When cats are under stress or tension, they often sleep in the ‘pregnant’ position – on their side with front legs stretched out. The ears may be folded back over the face.
  6. Sleeping with its paws tucked in is a sign of contentment and relaxation, especially if it’s sleeping on its stomach. Kittens usually sleep in this position to suckle their mother’s nipples.
  7. A cat that lays on its side with all four legs tucked under it is frightened or feeling vulnerable. It is an attempt to make itself as small as possible so as to conceal itself from view.
  8. A cat that rests on its side with all four legs extended outwardly is in a very relaxed and playful mood.
  9. A cat sleeping on its stomach without a pillow, blanket, or any other sort of cover is in a good mood and exceptionally comfortable.
  10. A cat that sprawls out with its legs stretched out all the way and sleeps comfortably probably feels bold and powerful. It might even be trying to show us who’s boss around the house. It may also be the cat equivalent of a peacock’s tail.
  11. Sleeping with only one paw stretched out indicates a tense or aggressive mood.
  12. When cats sleep on their backs (without both paws over its head), it means that they have adopted a carefree attitude. These cats don’t worry about anything, acting as though the world around them owes them something. They are typically in good humor and playful moods, but are sometimes slightly lazy and may not respond well to discipline from their owners.
  13. When cats sleep with their paws folded together under them, this is a sign of contentment and relaxation.
  14. A cat sleeping with its head tucked under its front paws is frightened or feeling vulnerable. This is an attempt to make itself as small as possible so as to conceal itself from view.
  15. A cat that sleeps on its side with all four legs tucked in indicates relaxation and comfort. It is also a great position for grooming or taking naps.
  16. An angry cat will sleep with one paw over the mouth, which it thinks will hide its expression from predators.
  17. A contented cat rests on its side with all four legs stretched out fully indicates that it has adopted a carefree attitude. These cats don’t worry about anything, acting as though the world around them owes them something. They are typically in good humor and playful moods, but are sometimes slightly lazy and may not respond well to discipline from their owners.
  18. A relaxed cat will fall asleep in a position with its front paws tucked under its chin, which looks like a frog or monkey hugging itself.
  19. A cat that sleeps on its back is in a very vulnerable position, as it cannot effectively protect itself from other animals or people.

So, there are numerous ways a cat can sleep. Understanding how your cat sleeps can not only help you better understand the feline species, but also give insight into its personality and well-being. Although it can take a while to learn how to translate your cats’ actions, there is no such thing as “cat language”, but rather cat body language. It’s up to each individual human to recognize what on earth their feline friend is trying to tell them. Please remember that not every cat will display the same sleeping positions or behaviors, so keep an eye out for other signs in order to gain a more complete picture of your pet’s health and well-being.

image sources

  • hi, my name is copycat, i love to sleep like a dog: © Shutterstock

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