Cats’ Sleeping Positions Reveal

Key Message

1. Curled-up: conserve warmth and protect the vital organs
   몸을 말기: 체온을 유지하고 주요 장기를 보호하는 자세
2. In a box: feel insecure, to seek comfort and protection
   상자 속: 불안함을 느낄 때, 편안함과 보호받는 느낌을 구하는 자세
3. Belly-up: feel confident and relaxed with the surroundings
   뒤집어지기: 주변 환경에 대해 자신과 편안함을 느끼는 자세
4. Half-eye Shut: be conscious and alert
   실눈 뜨기: 의식하고 경계하는 자세
5. Loaf: take a rest before the next activity, don’t want to sleep for long
   식빵: 활동 전에 잠시 취하는 휴식으로 오래 쉬지 않을 때의 자세
6. Sleeping sideways: extremely relaxing, fall into a deep sleep
   옆으로 누워 자기: 완전히 마음을 놓고, 깊은 잠에 드는 자세
7. Paw above the face: don’t want to be disturbed or cover eyes from strong light
   얼굴을 발로 가리기: 방해받고 싶지 않거나 강한 빛으로부터 눈을 가리는 자세
8. Monorail: general surveillance
   모노레일 자세: 일반적인 감시 자세
9. Contortionist: no special reason, just comforting
   곡예사 자세: 특별한 이유는 없지만 그냥 편안하게 쉬는 자세

Narration

Cats’ sleeping positions can reveal a lot about their personality, health and how they are feeling. This guide breaks down the most common cat sleeping positions and explains the science behind why cats sleep in certain ways.

#1. Curled-up
In the curled-up position, the cat curls its tail around its body and tucks its head towards the chest. This resting position means that your cat might be trying to conserve body heat and provide protection to the fundamental parts of its body. It’s the most common sleeping position for animals in the wild, too, as it helps them conserve warmth and protects the vital organs.

#2. A Cat in a Box
Seeing your cat sleeping all cuddle up inside a box is definitely a sight to relish. However, more than being cute, it conveys a very strong message about your cat. A cat in a box position means that your cat is worried about its security and is seeking comfort and protection. When cats sleep in smaller, congested areas, this shows their concern about safety. The solid walls of a box make them feel secure by providing them with a tight and secure space. Other than boxes, cats may also seek out drawers, bowls, and other objects that they can fit tightly into. You need to access why your cat is worried about her safety. Maybe she is scared of other pets or children in the household. You can help her out by creating an enclosed box with sufficient fluffiness inside to help her sleep comfortably.

#3. Belly up Position
A cat’s stomach is its most vulnerable area. So, if your cat is sleeping in a belly-up position in which the legs are pointed at weird angles while the stomach is facing the ceiling, this is a sign that the cat feels comfortable and safe in your home. You can consider yourself lucky that you’ve won the trust of your fluffy pet. That’s because, cats are usually concerned about their safety and won’t expose their vulnerable parts when they aren’t sure about their surroundings. Sleeping on their back is an indication that your pet is confident and relaxed with its surroundings.

#4. The Half-Eye Shut Position
No matter how well-domesticated your cats are, their natural instinct to hunt prey can’t be curbed. One thing about predators is that they hunt and do not like to get hunted in return. This is the reason that your cat is not closing its eyes all the way even though it is dozing off. In this position, you will notice that your cat’s ears are constantly moving, which means your pet is alert. This shallow form of sleep can last for hours. Your pet is aware of what is going on in its surroundings, and any unusual sound will jolt the cat into complete attention. In another version of this position, the cat sleeps with one eye shut and the other open. This is called Unihemispheric Slow-wave Sleep. In this form, half of the brain is in unconscious while the other half is conscious and alert. This form of sleeping is beneficial because your cat can rest even in places with some sense of threat.

#5. The Loaf Position
This is another funny sleeping position that will leave you perplex and bring a warm smile in your face. In this position, the cat sits upright but tucks its front paws under the body. If you find your cat sleeping in a loaf-like position, this means your cat does not want to sleep for long and is only resting before the next activity. Usually, in a loaf position, the cat keeps both or at least one eye shut.

#6. Sleeping Sideways
Sleeping sideways is an extremely relaxing sleeping position for a cat. Sleeping on one side with their limbs stretched out means that your cat is fully content and feeling safe. Your cat is in total relaxation mode and does not feel the need to remain alert. Usually cats fall into a deep sleep in this position.

#7. Paw Above the Face Position
Paw-over-face is one of the most adorable sleeping positions common to cats which will leave you surprised at most times. When the cat puts a paw across the face, it signals that they don’t wish to be disturbed. This generally happens when the cat is sleeping soundly and unknowingly. This position also occurs when a bright light or the daylight is making the cat feel uncomfortable and so they cover their eyes as a result.

#8. Monorail Position
Monorail position is when the cat lies on the arms or backs of chairs, sofas, staircase banisters, fence posts, or the tops of doors. Typically, the cat dangles down all four legs in this position. This position is called the “monorail” because the posture of the cat is such that it resembles a monorail transit system. Cats have zero understanding of architectural rules regarding access and functionality. They like to rest in this position as it is more suitable for general surveillance.

#9. The Contortionist
The contortionist twists and bends their body into natural positions. A cat in the contortionist position, will sleep all twisted up with their limbs hanging in different directions while her head is twisted at weird angles. Every time you see your cat sleeping in this position, you may find difficult to suppress your laughter. Some owners worry the odd angles will hurt their cat, but this is generally the case as cats have very flexible spines giving their exceptionally elastic vertebrae and furry body. There is no particular reason behind this position and your cat might only choose it because it is comforting to them at the time.

So, there you have it, all the most important and commonly observed cat sleeping positions lined up for you. You can now easily understand all those untold signals and signs that your cat cannot tell you themselves. You can find out whether your cat is feeling secure or threatened and if they are sleeping comfortably or not.