Cats, often sleep while curled into a ball of fluffy fur, with the tail tucked underneath.
The number one reason why cats frequently sleep in a ball, is due to a natural defensive action.
This sleeping position offers an element of protection for the cat. It is related to wild cats sleeping in the wild, before cats were domesticated.
When a cat sleeps curled up, they make themselves a smaller target for predators. They conserve body heat and protect their vital organs.
This is a natural defensive behavior in the wild.
The curled-up sleeping position is a way for cats to stay warm and protect themselves from potential danger, as they can quickly spring into action if needed
Why Do Cats Sleep in a Ball?
| 1. Observations Of My Cats Sleeping – Including In A Ball |
| 2. What Does it Mean When a Cat Curls Up Next to You? |
| 3. Other Common Cat Sleeping Positions |
1. Observations Of My Cats Sleeping
Having been a cat owner for many years, I have watched cat sleeping positions closely, and what one cat does another may not do.
- Some cats fall asleep on their backs with all four feet in the air.
- Other cats fall asleep on their side.
- Some cats stretch out and sleep on their stomachs.
- Most cats do sleep in a ball, but why?
At one time or another, every cat breed uses this sleeping position. Often being curled into a ball will also include a paw draped over paws covering the facial area.
If your cat is under undue stress, you may see it sleeping curled in a ball. When I watch my cats as they sleep, I am confident that they sleep with their eyes half closed.
When cats close their eyes, they become very vulnerable to their surroundings.
Cats are often on high alert to odd noises and activities in their surrounding area.
They are always ready to jump up and stand at attention if they feel threatened.
When cats fall into a deep sleep, they feel safe, comfortable, and content.
Sleeping in a ball offers the cat extra warmth and body heat. You would think that cats would not get cold with all that fur, but they do.
If the temperature is overly cool for you, you can bet your cat also feels chilly.
Related: Why Do Cats Purr When They Sleep?
When you go to bed, you no doubt have a specific way of sleeping. Are you more comfortable on your side, stomach or back?
Cats are no different. A cat will sleep in a sleeping position that is most comfortable for them depending on the location, body temperature, and safety.
Sometimes a cat starts out sleeping in a ball, and at some point, they wake up, turn around a few times and go back to sleep on their back.
I have noticed that when the temperatures are hot outside, my cats rarely sleep in a ball.
They stretch out on their stomach, back, or side.
Sleeping in a ball makes them feel too warm. A cat does not need this added warmth when the temperatures exceed more than 90 degrees outside.
2. What Does it Mean When a Cat Curls Up Next to You?
- Common sense says that your cat curls up next to you because they love you and feel safe.
- When cats fall asleep, they become vulnerable to their surroundings. Sleeping by you means that they trust you will take care of them and keep them safe. Your cat wants to be close to you while sleeping because being close to you offers them a heightened level of security.
- Cats are territorial, especially with their owner. A cat can curl up next to you to protect you. They are protecting their territory and everyone in their area. Your cat leaves its scent on you as a warning to other pets.
If your cat’s sleeping position does not normally include curling up next to you, but your cat starts to adopt this sleeping position, it could mean that your cat is getting older, and becoming more fragile with age..
3. Other Common Cat Sleeping Positions
Common cat sleeping positions as well as the cat curled up sleeping position include:
- The stretched out position is where the cat is lying flat on their stomach with their legs extended.
- The loaf position, is where the cat is sitting with their legs tucked under them.
- The cat sleeping upside down is a vulnerable position where the cat is lying on their back with their legs in the air.
- The sideways sleeper position is when the cat is lying on their side with their legs extended.
- The donut cat sleeping position is similar to the curled up position, but with the head bent in further.
- The spoon cat sleeping position is where the cat is curled up next to a human or another cat.
- The perched position is where the cat is sleeping on a high surface, such as a windowsill or bookshelf.
- The tucked in position is where your feline friend is curled up and their head is tucked between their paws.
- The superman position is where the cat lies flat on its stomach with the front legs extended forward and the back legs extended backward. Love this one!
Related: Why does your cat want to sleep between your legs?
Related: The Cat Has Peed On My Bed! Now What?
Learning the needs of your cat and responding to those needs is the best way to have a happy cat.
