These are the secret messages behind your cat’s 5 sleeping positions

Cats sleep a whopping 18 hours a day, and their sleeping positions can be pretty strange, to say the least.

These fluff-balls are highly intuitiveanimals, and their slumber behaviour is dictated by their immediate needs. They may be stressed and curl up in a ball in a pile of clothes. They may feel extra vigilant and snooze looking like a loaf of bread. Their sleeping positions contain secret messages, and, with a little insight, it’s possible to decode them.

Cat curled in a ball: I want to stay warm and safe

Cats love sleeping curled up in a ball, nose to tail. They even manage to squeeze themselves into tiny places to maintain this position. This means that your pet wants to stay warm, as this shape helps them retain body heat, Pet MD writes. This sleeping pose also shows that your feline wants to project vital organs in their abdomen by surrounding them with less essential and more resilient muscle and bone. Yep. Better safe than sorry.

Cat sleeping on their backs: I trust you with my life

Knowing how protective cats are even in a home environment, them exposing their belly to you and even falling asleep in this vulnerable (and let’s face it, simply hilarious) position is the ultimate sign of trust.

You may feel honoured but don't attempt to rub your cat’s belly when they are asleep. It will scare them away, and may even provoke a swipe of razor-sharp claws.

A side-sleeping cat: I’m comfy and relaxed but am still ready for action

Cats enjoy stretching their limbs and getting all cosy and sleepy on their sides. Similar to resting on their backs, it exposes their vital organs and makes them vulnerable. If your cat does it, it is, again, a sign of trust.

But side-sleeping also makes it easy for your pet to get up if some ‘danger’ appears, so it is ready for action.

A loaf of bread: I’m sleeping but still watching you

Cats sleeping in the shape of a loaf of bread look adorable as they keep their front paws curled underneath their body, with their head up. This position doesn’t look too comfortable, and though your cat is fairly relaxed, it is also vigilant. This sleeping pose makes it easy to spring into action in case of ‘emergency’.

Sleeping with paws over eyes: It's too light!

Your cat may cover its eyes in sleep, and there is always a good reason for it. Putting their paws over their face can provide some insulation and warmth, for both the paws and the face.

A cat’s paws can also act like a sleeping mask, blocking out harsh light or even dust or pollen.

Read more:

⋙ Is your cat twitching in their sleep? Here's how to tell if its normal or a medical emergency

⋙ This is where your cat actually wants to be petted

⋙ The shocking reason why your cat rubs against you