Skip to main content

The funniest cat sleeping positions we’ve seen

Cats have taken over the internet, and nothing seems to spark more awws than a sleeping kitty enjoying some sunshine and z’s. Since cats sleep up to 16 hours per day, there’s plenty of time to catch them in the act of snoozing in strange places. We’ve seen our cats do weird things in their sleep like run or pounce with legs in the air, but it’s almost funnier just to find them zonked out in an odd position. It might not seem restful to us, but your pets surely have their own weird sleeping arrangements. If you need a break from the daily grind, check out these funny cat sleeping positions.

Cat sleeps on its back in a cardboard box
klevers/Shutterstock

In a box

Cats are hiders by nature, and their instinct is to find shelter and protect themselves from predators. That’s why you might find them holed up in an enclosed space like a box or sink. They also might be snuggling up for warmth or scratching at the cardboard between dreams. As for why they enjoy squeezing into way too small a space, we have yet to get an answer from them.

Two cats sleeping together
RichardMc / Pixabay

With another pet

Nothing beats watching your furry kids snuggling up together. Extra points if you get a mix of breeds in the cuddle puddle. Just like humans, our pets love to do this for comfort and warmth, but it might have an element of safety in numbers as well. Regardless, it’s mega-cute to find our kitties snoozing together.

Cat sleeping curled up in a blanket
Snapwire/Pexels.com

Under a blanket

Don’t mistake covers as being just for humans — our cats want to wrap themselves up in a security blanket, too. While this may enlarge your dry-cleaning bill, you can make up for it by snapping a few pics of your feline looking particularly cute. Remember, she might be seeking out your scent, so you’ll almost certainly discover her on your favorite duvet or in the laundry pile.

Kitten sleeping on her back under a blanket
waa630227/Pixabay.com

On her back

We wonder how this can be comfortable, but cats must be onto something considering how well they sleep all day. When your cat’s on her back and somehow twice her usual length, it may be time to give her a little belly rub or prepare her favorite toys for after her nap. Cats who lie on their backs are feeling safe, so you can rest assured you’re being a great pet parent. 

Orange cat resting on a perch
Pixabay / Pexels

On her tummy

Quite the opposite of napping on her back, she can also curl her paws under and become smaller than you thought possible. Usually when we find our cats in this position, it means they aren’t really sleeping, just resting. Still, it’s certainly an amusing way to catch them in the act of fake sleep. They could be about to drift off or thinking lazily of their next napping location.

Cat curled up in a ball being pet
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Curled up

We don’t recommend imitating this position, but it seems to work for our furry friends. Lots of animals sleep nose to rear because it keeps them protected. It also might help your kitty stay warm by conserving her body heat. She still wants you to go for a surprise head scratch most of the time, even though her ears might be hard to find.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In our beds

Becoming a pet parent means a lifetime of sharing the bed. Despite their relatively small size, our cats take up a surprising amount of room when hunkering down with us. They’ll surely enjoy doubling up for warmth and reminding you of their presence while you’re asleep. Who wouldn’t want to be clawed awake by a dreaming cat? Unfortunately, you might not be able to ignore her at all as she always seems to find the least convenient spot in the bed or on your pillow.

No matter whether you discover your cat sleeping on her side, back, or stomach, you’re sure to enjoy catching her in funny places and doing funny things. In addition to being memeworthy, this keeps her safe, warm, and happy to be cuddled up. The next time you find your feline auditioning to be a circus performer, remember that she’s signaling that she feels safe and comfortable with you. She may even be looking for you to join her in a nap.

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Why do cats sleep so much? Are all those snooze sessions something to worry about?
Your cat really isn't that lazy
An orange tabby cat sleeps with their eyes closed

Odds are, you have at least a few things in common with your cat. Maybe you both enjoy some quiet time in front of the television or maybe your feline friend loves cheese as much as you do. One thing you almost certainly have in common, though, is an affinity for sleep. After all, who doesn't love curling up in bed on a chilly winter morning? Even cats sleep more in winter!

As sweet as it may be to snuggle up for a snooze with your cat by your side, some cat owners find themselves wondering if their kitty is actually sleeping too much. It can be tricky to know what to expect when you're not an expert in feline sleeping habits -- but that's where we come in. We'll answer questions like: how much do cats sleep, why do cats sleep so much, and should you should be concerned about their frequent snooze sessions.

Read more
Do cats sleep more in winter because they’re depressed? Here’s what to know about seasonal changes in felines
Do they experience seasonal depression? Find out here
Cat sleeping on a beige fleece blanket

When the winter weather hits and the days become shorter, gray, and overcast, it can be all too tempting to climb into your PJs early and call it a night. Chances are -- your cat is right there with you! If you think you're noticing your feline friend sleeping more frequently or for longer periods of time during the winter, you might not be imagining things.
Cats' sleeping habits can change for many reasons! Anything from a change in diet to a new family routine can change the way a kitty sleeps or how long they spend napping. It's important to keep track of your cat's sleep, though, because big changes can sometimes indicate health issues in pets. So, do cats sleep more in winter? And why do they spend so much time snoozing?

Do cats sleep more in winter? If it seems like it, you're not just imagining things
You're not crazy if you feel like cats sleep more in the winter -- it's totally true! The ASPCA reports that cats typically sleep between 12 and 20 hours per day, but in the winter, they may sleep even more. Many people and other pets -- like dogs and hibernating species -- can relate!
That increase in sleep may be because of a natural, seasonal change in animals' circadian rhythms -- the daylight hours are shorter, after all -- but your cat might also be picking up on your own changes in routine. If you're headed to bed a little earlier than usual, they might too.

Read more
6 common reasons your cat sleeps under the covers and how to prevent it
Suggestions to help you and your cat get a good night's sleep
Gray cat curled up under a fluffy blanket

If your cat sleeps under the covers with you, you're not alone. While having your fur baby curled up against you sounds like a cozy way to fall asleep, it's not always good for your sheets -- or your health. Not only can cats leave behind some of their hair, but there's also the possibility that they'll bring in traces of litter into your bed. Yuck!

If you don't want your cat under the covers with you, or if you're worried that it might be unsafe, then this is the guide for you. We'll walk you through all the reasons your cat sleeps under covers with you and what you can do to discourage it.

Read more