Skip to main content

Do you have a loaf cat? Why cats curl up into adorable little buns

The different kinds of cat loafing and what they mean

A gray tabby cat lies in loaf position on a bench
Mary Anne H. / Unsplash

Just when you think your cat can’t get any cuter, you find them sitting in an adorable position that you’ve never seen before. Whether it’s a fluffy Maine Coon mix curled up into a ball of fur or a domestic shorthair sitting on the couch the same way their owner sits, there’s no shortage of ways a feline’s posture can be a reflection of their personality. But have you ever seen a loaf cat?

The term “loafing” is a slang term that recently originated on the internet to describe a particular way a cat sits, and let’s just say — it’s adorable! As widely appreciated as loafing is, few cat owners know what’s behind the unique posture. So, let’s get into it!

A tabby cat lies in loaf position on a teal blanket
Shane Hoving / Unsplash

What is a cat “loaf?”

When a cat loafs, it means they’re sitting or lying in a position where their paws and tail are tucked underneath their body. Many people think they look like loaves of bread when they lie like this — hence the very literal name. Loafing is some cats’ preferred sleeping position, but some will never loaf in their lives. Many cats will wrap their tails around their bodies instead of underneath while they loaf, but the bread loaf illusion remains the same.

A black cat loafs on a blue blanket
Madalyn Cox / Unsplash

Cat loaf positions and what they mean

If you’ve spent a lot of time around cats, you’ve likely seen a loaf or two. But what does it mean? As cute as this cozy position may be, it’s not obvious what a cat is trying to accomplish by tucking their paws underneath them. As it turns out, loafing can mean different things, and it can come in a few forms.

Recommended Videos

There’s the traditional “full loaf” that cat owners know and love, but some cats only do the “half loaf” with just the front of their paws tucked in. For an added level of coziness, though, your cat might loaf in a blanket, a box, or even the warm dryer.

In fact, comfort just might be what’s behind this funny-looking sitting position. Cats are known for getting comfy, after all, and tucking in their paws just might feel good. However, it can also be a way for cats to stay warm and conserve body heat, especially in the wintertime. A loaf cat is also finding the perfect balance between rest and readiness, as this position allows them to stand up and spring into action at a moment’s notice. That makes loafing a great strategy for cat naps.

Rarely, loafing can be a sign of pain or discomfort. Most cats loaf every now and again for perfectly normal reasons, but if your furry friend has never done this before and now only sits in this position, it may be worth a visit to the vet. Cats can suffer from arthritis and joint issues, too, so you should keep an eye on your feline if there are any sudden, major changes.

Overall, loafing is a very cute and perfectly healthy way for a cat to sit. It might even be extra comfy for your kitty, but it’s an added bonus that it’s so entertaining to see.

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
What does it mean when cats blink at you? Here’s the secret signal
How to communicate with your cat using slow blinks
Relaxed cat starting to blink its eyes

Blinking serves multiple purposes for both humans and felines. It helps to flush debris out of the eye, keeps the eye hydrated, and can even protect the eye from impacts and potential injuries. Sometimes, though, your cat may blink for other reasons, especially if they look at you while blinking slowly and deliberately. This special blink isn't so much a physical response as it is a way for your cat to get a message across to you. You can consider yourself lucky if your feline friend looks at you like this!

So, why do cats blink slowly when they look at you? Understanding this behavior can help you learn what they're trying to say and even help you communicate with your cat in the same way!
Why do cats blink at you?

Read more
How to tell if a cat is pregnant: The key signs to watch out for
Here's how you know that baby kittens are on the way
Resting pregnant cat sprawled on the ground outside

Your little cat has suddenly put on a few pounds. She's started hoarding blankets. Her appetite now seems to resemble that of a small horse. What's wrong with your feline? Truthfully, it could be nothing, and she just might be pregnant. Of course, this only works if she has not been spayed and has recently been in close proximity with male cats, so you can rule it out when neither of these track. But assuming you can check those boxes, how do you know for sure that kittens are on the way? Here's how to tell if a cat is pregnant.
Could my cat be pregnant?

We already covered the birds and the bees part, but there's more to it than just having a tomcat around. For starters, only a kitty in heat can conceive. Your cat's heats could start as young as four months and last her whole life — she never goes through menopause like a human. This cycle will usually occur in spring, though, that can depend on your location and the climate regulation in your house, which could trick her cycle (indoor cats can even enter heat in the winter).

Read more
How to get rid of cat pee smell fast: Easy methods that work
Tips and trick to remedy this issue
A white and orange cat steps out of a litter box and greets an orange kitten

No matter how much you adore your feline friends, there may come a time when all you want is to hide the signs of having a cat in the house. After all, you'd like for your guests to see your pet cat — not smell them! Whether it's a well-used litter box or an incontinence issue that leaves lingering odors behind, getting rid of the smell of cat pee is a struggle that all cat owners can relate to. By the time you're done cleaning, though, no one will have any clue what you've been dealing with.
There are many helpful strategies to help you tackle the smells and stains of cat pee, so read on to discover which tips and tricks will work best for your home. Learning how to get rid of cat pee smell is easier than you think!

Why does cat pee smell so bad?

Read more