Why Do Cats Curl Up Into Balls When Sleeping?

Have you ever wondered why cats curl up into a ball while sleeping? 

cats curl up


We all know that cats can sleep in almost any position or place — even the weird ones. But anyone who has been fortunate enough to spend time with cats knows that their favorite position to nap in is to simply curl up into a ball. Have you ever wondered why cats curl up into a ball while sleeping?

Warmth and Safety

Simply put, cats will curl up into a ball for warmth and safety. By turning into a ball, cats are able to conserve their body heat. It’s why they don’t always crawl under the covers with you! Cats will also curl up into a ball for safety. Animal behavior experts have found that this curious sleeping position is common across the animal world because it creates a sense of security when they are in a defenseless state. By curling up into a ball, cats are able to protect themselves — even while asleep!

Sleeping Positions

Cats have a variety of sleeping positions. From curling up into a ball to becoming a loaf, have you ever wondered what all of those different positions mean?

Curled Up

When your cat is curled up near you, they’re simply letting you know that they feel safe.

Belly Up

This is your feline friend’s way of letting you know that they trust you. Generally, cats only sleep this way when they feel safe in their environment By freely exposing their belly, your cat companion is letting you know that they feel safe and secure around you!

On Their Side

When cats are stretched out on their side, it’s a sign that they are feeling relaxed and secure in their environment. Most importantly, they’re letting you know that it’s time for a cat nap.

Loaf

When your cat companion is loafed up, also known as when they sit upright but tuck their front paws under their body, they are letting you know that it feels good to be here. Typically, loafing isn’t for long; it’s just a quick cat nap before they move on with their day!

One Eye Open

When your feline friend is sleeping with one eye open, they’re letting you know that they may be asleep but they are ready for the next adventure. One of the cool things about cats is that they are able to be both awake and asleep. If your cat companion is sleeping with one eye open, he is most likely taking a quick rest but still alert enough to react to any threat. Cats sleeping in this position are typically in light sleep and can easily react to anything that may happen in their surroundings.

Under Something

When your cat is sleeping underneath something, such as the couch or a desk, they are saying one thing — that they do not want to be disturbed.

Contortionist

From sleeping upside down to tucking their head under their legs, cats are quite the contortionists. There may be no rhyme or reason to why they’re laying the way they are; it’s simply comfortable!

At CatsEssentials, we take our kitty’s needs seriously. That is why our beds are created with your cat in mind! Our round beds are ergonomic for cats to curl up and sleep in. Our newest addition Nido Cat Bed helps them curl up into a snug little ball.

Cat Curled up in Nido Cat Bed

Check out more of our round bed collections that will help your cat curl up into a ball.

Verona Luxury Cat Bed

Verona Luxury Cat Bed

Pouf Cat Bean Bag

Puff Cat Bean Bag

Orthopedic Cat Bed Round

Fluffy Cat Bed Pillow

Fluffy Pillow

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