By The European Times | Created at 2026-07-18 16:47:08 | Updated at 2026-08-04 19:07:22
2 weeks ago
We can learn a lot about both humans and animals from body language. Cats are very charming when they sleep (and not only, of course). Even the more aggressive and boisterous representatives look like innocent angels when they sleep in some cute position on the sofa.
We can find these strange animals sleeping in a variety of places – under the covers, in a drawer, on the floor, in the sink, between clothes… If you observe your purring friend and the position he takes while sleeping, you can learn a lot about his current state.
Let’s take a look at the different positions in which meowing pets sleep and what they mean.
1. Belly up
This is perhaps one of the cutest positions in which we can find our cuddly pet. Usually, cat owners at this moment run to grab their phone to capture this sweet moment and then quickly post it on their social channels.
And there is a reason – this sleeping position shows that your cat feels safe and happy with the environment and company he is in. The belly is a very vulnerable area, and purring friends do not always allow us to touch them there. When they sleep like this, they are not only at risk of someone attacking them and injuring their organs, but this position also makes them stand up more difficult and slower, which can have dangerous consequences for cats living in the wild.
If your cat often sleeps on his back, showing his belly and cutely curling his paws in the air – congratulations, he trusts you!
2. On a bagel
This position can have several meanings. Since a cat curled up in this way has protected its vulnerable parts, it may be sleeping, but it is still alert, ready to jump if necessary. This is probably one of the most popular positions in which we can see a cat sleeping. Although it is safe in your home, these animals do not always feel that way and prefer to be on the alert.
In case your cat is circling its tail around its body – this is a way in which it keeps warm. In general, cats that sleep in a bun are more cautious – in general or specifically at this moment.
3. Under the covers
Whether in bed, a blanket on the sofa or under your clothes – this is a position in which purring friends feel safe because they are covered under something that protects them.
It is possible that your purring friend wants space and peace and that is why he has hidden like this, or it is not excluded that he is warming up because he is cold. In the winter months, meowing animals are more likely to look for warm places around the house. Many cats prefer to sleep under their owners’ covers because they feel safe, surrounded by the smell of their people.
4. With slightly closed eyes
In this position, the cuddly companion is not fully asleep, because part of the brain is working and observing what is happening around. This is typical for cats that live in large households, with noise or with other animals. It is possible that they monitor the situation in order to be ready to defend themselves if necessary.
5. With paws tucked under the body (bread loaf)
This position is also sometimes found as the “Sphinx pose” – this is when the kitten lies down, but the front paws are tucked under its body. Usually, meowing animals do not sleep deeply in this position, but rather rest or meditate. Cuddly friends also stand this way when they are cold and want to warm up.
6. Sleeping in a box or other tight spaces
Cats generally love these places because they feel protected from all directions. If your purring friend is scared or embarrassed by something – she may prefer to sleep in a confined space that she can barely fit in. We can all agree that this pose is pretty cute and when we see our cat almost coming out of the box or cupboard where she has hidden.
7. Twisted
This is probably one of the strangest positions we can find our cat sleeping in. Similar to the belly-up position, cats that sleep twisted – with their paws on one side and their legs turned at an odd angle – feel very comfortable and relaxed in the environment they are in. We can’t help but ask ourselves – how is it possible that this configuration is comfortable?
In fact, for cuddly friends who are very elastic – the position is comfortable. It is probably also an expression of calm and comfort.
8. Side
Just like us humans, sleeping on one side is one of the most comfortable sleeping positions. When your purring friend lies on one side with his paws stretched out in front, he can easily enter a state of deep sleep. In this configuration, your cat feels protected and relaxed in the home. This is a trusting pose that emphasizes that your purring friend trusts you, the environment, or even the animals if they share the home with another cat or dog.
9. Paw-covered face
Have you ever noticed how your cat covers her face with her paws, which she places on it? It may be her way of trying to block out the light that bothers her, just like we close the blinds. It is not excluded that your cuddly friend demonstrates that she does not want to be disturbed and wants to rest in silence. So make sure you do not get too close when taking the photo and that you have turned off the sound of your phone.
10. Sitting position
Some cats are very cute and funny at the same time when they fall asleep in a sitting position, while their head is heavy. Your purring friend will not sleep for more than 10-15 minutes in this position and may simply have taken a quick nap while being alert to all sounds, smells and movements around.
11. Superman Pose
When cats sleep in this position, they are usually relaxed, but still ready to move quickly if necessary. In this sleeping position, the cat lies on its stomach, with its front legs stretched forward and its back legs pulled back, resembling Superman in flight.
The position protects the cat’s vulnerable abdominal area while allowing it to rest comfortably.
Purring friends may prefer to lie down on warm, soft surfaces to retain their body heat, such as a blanket or a sunny spot. However, in warmer weather, they may prefer cool surfaces such as tile or hardwood floors to regulate their body temperature.
Do you know why cats change their sleeping spots?
You’ve probably noticed that purring animals often change their sleeping spots at night or during one of their countless naps during the day. This behavior is inherited from their wild ancestors, who moved to avoid predators or find a more comfortable and safe place. Even domestic cats retain this instinct and can sleep in several different places within a day.
Although the sleeping position is a personal preference of cuddly pets, we can still guess to some extent whether they feel comfortable and sleep peacefully on their backs with a cute fluffy belly that rises and falls, or whether they prefer some quiet corner. Of course, like almost everything related to the behavior of these friends, we can never be completely sure and the world is certainly not black and white with them.
Illustrative photo: pexels-brit-212514-680994
