Why Do Cats Sleep In A Ball – Sleeping Positions Explained!

No matter the size, shape, or color of the cat in front of you, you can bet that you’ll see your cat curled in a ball. Sometimes they hold their back legs up to their head, or sometimes they’re curled into a loose ball. You keep wondering and asking: why do cats sleep in a ball?

Cats sleep in a ball because they are trying to stay warm and keep themselves safe. Sleeping in a ball is one of the most comfortable positions for your cat.

Almost every cat sleeps in a ball at least once in a while, so it’s nothing strange or unique about your cat’s sleeping position. There’s a lot to know about this common habit, so keep on reading to learn more!

Is It Normal For A Cat To Sleep In A Ball

Yes, it is normal for a cat to sleep curled in a ball.

When you picture a sleeping cat, the first image that pops into your head is one where a cat is curled into a tight ball.

The image is not wrong either; it is common and entirely normal for your cat to sleep curled up in a ball.

You should not worry that something is wrong with your cat if he is asleep curled into a ball. 

Unlike humans sleeping in the fetal position, a curled ball is one of the comfiest ways for your cat to nap in. Your cat is not curled up out of pain or anything else. 

Why Do Cats Curl Up In A Ball

Cats curl up in a ball because they keep warm and protect their organs.

First, the curled ball shape is one of the best ways for a cat to keep warm with his own body heat.

If your cats are anything like mine, they’re always looking for heat.

The cold air outside could give your cat a chill in the winter. You might think that your cat is safe in the summer, but the air conditioning in your house may also make your cat cold. It feels like there is no winning!

Your cat can use his own body for warmth when he sleeps curled up. He can even keep his head, feet, and tail warm like this.

The ball shape is also a good position because it will protect your cat’s vital organs.

Now, your indoor cat may not have to worry about getting attacked, but your cat’s ancestors had to protect themselves somehow.

A cat is vulnerable when asleep so that sleeping position is yet another way that your cat can keep himself safe.

What Does It Mean When A Cat Curls Up Next To You

Your cat is enjoying your company and feels safe when he curls up next to you.

So now we know that sleeping in a ball is a good thing, but what is it supposed to mean when your cat sleeps like this next to you?

Well, it means he feels safe and happy around you!

I cannot overstate the importance of how vulnerable a cat can feel while asleep, so they won’t sleep around just anyone, especially if they don’t know that person well. 

It’s a big step for a cat to seek you out to sleep next to you. Although it may seem like a small choice by your cat, it is an essential part of your relationship with your cat.

It isn’t one that you should take for granted!

What Does It Mean When A Cat Sleeps Stretched Out

If a cat curls up when he’s cold, then he stretches out when he’s hot.

When you see your cat stretch out and roll over while sleeping, you’ve said it before: “What a long cat!”

When your cat starts to sleep stretched out instead of curled in a ball, it means that he is getting hot, regardless of the temperature inside your house.

Anyone who has slept close to a cat knows how hot they can get. Even though cats are always looking for warmth, they’re good at throwing a massive amount of heat, which they can also start to feel.

Your cat is simply changing positions, not unlike we do when we are trying to get comfortable at night. 

Unfortunately for your cat, they aren’t able to kick off the blanket that is their fur as easily as you or I might in bed. 

How Do Sick Cats Sleep

Sick cats tend to hide when they’re not feeling well.

It’s difficult to know how a cat sleeps when they’re sick because your cat will usually hide – which is a position in itself if you think about it. 

Cats do not like to be in view of others when they’re not feeling well. It could be an uncommon habit to sleep hidden away for some cats.

If your cat isn’t feeling well, your cat may sleep under the couch or bed, in a closet, or in a cabinet with an open door. 

Your cat’s position may not change when your cat isn’t feeling like his usual self, though. 

7 Things Your Cat’s Sleeping Position Can Tell You

Below are a few things your cats sleeping position is communicating to you.

Your Cat Is In A Deep Sleep

A cat that is sleeping in almost a limb way is in a deep sleep.

Your cat’s head may hang off the side of the couch or bed. His feet may be limp-looking too. 

It’s not necessarily bad that your cat is in a deep sleep; in fact, you can know that your cat is resting well. 

Your Cat Is In Pain

If your cat is constantly rolling around and unable to get comfortable while asleep, there is a chance that your cat may be in pain.

Your cat may also start making small noises as he moves.

Keep an eye on your cat if you think he is in pain. Your cat can’t tell you that he doesn’t feel well, so it’s up to you to figure it out. 

Your Cat Feels Safe Around You

We’ve already covered this briefly, but when your cat sleeps with his belly up around you, it shows that your cat feels safe around you. 

Your cat’s belly is a vulnerable spot for him, so he will only show his stomach to those that he touches.

Your Cat Feels Like He May Need To Wake Up Suddenly

Have you ever seen your cat sleep with his eyes half open? You may even see what some people call a second eyelid.

Your cat is doing this because he feels like he will need to wake up suddenly. 

This could be for multiple reasons. Your cat may know that snack time is soon or that he does not feel safe in his environment. 

Your Cat Is Looking For Cover

A cat that sleeps in boxes or under furniture is looking for cover or protection.

We’ve all seen cats that play in boxes and then fall asleep in the box after a crazy session.

Your cat chooses boxes or other places where he is half hidden because he wants that feeling of protection. Nothing, in particular, may be bothering your cat, but sometimes he may feel like he wants to be hidden. 

Your Cat Doesn’t Feel Safe

Cats that sleep hidden away do not feel exceptionally safe in their environment, so they feel like they can’t be out in the open.

Cats, especially those new to your household, need some extra time to feel like your house is their home. 

Work to change things in your home to make your cat more comfortable and happy. 

Your Cat Just Needs A Quick Nap

Every cat owner loves the loaf position for cats. It is adorable and makes your cat look like a loaf of bread, hence the name. 

The loaf position is what your cat does when he’s looking for a quick nap but not a long-term sleep session.