Why Do Cats Sleep With Their Heads Hanging Down

If you are a cat owner, you probably have a million pictures of your cat sleeping on your phone. Our kitties are cute all of the time, but there is something extra precious about those moments when they are asleep. Or maybe your cat is a little goofier, and you find them sleeping in odd positions. Some cats like to curl up into tight little cinnamon rolls while others sprawl out as wide as they can. Many cats will hang their head off of whatever they are laying on to get some good shuteye. Doesn’t that seem strange? Why do cats sleep with their heads hanging down?

Cats find sleeping with their heads hanging down very comfortable. This position relaxes their bodies, and helps with stiff neck problems a cat may face.

If there is anything we can learn from our feline friends, it is how to get comfortable. Cats prioritize comfort when they sleep and generally do not do things that cause them any discomfort.

Why Does My Cat Like To Sleep With Their Head Hanging Down

Your cat likes to sleep with their head hanging down because of how comfortable they feel in your home. Cats begin to sprawl out when they feel safe and at peace somewhere. When they are uncomfortable, it is a natural defense to sleep in a tight, curled-up position so that they are less vulnerable. If they are hanging their head down when they sleep, they are comfortable in the environment they are in and with being around you.

Sleeping with their head hanging down can also help them to conserve warmth if their head is still resting on something else. By getting something to push against the top of their head, they can conserve more of their warmth for a comfier snooze.

Cats often hang their heads down when they are sleeping on their backs, which is very physically comfortable for them. Sleeping like this helps them to stretch their backs and necks. It may look uncomfortable, but if they are sleeping soundly, it gives them a great stretch.

Your kitty may also be sleeping with their head hanging down to get some extra attention from you. Cats know that they are cute, and more importantly, they know that you think they are cute. They use their cuteness for more treats and love. They might be sleeping with their head hanging out to entice you into cuddling and taking a nap with them.

What Does It Mean When A Cat Hangs Their Head

Fortunately, nothing is alarming about a cat hanging their head. A cat hanging their head when they sleep really means they are physically comfortable. They may be stretching their neck or back after a long day of playing around. Your cat does prioritize their comfort above anything else, so if they are uncomfortable, they will not stay in that position.

If you are concerned that the way they are sleeping is hurting their neck or head, you can always gently reposition them or wake them up, so they move. Just keep in mind that cats are not like kids. With kids, you do have to keep them in comfortable positions because they can wake up with a stiff neck from sleeping with their heads hanging down and be in a lot of pain. Cats bodies are much more resilient, and their necks/backs are designed completely differently. If they are soundly sleeping, then they are very comfortable.

What Does It Mean When A Cat Lays Their Head Down

When a cat lays their head down, they are trying to signal to you that they are comfortable in your presence. Cats who do not feel safe will keep their heads up and look around so they can constantly stay alert. Cats also are less likely to fully fall asleep when they don’t feel safe and comfortable. If a cat is resting their head down and falling asleep, then they must feel very confident and comfortable in its space.

Cats will also hang their heads down to lay them on other surfaces for comfort and added warmth. Sometimes cats will lay in their cat treats and hang their heads over the edges, so their head pushes against the wall. This feels comforting to them and helps them sleep. It also helps to keep them warm. The same way we put on a hat to keep our heads warm, putting something against their head helps them to stay warm.

What Other Positions Do Cats Like To Sleep In

Sleeping with their head hanging down is not the only comfortable way for your cat to sleep. Most commonly, cats love to tuck themselves into little “loaves.” A loaf is when your cat tucks their legs underneath themselves to form their bodies into a little bread shape. This position keeps them nice and warm, plus it is easy for them to stay alert to check in on what is going on around them.

Cats either love to be super snuggled up or very spread out; there is no in-between. Cats will curl up into tiny balls, sometimes grabbing their own tails to form a perfect circle. Or they will shove themselves into small spaces in your home for a full-body snuggle. Sometimes these positions can be warning signs that your cat is not feeling well or is feeling unsafe.

If these positions are unusual for your cat, consider a trip to the vet. Most commonly, you will find your cat sleeping in very spread out positions either on their sides or with their bellies up. These positions are their way of saying they are feeling good and safe.

Sometimes cats are goofier sleepers and can be found sleeping like a monorail on the back of your couch with their arms hanging off of the side. Or they feel a little dramatic, and you find them sleeping with their paws over their eyes. Some cats barely even close their eyes when they sleep, or their eyes flutter as they sleep.

You will find your cat in a position many call “broken kitty.” Broken kitty is when your cat sleeps in such an uncomfortable looking position you cannot believe they are asleep. The kind of position makes you want to wake them up and move them into a new position. This is the position you will most likely see your cat sleeping with their head hanging down in but as long as they’re comfortable, let them enjoy it.

Is It Okay For Cats To Sleep On Their Back

It is entirely okay for your cat to sleep on its back. There is not anything that will hurt them while they sleep on their back. You have to remember that their backs are different from ours, so positions that look uncomfortable to us are comfortable to them.

Things To Consider

If your cat is sleeping with their head hanging down, make sure it cannot fall off of where they are sleeping. Sometimes cats can get so deep into their sleep cycle that they do not realize they are slipping out of their bed and falling down. Especially if your cat is sleeping like this in a cat tower, keep an eye on them and keep some cushions below just in case they slip. If you are nervous that they will then reposition them to somewhere safer.