Why Do Cats Sleep With Their Heads Up?

Cats sleep in some wild positions. Some look absurdly comfortable — others, not so much. That’s especially true of the “meatloaf” sleeping position, where your cat is essentially lying upright with their head high and their legs tucked under their bodies.

If you’ve ever tried to sleep sitting up, you know the joy of waking up feeling like a pretzel. So, why do our cats choose to sleep in such a seemingly uncomfortable position?  

Understanding cat sleep

Cats sleep for the same reasons we do. However, the way they sleep serves many functions specific to felines. 

Imagine sleeping with six babies crawling all over you and needing to nurse at any moment. What about the sudden opportunity to pounce on an unsuspecting meal? Let’s not forget that cats are prey animals. They’re always prepared to leap into action at the smallest sign of danger. That makes sleep a very different beast for them.

Importance of sleep for cats

Cats require sleep to rest their bodies and minds, calm their nervous systems, and based on the way they often vocalize and move in their sleep, even dream. 

Sleep is essential for maintaining their overall health and wellness. It reduces stress, restores energy, and encourages healing. 

Our cats need sharp senses to stay safe in the wilds of the jungle, the plains of the savanna… and the shag carpet of our living rooms. Sleep is an important part of this. 

Typical sleeping positions for cats

Your cat may have their own unique way of sleeping. Here are a few of the most common positions for a good catnap.

• The stretch: This one is adorable. They lie on their belly, stretching their front and back legs out long. You may see this on a warm day, with your cat outstretched on a cold tile floor or a counter. All upright positions like this are good for jumping into action — whether a toy, a potential meal, or a dangerous predator shows up.

• The sphinx: Here, the back legs are tucked under. Your cat is propped up on their front elbows (yep, they have elbows), head held high, like a sphinx statue in Egypt. It’s another good position for jumping up if needed, and offers a bit more warmth than the stretch. 

• The ball: Cats will lie on their side, curled up in a tight ball, to warm up in cool weather. They generally prefer to be slightly warmer than people. It’s also a safe sleeping position because their delicate belly area is protected. 

• The belly: Who doesn’t love a cat zonked out with their belly fully exposed? Not only is it one of the most tempting things on the planet — you know you wanna rub it — it’s a sign that your cat is incredibly relaxed. They feel safe enough to leave this sensitive area uncovered and settle into a position that’s harder to spring out of. But this doesn’t mean all “belly up” positions are a sign of comfort: A cat may roll onto their side or back when they feel threatened, putting their weapons (claws and teeth) in a defensive position. 

• The side: Similar to the stretch, this cat is in a long position, but lying on their side. They’re likely feeling pretty relaxed, because it’s harder to jump into a defensive posture with this one. They’re also at a comfortable temperature, not needing to curl up to retain heat. 

• The meatloaf: This position is similar to the sphinx. Your cat’s head is upright, but both the front and back legs are tucked under their body. This is another good position for leaping into action. The belly is protected by the surface they’re sleeping on, and all their limbs are pulled in, helping to maintain body heat. 

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Why do cats sleep with their heads up?

As you can see, multiple feline sleeping positions include keeping their head up. So, if you didn’t see their eyes closed, you’d assume they were awake. It can’t be all that comfortable, can it? 

There are actually a few very important reasons cats often sleep in this alert position. 

Instinctual behavior 

House cats may not face the same dangers as their wild ancestors or stray cousins, but they share the same programming. For tens of thousands of years, cats have needed to stay alert. The position of their heads and legs during sleep is one way they do this. 

It’s about being able to:

• Quickly see and hear what’s going on around them, run from or defend themselves against predators

• Keep their offspring safe and close until they can fend for themselves

• Catch a meal anytime the opportunity arises

• Even avoid your overexcited puppy bounding through the living room 

That instinct to immediately be alert and ready to run or fight at a moment’s notice has always been vital to their survival. They maintain that instinct even in our homes.   

Medical or physical comfort

Even though most cats share a similar body shape, skeletal differences can make sleeping in certain positions more comfortable. As cats get older and experience conditions such as osteoarthritis or muscle weakness, it may simply be easier for them to get into and out of a more upright sleeping position. 

There are also medical conditions that may prompt your cat to sleep with their head up, such as respiratory issues or anything that causes difficulty breathing. 

Psychological factors

Think about how your mental state influences the way you sleep. If you’re a bit stressed or anxious, it may feel supportive to curl up in a ball. If you need a sense of safety, you might hug a pillow in your sleep. 

Your cat’s sleeping positions can also be influenced by their emotional state. A stressed cat may feel better sleeping in that tight, meatloaf position. A nervous cat will sleep in a position that allows for a quick getaway when needed.  

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Should you be concerned if your cat sleeps with their head up?

Sleeping with their head up is a completely normal thing for most cats. There’s generally no reason to worry if they’re in that upright position. However, it’s worth paying attention to sudden changes to your cat’s preferred sleeping position. 

For example, if they’ve always slept on their back and are now sleeping with their head up — especially if you notice other changes in behavior — talk to your veterinarian. Look for signs such as shifts in eating, drinking, or litter box habits, sleeping a lot more or less, being less playful or active, showing signs of aggression when touched, and so on. There could be a medical issue affecting your cat’s physical comfort and impacting their sleeping position. 

Bottom line

Instinct plays a huge role in many of your cat’s behaviors, including their sleeping position. As animals who need to sense danger, watch for prey, and respond quickly to changes in their environment, they often choose an upright sleeping position, so they can leap into action when needed.

Other factors influence your cat’s preferred napping posture, including their overall health, whether they’re feeling warm or cold, and even their emotional state. Sleeping with their head up is a completely natural behavior. But it’s always important to make note of sudden changes in your cat’s usual routine, including how they’re sleeping.