Cats sleep curled up for reason – not comfort like most owners think

If your cat tends to sleep curled up in a ball, you’d be forgiven for assuming it simply finds the position comfortable.

Yet according to one pet owner, whose feline companions go by the names Winston and Spooky, there’s an entirely different explanation. Winston and Spooky’s escapades regularly go viral on social media, with several of their videos each racking up a remarkable 20 million views.

Their owner, who modestly refers to himself as the pair’s “human”, took to TikTok to share his thoughts on feline sleeping habits. Also known as “shrimping” or the “cat shrimp”, curling into a ball is one of the most frequently observed sleeping positions among cats.

“This is a common defensive position,” they explained. “They look super cute, but it’s also a natural position that protects their stomach and vital organs.”

PetsMD supports the theory, elaborating online: “When cats sleep curled into a ball, they are usually trying to conserve body heat and protect vulnerable areas of their body. Curling into a ball also helps protect the vital organs in the abdomen by surrounding them with stronger muscle and bone structures. Cats that frequently sleep in this position may enjoy donut-shaped beds or round bolster beds that support their natural curling behaviour.”

Winston and Spooky’s owner went on to highlight four other commonly observed sleeping positions.

“With their stomach exposed in this position, cats are highly vulnerable,” they said. “It’s a huge sign of trust, and it means they feel safe in their environment.”

Felines often hide their faces with their paws as a self-soothing behaviour, the human noted. They added: “They are either trying to shut out the light or warm themselves up – both of which would help them get better sleep.”

So called because tucking all four paws and their tail underneath their body makes them resemble a compact loaf of bread, the loaf means the cat is content – but also still alert. “They’re ready to move if needed, but having a good time for now,” the human elaborated.

It might look peculiar, but if your cat sleeps with an eye open, it’s nothing to worry about. As Winston and Spooky’s owner added: “When they have one eye open or their ears are twitching, they are resting lightly and are staying alert for any movement or noises.”

PetsMD also pointed out: “Cats sleep in different positions to regulate body temperature, stay alert to their surroundings, seek comfort, and strengthen social bonds. Much of a cat’s sleeping behaviour is influenced by social tendencies.

“Despite their reputation for independence, cats can form strong bonds with pet parents and other pets. Cats also seek warmth while sleeping, which is why they often sleep on or near people. Some pet parents even provide heated cat beds to satisfy this preference.

“Other cat sleeping positions reflect their wild ancestry. Cats are both predators and prey animals, so they naturally remain aware of their surroundings and protect vulnerable areas of their bodies whenever possible.”