Cats are known to be enigmatic and frequently exhibit oddly endearing behaviors that humans find weird. Also, they have unusual seating postures.
For instance, you may see your pet lying on the sofa with its back legs outstretched, looking like a human posture. Some felines even unwind in positions that resemble a baby resting on your laps.
The truth is that your fur babies can sleep or sit in the positions they want because of their fantastic flexibility.
‘Cat sitting positions meaning’ – Let’s scroll down this article to decode the odd poses of these friends.
Cat Sitting Positions Meaning
Cat sitting positions meaning – It’s worth noting that felines express their inner feelings and subsequent actions via body language, including sitting poses.
It’s essential to understand your pets’ sitting postures, which will help you better meet their requirements and develop a closer relationship with them.
Below are some common sitting positions of your fur babies and their meanings. Let’s take a closer look!
#1. Loaf Position
The traditional loaf position, also called sphinx loaf, hover cat, or cat loaf, is a relaxed sitting posture for felines with paws and tails tucked under their bellies.
When your pets feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings, you’ll frequently find them lounging in that pose.
When they feel safe, they hide their tail and paws under their chest and rear. Their eyes close and open gently when they fall asleep but stay alert.
Your fur babies may love loafing on any cozy spot, like your bookshelf, kitchen counter, or couch.
If you see your pets sitting in this position, it’s good news because you’ve provided them with great care, which makes them content and comfortable in your house.
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#2. Sitting Up On The Hind Legs
You may find it funny and adorable to notice your pets sitting on their hind legs. However, this pose is one of the survival tactics of these animals.
Cats rise on their rear legs to project a more gigantic and frightening appearance when they sense a dangerous predator is nearby.
If you’ve ever seen a cat battle, you have probably witnessed several felines stand on their back legs to frighten away their enemy.
Yet, your cat’s weird posture may simply result from playfulness or curiosity. Your fur babies lift themselves when they want to look at or sniff something.
Besides, when your fur babies want to get your attention or reach their favorite toy, they will try to stand up.
For this reason, if you notice your pets waving their paws and standing on their back legs, they may want to grab something or play with you.
#3. Relaxed Position
Sometimes you may see your cat’s ears in a regular position, not moving its tail with eyes half closed or blinking slowly.
Some owners will find this sitting posture uncomfortable for felines, but they are content and happy with the surrounding environment.
Therefore, you don’t have to correct the sitting position of your fur babies. If they are not relaxed, they’ll fix this issue immediately.
Your four-legged companions will fall asleep without a concern shortly.
#4. Acrobatic Position
If you’ve owned kitties for a while, it’s not surprising to see them sleeping or sitting in unusual postures.
Interestingly, felines prefer to show off their flexibility even when relaxed. Thus, their pose may resemble an acrobatic performance.
Your pets may angel in several ways without getting hurt. Also, they can happily occupy any place they want, even if it’s a small box, shoes, or furniture.
What does this posture mean? A cat’s acrobatic position frequently denotes playfulness.
Your cats won’t mind displaying their weak spots, including their stomach, as they understand they’re in a comfortable and secure environment.
Although you suppose this posture is awkward and unpleasant, your pets are comfortable in your house.
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#5. Splooting Position
When your fur babies are in the ‘splooting’ position, also called the superman posture, they stretch out their back legs while sprawling on the floor.
Contrary to popular belief, felines love this sitting position since it can enhance their mobility and flexibility while relaxing.
When the weather gets hot, you will see your pets sit in this posture more often to cool down their body on the floor.
#6. Anxious Position
Are your cats sitting with their arched back, flattened ears downwards, closed tails to one side, and wide eyes?
If that’s the case, they are anxious! Your pets may crouch and appear nervous, as if they are ready to escape but are too terrified to do so.
Generally, your four-legged companions show this sitting position when you suddenly create a noisy sound or yell.
These animals commonly react when they notice you are angry or your movements mean you will punish them.
#7. Focused Position
You will witness your pet’s tense body positioned toward the area of prey, attentively observing each movement if it has detected a little, moving creature.
Their pupils constrict, their eyes enlarge, and their rear legs coil beneath the stomach in preparation to attack the defenseless animal.
When you see your fur babies in a focused posture, let them be. They only want to show a skill that comes naturally to them — hunting.
Related Post: Why Won’t My Cat Sleep With Me Anymore?
#8. Angry Position
When your cats’ ears point downwards, their eyes get bigger, and their tails hold out in a curled-up or straight position, they are angry.
Seeing any emotions on their faces may be challenging, but it’s an apparent symptom of anger.
Your fur babies may be upset with anything around them. Therefore, it’s not a suitable time to cuddle or pet them.
#9. Sitting Human-Style
Sometimes you may see your cats sitting in a human position. It’s not a concern because your pets show their comfort and trust in their owners.
Furthermore, felines are meticulous groomers. Sitting in a human style will help them easily clean their bodies.
#10. Paws Placed Over The Face
It’s not uncommon to witness cats with paws covering their faces as they sleep.
While this position looks adorable, your cats want to tell their owners not to bother their sleep.
Moreover, you may see this position more often in the winter months. They place their paws on their face to keep warm.
#11. Sitting With The Back To The Owner
Whenever you see this posture in your cats, it’s a good sign. They are comfortable and trust in you!
Your fur babies know that nothing or no one behind them won’t cause any harm to them.
Why Do Cats Sit In Weird Positions?
Sometimes your cats sleep or sit in strange positions. Here are some explanations for these postures:
Physical Comfort
If your cat sits in a strange position, it may suffer from an injury or disease like arthritis. Your pets may change the way they sit to ease the pain.
For some felines, the temperature may affect their posture. They will sit on the floor if it’s a hot day. On the other hand, they love lying on a rug on chilly days.
If your pets have an unusual sitting habit you have never noticed before, it’s best to consult your vet.
Emotional Comfort
The weird position may reflect the inner feelings of your cats. For instance, your pets will sit with outstretched legs if they feel relaxed and comfortable in the environment.
On the other hand, when they are fearful or nervous, your cats may tuck their tail under their belly and keep their legs underneath them.
On The Hunt
When your cats sit to watch a bird, they may remain in a crouched posture as if they are frozen.
You will notice their ears prick forward, their whiskers facing forward, and their eyes firmly set on the prey. They wait for the perfect moment to catch the target.
What Is The Best Position To Hold A Cat?
If you haven’t owned a cat, holding your pet for the first time may be confusing. Here are some tips!
- Put a part of the arm and one hand under the pet’s front legs. Place the other hand under its back legs.
- Lift the cat and bring it against your stomach and chest as soon as possible.
- Hold your cat securely.
- Monitor your cat’s body language to check whether it’s uncomfortable or consenting.
If you want a detailed tutorial, let’s watch this video:
FAQs
Wrapping Up
As a cat owner, it’s essential to decode the meaning of different sitting positions of your pets. This way, you can understand their thoughts and bond the relationship better.
You may be worried about some weird postures of your pets. The good news is that most of them cause no harm.
Unless you realize unusual symptoms of distress or pain, your fur babies are comfortable and happy. Thus, you don’t need to correct their sitting positions.
Hopefully, this post about “Cat sitting positions meaning” can help you understand your cat’s behaviors!
