Radek Tesár 9. 9. 2025 clock 3 minutes
You may have noticed that your cat is circling on the spot before falling asleep. But a seemingly innocent ritual is not random. It reveals more than it might seem: about the comfort, instincts and health of your cat.
It is a look that every owner knows: before the cat saves to sleep, it turns around its own axis several times. This ritual comes from the wild past, when cats had to fight for survival, even in sleep. The direction in which it turns is not random. The cat naturally tries to determine the direction of the wind. In the wild it helped to feel the upcoming predator in time.
And although there is no danger on the soft couch today, the instinct remains. Another reason for circling is the marking of the territory. Cat paws contain odor glands, so they leave a signature every step. Thus, circling the cat not only modifies its place, but also “reserve” in front of others.
When sleep reveals more than a meowing
Last but not least, IO is comfortable. In nature, the cat had to prepare its place to rest first, tread grass, remove stones or leaves. Today’s domestic cats are playing on a pillow or a blanket, but the need to make a bed. In addition, if you observe that the cat is circling more than usual, it may be a sign that it cannot comfortably settled, perhaps because of joint pain.
Cat’s sleep position and lying behavior say much about her mental and physical condition. The classic curled position, when the cat is in the ball, is deeply rooted in its genetic code. It protects their body from cold and attack. This position is natural and safe.
However, if your cat often chooses a position on all four with heads at the top and eyes at half a pole, it may be a signal of discomfort or stress. It is ready to jump in this position at any time. So it means that it is more temporarily resting than that really sleeps. It may be a reaction to environmental change, the presence of another animal or even pain.
And what if the cat repeatedly gets up before falling asleep, turns and lies again, but never lasts calm? This can be a serious warning. Such behavior is often related to joint problems or other physical discomfort. In this case, it is already appropriate to consult with the veterinarian.
Sleep as a mirror of satisfaction
A cat, which sleeps sprawled on the side or even on the back with the exposed tummy, is happy and feels absolutely safe. It is to your environment and thus to you. Such a cat does not need to be alert because she knows that she is not in danger.
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On the other hand, a cat, which often chooses the “escape” position, sleeps only at short intervals and rolled restlessly, can be mentally disgruntled or feel uncomfortable. This may be due to stress, lack of stimuli or health problem.
By observing how your cat behaves at bedtime and in what position he is sleeping, you can unobtrusively find out how she really is doing. Because Cats, even when they are silent, speak with their body. And sleep is one of their most eloquent languages.
