If you are a cat owner, you might have found that your cat tucks its legs below its body and sits in a very royal manner. That is perhaps one of the majestic looks that your cat shows up with. But, have you ever wondered why do cats fold their paws under them? Posture has its own significance. Let us try unearthing the secret of this tucked-in position, which is also referred to asthe loaf position.
Cats tucking their paws below their body is a cat’s way of preserving body heat. This position, where the cat sits like a loaf of bread, is typically called the loaf position. This behaviour is quite common when sleeping or sitting. Cats also use the position to warm up their paws. It is also a way cat uses to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
What is Cat Loaf position?
The position where the cat sits with its paws tucked below its body. It is called a loaf position because it resembles a loaf of bread. The compact, rectangular shape with rounded edges is what makes the experience stand out as a loaf of bread.
If you look at your cat sitting in the loaf position, you would find it sitting with paws and tail tucked below it, resembling a perfect rectangular shape with rounded edges. The cat loaf position can have several variations. It may have one paw tucked in while the other is extended. Another position may have paws tucked in and tail wrapped around the body. The most common aspect of the cat loaf position is the paws folded beneath the body.
Why do cats fold their paws underneath their body?
A cat sitting with their paws folded under its body is one of the most common sights of a cat’s body language. The cat may choose to do it for several reasons. Want to know why cats tuck their paws under them? You may find your answers here below –
Reason 1 – For preserving body heat
The paws tucked underneath the body is to preserve its body heat. The normal body temperature of your cat is 101.0 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). When you look at the normal human body temperature at 98.6°F (37°C), you would understand why cats look for warmer places. You would also see your cat stretching its body during the warmer months, and they would tend to curl their paws beneath their body in the winter months. Your cat will seek your bed, curl up close to you, or even shed its coat to grow thicker ones, helping to maintain body temperature. Bonnie Beaver, an expert in pet behaviour at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that when cats get into a loaf position, they are contented.
Just like our hands get colder first than the rest of our body, cats, too, get their paws colder. That is why the cat will tend to tuck its paws under its body to preserve heat and warm up their paws.
Reason 2 – A sign of comfort and contentment
Cats often tend to find the best comfortable places to sleep. Sitting in a box with front paws folded or tucked beneath the body or doing so on soft blankets, is the feline way of showing their comfort level. Like the cat expert Mikel Delgado states, “a cat who is lying with their paws tucked underneath them is considered relaxed. They aren’t preparing to defend themselves or run away.”
You would also find your cat giving you soft blicks when she is in this position. This could be an indicator that they are extremely relaxed. In this case, if you go close to your cat, it may untuck its paw and rest it on your body. Bonnie Beaver, an expert in pet behaviour at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that cats often assume a loafing position when they are content. Based on my experience fostering the cats for over three years, I’ve noticed that cats loaf most often in calm, familiar settings—usually near sunny windows or soft blankets.”
Reason 3 – Your cat is being alert
Cats use the cat loaf pose for different purposes. The cat’s paws tucked beneath its body may also indicate that your cat is being alert. If you have noticed your cat sitting on a window, listening to the birds chirping and watching something happen outside, it has tucked its paws beneath its body.
The loaf position in this case lets the cat be alert about its surroundings. Your cat will keep twitching its ears and opening its eyes every now and then.
Reason 4 – It is a sign of not being disturbed
The cat loaf position is also a sign that your cat does not want to be left alone. It’s your cat’s way of staying relaxed. They want to have their own space and some quality time for themselves. Yes, that is something a cat lover needs to understand.
Cats do look wonderful and cute in the cat loaf position. However, it should not be considered an invitation to play with them. Even when you may be looking to cuddle with them, it isn’t the right option. The cat may decide to run away from you.
Reason 5 – They may not be comfortable
Maybe your cat isn’t comfortable. The Cat loaf position, where the cat has tucked its paws under its body can also be a sign of their not feeling well. However, this possibility can also be accompanied by other signs, such as your cat may be lethargic or sleep all through the day. It may also show a different sleeping pattern.
One of the reasons cats tuck their paws under their body can be an indicator that its paws are in pain. The cat may try to pull away from you when you attempt to touch it. That would mean your cat needs treatment and attention.
How to find which reason applies to your cat?
The discussion above should have given you insight into how tucking paws under the body can have different meanings. The position for cats can mean different things, and you need to study your cat to find which reason is applicable to you.
The key is to read your cat’s body language. If you have been a cat fan for a long time, you should be aware of several indicators with respect to your cat. Some of the indicators would include the ears, eyes, tail, overall body, and meows.
The indicators would perhaps include –
Ears
Under normal conditions, the cat’s ears would be slightly up and slightly to one side. But when it is excited, the ears will perk up. They may also twitch their ears to find where the noise comes from. However, if you notice flattened ears, it is a clear indicator that the cat is angry or scared.
Eyes
The narrowed eyes indicate that the cat is showing an emotional attachment. Soft or partially closed eyes can indicate a relaxed state, or perhaps some ME time. Alert eyes combined with the tense body postures can indicate a relaxed cat may also be alert about something.
Tail
Even when you may witness the cat is in a relaxed position, it may whip its tail fiercely, which may indicate the cat wants some personal space.
Meows
The vocalisation can also be an indicator to showcase its state. A soft purring or chirping meow may indicate comfort. A drawn-out meow or a yowl can be a sign of anger.
Do all cats curl up their paws?
Most of the cats prefer sitting in a loaf position. However, there are a few cats that may opt for alternative methods and options to relax or conserve their body heat. However, if your cat does not like curling up its paws or tucking them under its body, it does not mean your cat is unusual.
Some cats may choose to cross their paws, and they may sleep majestically with their paws crossed instead of tucking them in. Some cats may also decide to sit their paws straight out.
The Concluding Thoughts
Cats are indeed unique, and their behaviour is something that proves to be quite cute. However, understanding the specific cat behaviours can prove to be a little tough task. One such cute cat behaviour is tucking its paws under its body. The choice of reasons as outlined above should prove to be quite helpful in helping you a good help in understand your cat better.
If you think your cat is feeling sick or uncomfortable, be sure to take it to your vet for proper care.
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