If you’re curious to know why your cat sleeps with his head upside down, you’re up to a great start in understanding your cat’s body language.
That’s the least we can do for our buds.
A cat’s sleeping behavior tells us much more than how tired he is. Sleeping with the head upside down is mainly found in indoor cats. This adaptation is the result of feeling safe and secure in their environment. Cats also retain body heat by tucking their ears inside. Contrary to what we might think, this position is quite comfortable for any cat.
Let us warn you:
Sleeping with the head upside down may indicate problems in your cat’s living space.
Keep reading to know the 3 reasons your kitty is sleeping like this and what you should do about it.
1. To keep themselves warm and cozy
One mistake we all make is to assume all cats can handle the cold well because of their furry coat.
This is not always true.
Your cat might feel too cold if he sleeps with his head upside down. This position helps your cat resist the cold and conserve its body heat.
Cats have thin ears and wet noses, so they quickly feel cold on their ears and nose, which is why you’ll see cats tucking their ears and noses in while curling into a ball. This sleeping position helps them maintain a warm, soothing, comfortable body temperature.
How can I tell if my cat is feeling comfortable in their sleep?
If you see your cat outstretched with his ears and nose exposed, know that someone is feeling too cozy at home. At their ideal temperature, cats don’t feel the need to make an effort to keep themselves warm.
Does your cat prefer cold weather or warm weather?
You’d be surprised to know that even if your cat’s layered with fur, they still prefer warm environments. This trait comes from the fact that your kitty cat’s ancestors used to live in the desert.
What only a few cat owners know is keeping your cat at the right temperature is crucial for their health because:
If your cat is feeling too cold, it can be at risk of hypothermia.
Hypothermia is when a cat’s body temperature drops too low and experiences symptoms like:
- Shivering
- Stiff muscles
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Cold skin
- Lethargy
- Weakness
If your cat is short-haired or a newborn, they’re more prone to it. Contact the vet immediately if you see any of the symptoms mentioned above in your cat. Hypothermia is usually curable but can turn fatal if it’s left untreated for a long time.
2. To feel relaxed and safe
When your cat sleeps with his head upside down, he probably covers his eyes and ears too. This shows that your feline friend feels safe and relaxed in your presence.
Have you ever seen a stray cat sleeping with his eyes and ears covered?
The answer is probably no because outdoor cats always have to be alert at all times.
They don’t have the privilege of being vulnerable because of the impending dangers. They usually sleep with their ears pointed out.
As funny as it sounds, sometimes you might even find one with its eyes half-opened. This is to always be aware of their surroundings in case of any predator or danger.
You can take pride in the fact that your cat trusts you and doesn’t feel the need to be alert in the home you’ve provided for him. This is why he can sleep carefree in your presence.
3. It’s one of the most comfortable positions
What is your favorite sleeping position?
It’s obviously the one that’s the most comfortable for you. Cats are no different.
Believe it or not, cats find sleeping with their head upside down quite comfortable. Their heads don’t weigh that much, so the position doesn’t put pressure on their heads.
Our furry friends are innately flexible, so their bodies feel at home in twisted and bent positions. They can sleep like this for hours. So stop worrying, and let your cat enjoy his sleep however they want to.
It’s no secret how much cats love their naps. What would make it even better is blocking any noise or light.
When a cat’s head is upside down, it prevents any light from entering its eyes and minimizes the noise, allowing an undisturbed sleep.
How can I help my cat sleep comfortably?
1. Check the temperature
If your cat’s sleeping with its head upside down, the first thing you should do is check the temperature. Below, we’ve mentioned 3 temperatures and their effects on your cat.
a. 90 degrees
Your cat’s ideal body temperature is above 90 degrees to prevent hypothermia. The best thing to do is set your thermostat around 70 degrees, so your cat has a warm sleeping spot.
Because cats sleep with their heads upside down to maintain a warm degree of temperature, it’s essential to make their sleeping spot as warm as they need.
b. 50-60 degrees
50 to 60 degrees is still tolerable for cats, but they need extra warmth from something else. You might find your cat cuddling next to you or snuggling in a blanket.
c. 45 degrees
Don’t let the temperature go lower than 45 degrees.
Your cat will be too cold if the temperature drops further. You can always be cautious and prepare beforehand. Give your little fluff ball a warm blanket, or if you want to go the extra mile for him, dress him in soft and thick clothes.
2. Check the room’s brightness
If your cat is covering his eyes while sleeping, it might feel cute to you but not to your cat. He might want you to tone down with the lights.
Make it a habit to keep your cat’s room dim so he can enjoy multiple naps during the day. If it’s daytime, draw the curtain and try to turn off any lights inside.
If it’s nighttime, turn off any lamp and make sure your cat’s room is as dark as he wants.
Cats like dark places, especially if they’re young. You should make even more effort to provide a comfortable sleeping space if you have a tiny adorable kitty; that baby might be sensitive to light.
3. Give your cat a quiet sleeping place
Like us, cats also like to sleep in a quiet place without distractions.
If you want your cat not to cover his ears while sleeping, choose his sleeping spot wisely.
Place your cat’s sleeping spot away from any noisy place or a place with a lot of activity. These places include corridors, next to a washing machine, or near other pets.
Remember:
Cats are sensitive to loud, high-pitched sounds. They feel threatened and may act wild when exposed to them.
What are some other cat sleeping positions?
- Curled up
- Belly-up
- Sideways
- Paw across the face
- Half-eye shut
- Loaf
