What Does It Mean When Cats Do The Bread Loaf Position?

While cat sploots make me squeal, I absolutely love it when I see cats making that little bread loaf position. Cats are pretty particular and calculating. So, when they do something, it’s usually not too random. They’ve spun the idea around in that little mind of theirs and decided that it’s okay. When cats bread loaf, there’s a few specific reasons as to why. If you notice, they usually do it around you. And trust me when I say this is a good thing. 

My cat Mr. Purple doing his best bread loaf

So, why do cats like to transform themselves into feline loaves of bread?

Cats will sploot which is simply magical, but that bread loaf position that they do is pretty darn cute, too. When your cat sits in this position, with their feet tucked under them, observe their facial expression. Often times your cat is in a relaxed state, so much so that their eyes are partially to fully closed. And, like mentioned above, this is something they usually do in the presence of their owners.

cat sleeping positions

“Generally speaking, a cat who is lying with their paws tucked underneath them is considered relaxed. They aren’t preparing to defend themselves or run away.” — Mikel Delgado, cat researcher and postdoctoral fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis

Being always on guard is the true nature of a cat. So, for them to position themselves in a bread loaf position ultimately means that they do not see or sense any potential dangers surrounding them. Therefore they position their bodies loafing style as to relax. Your cat sitting in a bread loaf position essentially means they don’t think they’ll need to utilize those claws of theirs anytime soon, too.

Sitting this way also helps your feline friend to preserve body heat. And, as we know, cats love being nice and toasty. 

why do cats love to bread loaf?

Bread Loaf Sleeper

I don’t know about you,  but I just love it when kitties bread loaf. With their legs wrapped and tucked under their bodies, it takes longer to get up and run away. Therefore, if your cat bread loafs to sleep, they don’t feel a need to put themselves in a position where they could run off quickly. Cats often are resting, AKA snoozing, in this position. Watch them closely, and observe that they’re often not fully asleep when they assume this cat sleeping position.

cat sleeping
As you can see here given the cat’s alert ears, they are not actually sleeping but rather “snoozing”

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with other cat lovers that you know so they can learn something, too. 

Do you love when cats sploot? If you’ve ever wondered why it is that some cats prefer sitting like little frogs, find out about it here on cattitudedaily.com.

My kitty Tom, my favorite little cat splooter of all time!

 

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