Why do cats loaf?

Updated 16/09/2024

Our purr pals sure have some pretty peculiar behaviors, but assuming the position of the cat loaf has to be one of our favorites. If your furry feline is all tucked up like a freshly baked bun, you might be wondering “Why do cats sit like a loaf?”. We’re here to dish out the dough on everything you knead to know about cat loafing and what it could mean. 

What does cat loafing look like?

Cat loafing is exactly what it says on the (bread) tin – paws are tucked under the body and the tail is wrapped around them to form a chonky, rectangular shape that looks just like a loaf of bread. Your kitty might choose to assume this position in their favorite spot on the windowsill (perfect for baking mode), in the middle of the floor, or snuggled in a cozy box or a tight corner. 

However, not all cat loafs are baked equally, and there are a few variations of your traditional bready ball of fur.

Cat loaf positions 

Full loaf 

The full loaf is about as purr-fectly baked as it gets. To achieve the full loaf, cats lie on their stomachs with their paws neatly tucked beneath them and their tail wrapped tightly around. 

Partial loaf or sphynx loaf

The partial cat loaf position is just like the full loaf, but instead of tucking in their front paws, they leave them stretched out just like an Egyptian sphynx. 

Loaf boat 

In this variation, one paw is left outstretched while the rest of the loafing cat position is assumed. 

Face loaf

Unlike the full loaf where the head is held high, here, cats face plant their foreheads on the surface in front of them as they sleep.

Double loaf 

The double loaf is a special treat for households with more than one kitty. To get this two-for-one deal, your furry friends must be loafing side by side. 

Why do cats loaf?

So what does it mean when cats loaf? More often than not, the cat loaf is a completely natural position to find your furry feline in. But since cats use their body language to communicate a number of things, here are several theories behind the cat loaf meaning…

They’re totally relaxed

The cat loaf pose usually indicates your kitty is happy and comfortable. Rather than being on high alert and ready to pounce, their paws are tucked in to indicate they’re feeling completely safe. You might notice slow blinks, gentle purrs, and other signs your kitty cat’s feeling absolute contentment.

However, it’s unlikely your furry feline will fall asleep in the loaf position. The loaf is more for getting cozy and surveying their surroundings than totally succumbing to the snooze.

They’re trying to stay warm

Some experts think that tucking the paws under the body might help kitties keep a comfortable body temperature, especially if they’re loafing during the winter or it's particularly cold for some reason.

They feel threatened

On the contrary, some kitties may loaf if they’re feeling threatened. The position protects their vital organs and precious underbelly, making them feel safe and secure (hence why your cat might loaf when you take them to the vet). 

They’re in pain or sick 

Although it’s less common, the cat loaf pose can sometimes indicate that your furry friend is feeling under the weather. Our pet pals are masters at hiding when something is wrong, so they might hunch up in a stiff loaf position to relieve pressure from another part of the body or to ease discomfort.  If your cat stays in this position for a long time or does not normally assume this position, it's worth a trip to the vet to make sure all is well. 

That being said, the cat loaf position alone isn’t a sure sign something’s wrong. If you’re worried about your purr pal, keep an eye out for these additional symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy and low energy levels
• Dilated or contracted pupils
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath or panting
• Behavioral changes
• Hiding

The face loaf in particular could be a sign your cat is sick. Resting the head on the floor might be a way of relieving pressure or pain in the head, but a veterinary exam is the best way to determine if there’s an issue that needs treating.

There are a number of theories of what cat loafing means, and it’s usually easy to figure out why your furry feline is in this position if you know them well. Your in-home cat sitter, on the other hand, might not be so in tune with your fur baby’s behavior – that’s why it’s a good idea to explain what’s normal for your cat before you go away. This way, your sitter can easily spot any signs your furry friend’s feeling under the weather. On top of this, finding a sitter through TrustedHousesitters means they’ll have access to a 24/7 vet advice line, which they can call to get help and advice whenever they need.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.