Ever wondered why cats sleep in a ball? Well today you will realize that this behavior is actually not abnormal. In fact, just about all breeds of cats exhibit this behavior on occasion. Today’s article will cover all the reasons why cats sleep in a ball.
Why do cats sleep in a ball?
Cats sleep in a ball as a natural defense mechanism, conserve body heat, comfort, or because they are stressed out.
Natural defense mechanism
In the wild, when cats feel threatened or scared, their instinct is to curl up into the smallest form possible so that they appears less intimidating. Cats do this in order to appear as harmless to a potential predator that is passing by. They also do it to appear smaller so that a predator might not be able to see them.
This behavior is also seen in other animals such as mongooses and pine martens.
Conserve body heat
Another explanation why cats curl up when they are sleeping is to conserve body heat. This behavior can be traced back to the beginning of their domestication and days in the wild, where it was necessary for survival.
Most domesticated cats live in environments with an adequate temperature, which means they don’t need the ability to conserve heat. However, this behavior is hardwired into them and it can be difficult for some cats to break away from sleeping like that.
Your cat might curl up in a ball if you accidently leave them outside in the cold.
Comfort
Your cat might also be sleeping in a ball simply because it is a comfortable position. As you probably already know, cats love to stretch and contort their bodies in strange positions. For some cats, curling into a ball is a cozy sleeping position.
Stress
On the flip side, your cat might be sleeping in a ball when they are stressed or scared. This behavior allows them to feel safe, while still able to open their eyes and be aware of what’s going on around them. A cat that feels threatened might also revert to the ball position to appear defenseless to a threat.
How to tell if my cat is comfortable or stressed?
Now you might wonder how you can tell if your cat is curled in a ball for comfort or because of stress. The key here is to look for other changes in behavior or signs of stress.
For example, if you notice that your cats eating or drinking habits have changed, it could be a sign that your cat is stressed or in pain. Your cat might also be stressed if they start peeing and pooping in the house.
A common source of pain/stress in cats is when their claw grows into the pad.
Additionally, if your cat suddenly starts to make a lot of noises around the house, there is a good chance he/she is stressed about something.
Should I be worried if my cat sleeps in a ball?
It’s also important to note that just because your cat sleeps in a ball, doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them. Of course, if your cat never displayed this behavior and now does it all the time, there is a chance they are either cold or stressed. You should also check to see if they breathe fast when they sleep.
If your cat starts sleeping in a ball in the winter, it may be a sign that they are too cold. Therefore, you should provide some blankets in their bed or turn up the heat.
If you suspect that your cat is stressed about something, you should look for any changes in their behavior. You should also keep an eye outside and make sure no animals come near your window. A great way to help a stressed cat is to use a cat diffuser.
If you notice that your cat continues to be stressed, then it’s important to take them to the vet. The last thing you want is for your cat to suffer from some kind of anxiety or stress related issue. This could affect their overall health and well-being.
Should you stop your cat from sleeping in a ball?
It’s very important to note that it is not recommended you stop your cat from sleeping like this. This behavior can be traced back to their wild days, which means they are spending time following their natural instincts and doing what comes naturally to them.
Even if your cat is stressed, when they sleep in a ball it helps comfort them. The key is to find out what causes the stress.
Should I be worried if my cat doesn’t sleep in a ball?
No, not at all. While it is a natural behavior, it is totally fine if your cat doesn’t sleep in a ball.
I hope we’ve established why cats curl up into a ball, and feel free to share this article to anyone you think would be interested!
