Cat owners must pay plenty of attention to their cats to figure out whether they are healthy. Sometimes, it is possible to determine if a cat is unwell because of his sleeping position. When sick, they might change the way they sleep to cope with the discomfort. In this article, you will learn what each position might mean.
Sick Cat Sleeping Positions: How Do They Sleep When Unwell & What Do They Mean
The sleeping position of your cat might mean nothing, but it might also mean that your cat is suffering from some discomfort and is even sick. Below we listed a few things that each sleeping position might indicate. Since some of them are common, you will need to judge them according to your observation of your cat.
1. Curled Up in a Ball
Due to the fact that cats shed the majority of their heat via their footpads and ears, this stance keeps them warm in cold weather. It might also mean that your cat’s body temperature has fallen below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which could result in hypothermia.
If your cat is sleeping curled up in a tight ball with its eyes closed and ears pushed forward, or if it is breathing rapidly and shallowly, it may be in discomfort.
If you discover that your cat is struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature, you may modify your thermostat to a more comfortable setting.
2. Sleeping Flat on Stomach
This endearing posture is called splooting and is beneficial for stretching the hip joints and relieving muscular tension.
Additionally, the icy surface might assist your kitten in cooling off on a hot day. If your cat becomes very heated, they must be cooled down to avoid experiencing heatstroke.
3. Flat on Their Back
If your cat is resting flat on its back, this might be a sign that it is feeling threatened or insecure. By resting in this position, the cat prepares both its claws and fangs to defend itself.
If a cat exhibits warning signals such as long periods of hiding and hostility, it may indicate that it is on high alert.
It is critical to see your veterinarian immediately for treatment since this might indicate a medical problem, bodily discomfort, or injury.
4. Sleeping With One Eye Open
Although it may seem weird, cats often do this when relaxing.
Felines, as predators and prey, must stay attentive the majority of the time, even during their regular naps.
However, owing to eye issues, unwell cats may also sleep in this position. Maintaining one eye open may be difficult for your cat, and you’re likely to notice additional symptoms such as red and swollen eyes, ocular discharge, and frequent blinking.
Conjunctivitis is a frequent eye condition in cats. It might, however, be more serious disorders such as corneal ulcers, uveitis, or glaucoma.
Additionally, a cat may sleep with one eye open to avoid slipping into a deep slumber owing to respiratory difficulties. Additionally, it might be a sign of a urinary infection since the cat may need an urgent trip to the litter box.
5. Fetal Position
Because the fetal position assists cats in retaining heat, you may see your cat napping in this manner on chilly days.
However, it might also mean that the cat is ill or has had an injury. To establish whether your cat is ill, you may take its temperature using a pet-safe digital thermometer. However, ensure that you do it when your cat is awake.
A temperature of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit is considered normal. However, if it exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit or falls below 99 degrees Fahrenheit, a veterinarian visit is necessary.
The fetal posture may also indicate that a cat is attempting to shield injured areas of its body. Monitor your kitty’s movement after awakening for signs of pain or damage.
6. Sleeping on Their Side
Generally, a cat sleeping on its side indicates a contented and peaceful feline. It is a susceptible stance and often implies that your cat’s body temperature is normal.
Due to the fact that cats hide when they are in pain, they seldom sleep this way when they are ill.
There are, however, exceptions, and side-sleeping is not always beneficial. A cat sprawled out on one side may signal that it is having trouble breathing or is in discomfort.
Cats prefer this posture over others that exert strain on their lungs, such as resting flat on their stomach or curled up in a ball, in this example. If your cat is having difficulty breathing, you will hear them gasping and inhaling deeply.
7. Meatloaf Position
Although it seems to be an innocent and pleasant position, unwell cats often sleep in this position. If you see your cat breathing erratically in this posture, you should take him or her to the veterinarian.
Additionally, this posture may suggest that a cat is suffering from a serious ailment, such as chronic renal disease (CKD). CKD is more prevalent in older cats. Therefore, if you have an older cat, it is recommended that you seek prompt veterinary treatment.
8. Sleeping With Other Cats
Two cats sleeping together is not unusual. However, if one cat is awake while the other sleeps, this may signal an underlying issue. This might imply that the dozing kitten is requesting the other to keep an eye on them.
While cats may be affectionate toward their furry companions, they are also territorial and self-sufficient. Therefore, if your cat seeks assistance from another, it may indicate that they are anxious for safety.
Sick Cat Not Sleeping: What To Do
If you know your cat is sick and she is having a hard time sleeping, there are a few things you should do. First of all, of course, you should seek a vet to check on your cat and assess what is happening exactly.
If required, the vet will recommend pain medication. A lot of the discomfort may be alleviated with pain medication.
However, even before taking your cat to the vet, there are a few things you can do.
Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water. Keeping hydrated is often beneficial in combating a variety of ailments. If your cat has trouble drinking from a bowl, try a medication dropper.
Maintain a low noise level. We understand how difficult it may be to sleep in a loud environment, and our kitties feel the same way. A dark, quiet place is good for a sick cat.
Numerous cats enjoy human touch, and providing warmth through physical contact is an excellent approach to keep your ill cat comfortable.
How Do Cats Sleep When They’re Sick FAQ
Is Sleeping Good For Sick Cats
Yes, sleeping is excellent for sick cats. Just like every other animal, sleeping helps to recover from whatever illness. If your cat is having trouble sleeping, help him. However, don’t forget to try and find out what is bothering your cat exactly. Take him to a vet if necessary.
Do Sick Cats Sleep With Their Eyes Open
Sometimes cats sleep with their eyes open when sick. Perhaps your cat has some eye infection or is keeping an eye open to prevent himself from sleeping deeply because of respiratory issues.
Not all the time a cat sleeps this way because of an illness, so you should pay attention not to mistake this for a healthy habit. Above in this article, we covered this topic in more detail, so check it out.
Should You Let A Sick Kitten Sleep
Yes, you should definitely let a sick kitten sleep. After you find out what is that your kitten is suffering from, medicate her and make her feel comfortable to get a good rest from sleeping.
Can Cats Sleep If They Are In Pain
Yes, cats can sleep even when they are in pain. However, depending on the level of pain and also what is causing it, they might struggle to fall asleep. In that case, you should assist them in finding a comfortable way to sleep.
We already covered how to help your cat when she can’t sleep on a topic above. Check it out to help your cat.
Do Cats Sleep More When They Are Sick
Similar to people, when cats are unwell, they sleep more often and have less energy than when they are fit and healthy. When a cat is unwell, sleeping postures may also assist in identifying any underlying disorders or feelings of pain.
With this in mind, it’s critical to monitor our cats’ sleeping patterns in order to establish whether they’re in pain. Because cats are unable to communicate verbally, we must rely on their body language and actions to ascertain their emotional state.
Final Words About Unwell Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick
While it is important to understand cat sleeping postures when unwell and what they signify, these poses alone do not tell us everything. These sleeping positions and frequencies must be observed in conjunction with changes in behavior, body language, and other symptoms.
If you observe your cat and determine he is suffering from an illness, take him to the vet to make sure what is happening and how you can help him feel better.
Table of Contents