Why Cats Curl Up — And Why They Stretch Out

Why do cats curl into a tight ball one moment, then stretch across the floor the next? In this calm, sleep-friendly journey, we explore the science behind feline sleeping positions, including body temperature, heat loss, flexible spines, muscle movement, sleep stages, joint comfort, surface choice, and the role of safety and familiarity. From curled kittens and senior cats to sand cats and snow leopards, discover how each resting shape helps a cat adjust to its body and surroundings...one quiet movement at a time.