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Curled up when Lying Down in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE if the cat withdraws and at the same time does not eat, appears to be in pain, has a fever, or if the body posture is new/compulsive. RED in case of respiratory distress, unresponsiveness, collapse, or severe abdominal pain (acute abdomen).

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Definition

The symptom “curled up when lying down” in cats describes a body posture in which the cat compactly tucks its body together, often with paws tucked under the body and the head resting on the paws or nestled into the flank. This posture can be both normal behavior and an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient’s clinical condition. of discomfort or pain.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Cats often adopt a curled-up posture to conserve warmth and feel secure. This is a natural behavior that provides protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. from cold in the wild and minimizes the risk of injury by reducing the vulnerable area for potential enemies. In a domestic environment, curling up can also simply be a sign of relaxation and contentment.

However, lying in this position can also indicate health problems. One of the most common causes is discomfort or pain. Cats tend to hide pain, and a compact body posture can be a subtle indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. that the cat is feeling unwell. Common causes of pain can include gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems, urinary tract diseases, or joint issues.

StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and anxiety can also cause a cat to lie curled up more frequently. Changes in the environment, such as new pets, moves, or loud noises, can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. In such cases, curling up serves as a calming behavior that gives the cat a sense of security.

Other possible causes include fever or infections that weaken the cat and cause it to conserve energy and rest. Diseases of the internal organs, such as liver or kidney diseases, can also be indicated by such behavioral changes. Finally, general exhaustion or weakness, for example as a result of anemia, can also cause the cat to adopt this posture more frequently.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Loss of appetite: If a cat lies curled up more often and at the same time eats less or refuses food altogether, this may indicate a health problem that requires further investigation.
Decreased activity: A cat that spends a lot of time curled up and plays or moves less may be suffering from pain or discomfort.
Changes in behavior: Aggressiveness, withdrawal, or increased meowing can be accompanying symptoms that, together with lying curled up, indicate a disease.
Irritability or Sensitivity to touch: If the cat does not like to be touched or reacts to touch with defensive reactions, this may indicate pain.
Vomiting or DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.: These symptoms may indicate gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems that are associated with discomfort and the need to rest.
Frequent trips to the toilet or difficulty urinating: These can indicate urinary tract diseases, which can also lead to a protective posture.

When to see a vet?

A veterinary visit is urgently advised if the curled-up lying is accompanied by noticeable accompanying symptoms such as severe vomiting, bloody diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. loss of appetite, or difficulty urinating. Medical advice is also necessary if the cat appears lethargic or shows sudden, extreme withdrawal.

Even if the cat is obviously in pain, behaves aggressively when touched, or shows signs of fever, a veterinarian should be consulted. These symptoms can indicate serious health problems that require immediate treatment.

Another reason to see the vet is if the behavior occurs suddenly and without any recognizable external triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats., or if the symptom persists over a longer period of time and does not normalize on its own.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

For the pet owner, it is important to closely observe the cat’s behavior and note any abnormalities. This includes changes in eating behavior, activity, social behavior, as well as physical symptoms such as vomiting or diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.. This information is valuable for the veterinarian in making an accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..

The veterinarian will usually first perform a thorough clinical examination to assess the cat’s general health condition. This includes palpating the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., checking the weight, measuring body temperature, and a general assessment of vital signs.

Depending on the observed symptoms, the veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic measures such as blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations to rule out or confirm possible internal diseases or injuries. Urine analyses can also be performed to diagnose urinary tract diseases.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

Before the veterinary visit, the pet owner can take some measures to provide temporary relief to the cat. It is important to offer the cat a quiet and warm place to rest where it feels safe and secure. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. factors such as loud noises or other animals should be minimized.

Access to fresh water should always be ensured, and it is advisable to encourage the cat to eat small amounts to prevent it from becoming dehydrated or malnourished. Easily digestible foods should be preferred.

Medications or home remedies should not be administered without veterinary consultation, as these could mask or worsen the symptoms. The focus should be on creating a stress-free environment for the cat until a professional diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment can take place.

Outlook on current research

Recent studies and observations have shown that the behavior of cats lying curled up can reflect a complex interplay of physiological and psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. factors. This posture is often interpreted as a protective mechanism that is significant both in the wild and in a domestic environment. Researchers are investigating the extent to which this behavior correlates with a sense of safety and security, as cats in this position offer less vulnerable area for potential threats. It is believed that body temperature regulation also plays a role, as cats can better conserve warmth by curling up.

Another interesting aspect of research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms that control this behavior. Neuroscientific studies have begun to identify the neural circuits associated with comfort and security in cats. These findings could help in the long term to better understand how stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. and anxiety in cats can be recognized and treated. Researchers are also pursuing the hypothesis that curling up in certain contexts can serve as nonverbal communication to signal to other cats or animals that they are not seeking conflict.

Advances in imaging diagnostics, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), now enable more detailed insights into the brain activity of cats. This technology could help in the future to better understand the exact reasons for curling up and thus identify health or emotional problems that are otherwise difficult to diagnose. In addition, research into behavioral patterns associated with curling up could provide insight into whether this position in certain cases could be an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. of pain or discomfort.

Another branch of research examines how environmental factors, such as diet and habitat, influence curling up. There is evidence that cats living in stable and stress-free environments are more likely to curl up in a more relaxed manner, which could be seen as an indicator of their well-being. However, research in this area is still in an early stage, and further studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why does my cat curl up when it sleeps?

Cats often curl up to retain their body heat and feel secure. This position protects their sensitive organs and gives them a sense of security, similar to being in a nest.

2. Can curling up indicate health problems?

Yes, in some cases frequent or intense curling up can be a sign of discomfort or pain. If your cat shows signs of restlessness or pain, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

3. Is it normal for cats to only curl up in the winter?

While cats tend to curl up more often in colder months to conserve warmth, curling up is also a common behavior in other seasons, depending on the individual cat and its need for comfort.

4. Why doesn't my cat always curl up?

Cats vary their sleeping positions depending on the situation and personal comfort. Sometimes they prefer a stretched-out position to relax or cool down, especially in warmer weather.

5. Can curling up indicate stress?

Yes, if a cat frequently curls up and shows other stress-related behaviors, this could indicate stress or anxiety. It is important to check the cat's environment and minimize possible stress factors.

6. How can I tell if curling up is normal?

Observe your cat's general behavior. If it eats, plays, and behaves normally, curling up is probably normal behavior. If there are changes in behavior, a veterinary examination is advisable.

7. Why does my cat only curl up in certain rooms?

Cats prefer certain places that they perceive as safe and comfortable. If your cat only curls up in certain places, this could indicate a preference for the environment or temperature.

8. Can curling up relieve pain in my cat?

In some cases, cats may curl up to avoid pressure on painful body parts or to protect them. If you suspect your cat is in pain, you should see a veterinarian.

9. What can I do to help my cat curl up?

Create a comfortable, safe environment with soft beds or blankets that encourage your cat to curl up comfortably. Make sure the sleeping area is quiet and free from disturbances.

10. Are there certain breeds that curl up more often?

While all cats can curl up, some breeds, especially those with denser fur, may have a stronger tendency to curl up to conserve warmth. However, individual preferences play a greater role than breed.