Why do cats walk in circles before lying down?

Cats are renowned for snoozing the day away. In fact, they’re so good at sleeping, they inspired the term ‘cat nap’. Most adult cats will sleep for 18 hours a day, while kittens will sleep for almost the entire day – an impressive 20 hours!

And you don’t have to be an eagle-eyed cat owner to notice that your sleepy cat walks around in circles before settling down. It’s also often followed by kneading (or making biscuits, as we like to call it!) But why do cats sleep so much and what are the theories behind this bizarre bedtime ritual? Let’s take a closer look…

Why is your cat so sleepy?

The reason why your cat sleeps so much is quite simple really. Wild cats need to preserve their energy for hunting, dodging predators and general survival. And after a big meal, they’re likely to take a long snooze – just like how you tend to drift off after a large Sunday roast.

It might seem odd to think of your little ball of fluff as a hunter, but that’s exactly what they’re designed to be. And even though our precious kitties no longer need to hunt, the instinct is still very much there.

If you’re worried about how much time your cat spends sleeping, find out if your cat sleeps too much.

Why does your cat walk in circles before lying down?

Cats in the wild are constantly on guard for predators. And according to animal experts, their sleeping positions correspond to the flow of the wind. This way, they can easily smell an approaching threat. Turning around helps them understand which way the breeze is blowing.

Your cat’s paw is full to the brim with sweat glands. This means they deposit their scent on whatever they touch. Circling also disrupts the grass or leaves on the floor. Both of these things signal to other animals that the spot is taken, deterring rival cats.

In the wild, cats don’t have the luxury of plush beds, three-piece sofas or even cardboard boxes to rest in. They make their own ‘beds’ in grass, dirt or leaves. And this circular movement helps to flatten tall grass, root out rocks and to spot anything prickly.

Domesticated cats are just as fussy. Even the pampered ones. You could set up the perfect resting place, and they’ll still rearrange it to their satisfaction. To a modern cat, this habit isn’t worth breaking.

You may have noticed that your sleeping feline will often tuck themselves into a ball, with their tail wrapped around their body. This helps to keep them warm. By turning in a tight circle, your cat can make the perfect nest to ball up in and stay toasty.

On the other hand, your cat could also be trying to stay cool. Feral cats will turn around to lift up the debris on the ground, uncovering the cool earth beneath. In your home, your cat may replicate this to find the cooler parts of the blanket – much like how you might flip the pillow to enjoy the cooler side!

In the great outdoors, a cat’s bed is potentially home to unwanted bedfellows. Think small snakes or insects. Before curling up, your cat’s natural instincts tell them to perform this circling ritual to scare away any unwelcome guests.

Is cat circling the sign of a bigger problem?

Turning in a circle before lying down is normal cat behaviour. However, excessive circling can indicate that something’s wrong. Here’s a few underlying conditions that can cause too much twirling:

Joint stiffness

Does your cat stoop and rise many times during their circling ritual? Maybe they immediately get back up after getting comfy? In the worst cases, they might not lie down at all after circling. These are all signs that your cat is suffering from joint issues.

This type of circling is driven by your cat being unable to get comfy. Cats will often avoid lying down entirely as they associate it with being uncomfortable. If this sounds like your feline, why not try YuMOVE Joint Care for Cats? Our scientifically proven supplements use high-strength, natural ingredients to support your cat’s stiff joints. Is your cat already on YuMOVE? Learn how to get the most from your cat’s joint supplement.

Boredom

Obsessive circling can sometimes be accidentally encouraged by pet owners. An understimulated cat is likely to become bored. This will compel them to take part in many bizarre behaviours – circling being just one of them!

At YuMOVE, we recommend playing with your cat and providing them enough enrichment – like toys, puzzle feeders and scratching posts – to stop them getting bored. If you’re unsure how much you should be playing with your cat, why not check out our guide on how much exercise your cat needs?

Stress

Stress can also trigger a change in cat behaviour. It can be caused by many different things – like illnesses, moving house, a new pet or just new situations in general. If your cat is feeling nervous or stressed out about something, they may express this angst with pacing or circling.

Unsure if your cat is stressed or not? Read our article on spotting the signs of stress in cats. Or if you’re looking for something to help calm your cat, YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats is the perfect choice. It’s enriched with natural ingredients, and works to promote serotonin and dopamine – the hormones responsible for happiness!

In a nutshell, circling is completely normal behaviour driven by your cat’s natural instincts. It helps them get comfier, adjust their temperature and mark their territory. But if you’re concerned with how much your cat circles – or if you think it’s to do with joint stiffness – don’t take any chances and pay a visit to your vet.

Does your cat circle for any other reason we’ve not mentioned? Join our pet-loving community on Facebook and Instagram and let us know!