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The Delicate and Complex Art of Cat Sleeping Positions

Unlock the secrets of how you too can sleep elegantly and gracefully

Jack Shepherd
Tenderly
Published in
4 min readMar 19, 2020

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A photo of a sleeping kitten in someone’s palms.
Photo: Ramiz Dedaković via Unsplash

The art of sleeping like a cat is deeply misunderstood and at best poorly executed in most traditions, but for those few who are brave, flexible, and sleepy enough to attempt it, it can quickly shift from being a passing hobby to a lifelong pursuit.

Anyone who is beginning on this arduous but immensely rewarding journey would do well to understand the complex and highly technical terminology, the varied skillset, and the numerous sub-disciplines required to practice this art successfully. To that end, this useful (but by no means comprehensive) taxonomy of 25 of the primary positions may be a useful starting point.

The Reverse Spoon (With Optional Butt Clutch)

Immensely difficult to pull off gracefully, this position requires a patient and experienced sleeping partner, comfort in tight spaces, and a precious little furry face. Attempt with caution.

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Tenderly
Tenderly

Published in Tenderly

A vegan magazine that’s hopefully devoted to delicious plants, liberated animals, and leading a radical, sustainable, joyful life

Jack Shepherd
Jack Shepherd

Written by Jack Shepherd

I have a newsletter about crossword puzzles and a podcast about rom-coms. Formerly editorial director @BuzzFeed. Email: JackAShepherd at gmail

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