Is Your Cat A Loafer?
May 14, 2020
While the term may have negative connotations for humans, loafing is something many contented cats do by tucking up their paws and nestling in. It's called a #catloaf.
You’ll see just how popular this meme really is when you search for the hashtag #catloaf on social media. With more than 6.5 million posts on Instagram, everybody loves the #catloaf. So much so that actual cat loaves and kitty buns have become trendy food items, especially in Japan, where every day fresh cat loaves and kitty buns can be seen loafing around artisan bakeries.
Cat loafing is popular among the #lolcats crowd all across the world and goes by many different names on social media, depending on your whereabouts: #catloaf #hovercat #cubecat #tugboatcat #turkeycat #meatloafcat #catbread and #kittyloaf.
But why do cats loaf and retract their paws like that? Their claws are their greatest defense mechanism, so why would they want to sit on their paws? Surely that would place them at a great disadvantage.
The clue to this mystery lies in the place where your cat chooses to loaf. When you notice your cat loafing, make a mental note of the location. Is it the same place every day? Does it change with the time of day? Does it depend on your whereabouts?
Loafing is a sign that your cat is completely relaxed and at ease. He chooses his or her favourite loafing spot when they know it’s safe to do so. It could be under the kitchen table while you prepare dinner, or on the arm of the couch when you’re nestled-in to watch some TV, or in a certain sunny spot in the corner of the room by a window.
Your cat is most relaxed when they are with their loved-ones and part of the daily routine. Loafing beside you on the couch is the best time for putting their worries aside and taking a nap. They know you’re not going anywhere soon and if you do, the movement will wake them up. A sunny corner of the room or under furniture has a similar vantage point from where they can keep one eye on things and spring into action if the situation calls for it.
Tucking in all four legs, even though it means retracting your prized paws out of sight, helps to soothe and relax your cat because it traps their body heat and warms them up. Additionally, this position allows them to pounce on prey without much effort.
So if you see your cat loafing around the house, take comfort in knowing they feel safe in their surroundings and relaxed in your company.