5 Reasons Why Cats Tuck Their Paws

Do you have a cat that tucks its paws under them when they sleep? If so, you’re probably wondering why they do this and what it means. Is your cat uncomfortable? Are their paws dirty?

Let’s take a look at why cats tuck their paws and what you can do to make them feel more comfortable.

Here are 5 reasons why cats tuck their paws:

1) Their paws are cold

If your cat’s paws feel cold to the touch, it’s likely because they’re trying to keep them warm. Cats don’t have the same ability to regulate their body temperature as we do, so they’re more susceptible to changes in temperature.

2) They’re anxious

Tucking their paws can be a sign that your cat is feeling anxious or stressed.

There are a few things that can cause cats to feel anxious, including:

• Moving house or changes in the home environment
• The introduction of a new pet or baby
• Lack of access to a litter box or scratching post
• Having another pet in the house that they don’t get along with

If your cat is suddenly tucking their paws more often than usual, it’s worth considering what might be causing them stress and seeing if there’s anything you can do to help.

3) They’re in pain

Cats will sometimes tuck their paws as a way of protecting themselves if they’re in pain.  Several health conditions can cause pain in cats, including arthritis, cancer, and infections.

If you think this might be the case, take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.

4) They’re tired

Just like humans, when cats are tired they tend to curl up into a ball to rest. This position allows them to stay warm and conserve energy. If you see your cat tucking their paws, it’s a good indication that they need some sleep.

Try putting them to bed earlier or providing them with a comfortable place to nap during the day. Sometimes, your cat may want to sleep on you and it definitely means something!

5) They’re grooming

Cats groom themselves by licking their paws and then using them to wipe their face. This helps them to stay clean and also keeps their fur looking good.

If you see your cat doing this, it’s a good idea to give them a little help with grooming by brushing their fur.

How To Tell Which Reason Applies To Your Cat?

You’ve probably discovered by now that folding or tucking paws isn’t as simple as it appears. Cats will do this when they’re pleased, content, and calm, but they might also tuck their paws when they’re uncomfortable.

So how can you tell which is which? 

Learn to interpret your cat’s overall body language! Mastering your cat’s tools of communication, which are the ears, eyes, tail, whole body, and meows will allow you to determine what mood your fluffy pals are in, especially when they’re in the “loaf of bread” position.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned cat owner, take note of their ears. A cat’s ears are at their typical position pointing up and to the side when they’re relaxed, but if something catches their interest, they’ll perk up their ears or twitch them to figure out where the noise is coming from.

Flattened ears, on the other hand, are an indication of a scared or angry cat and a frequent indication that they want to be alone.

Paying close attention to your cat’s ears will help you understand if they’re focused on sightseeing or just in a state of relaxed bliss. 

If you notice your cat tucking their paws, it’s important to observe what else they’re doing and why. If you’re concerned, take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.

Otherwise, provide them with a calm and safe environment and give them some time to rest. Thanks for reading! We hope this helped answer your question: why do cats tuck their paws?