Cats sleep in weird positions because they are flexible, comfortable, relaxed, and able to adjust their bodies to temperature, surroundings, and how deeply they are sleeping. Common positions include sleeping upside down, stretched out, curled into a ball, on the back, with the head hanging off furniture, or with the paws over the face. Most unusual sleeping positions are normal, but a sudden change accompanied by pain, breathing problems, weakness, or other symptoms may require veterinary attention.
Why Does My Cat Sleep in Weird Positions?
Cats are famous for sleeping in positions that look completely impossible.
You may find your cat:
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Upside down on the sofa
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Curled into a tiny ball
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Flat on its stomach
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Stretched across the entire bed
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With its head hanging off the edge
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With all four paws in the air
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Folded into what looks like a pretzel
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With its face buried under its paws
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Half inside a box
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Completely twisted around while sleeping
As a human, some of these positions look incredibly uncomfortable.
For your cat, they may be perfectly comfortable.
Cats have flexible spines, mobile joints, strong muscles, and bodies adapted for curling, stretching, climbing, and resting in compact spaces.
But sleeping position can also reveal something about your cat's comfort, temperature, security, and level of relaxation.
Why Can Cats Sleep in Such Strange Positions?
There are several reasons.
Cats are extremely flexible
A cat's spine is designed for flexibility. Its vertebrae allow considerable movement, which helps cats jump, twist, climb, and land efficiently.
Cats don't need human-style sleeping posture
Humans generally look for positions that support the neck, back, and joints in a familiar way.
Cats have different body structures and may find positions that look uncomfortable to us completely relaxing.
Cats choose positions based on their environment
A cat may change position depending on:
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Temperature
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Surface softness
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Sunlight
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Noise
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Safety
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Nearby people
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Other pets
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How deeply it is sleeping
So there isn't one universal "correct" cat sleeping position.
1. Your Cat May Sleep Upside Down
One of the funniest sleeping positions is the classic upside-down cat.
Your cat may lie on its back with:
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Belly exposed
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Head tilted backward
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Front paws curled
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Back legs spread apart
This often means your cat feels comfortable and secure.
The belly contains vulnerable organs, so exposing it while sleeping generally requires a sense of safety.
However, an exposed belly doesn't automatically mean:
"Please rub my stomach."
Many cats enjoy exposing their belly while sleeping but dislike having it touched.
Respect your cat's boundaries.
2. Your Cat Sleeps With All Four Paws in the Air
A cat sleeping on its back with all four paws raised can look ridiculous.
It may also be completely relaxed.
This position can allow your cat to:
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Stretch its muscles
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Cool itself
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Relax its body
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Sleep deeply
Because the belly has less fur than many other areas, exposing it can also help with heat loss.
If the room is warm, your cat may deliberately choose a position that exposes more of its body to the air.
3. Your Cat Sleeps Curled Into a Ball
The curled-up sleeping position is one of the most common cat positions.
Your cat may tuck its nose toward its body and wrap its tail around itself.
This position helps conserve body heat.
It also protects vulnerable parts of the body.
You'll often see cats sleep this way when:
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The room is cool
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They are resting lightly
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They are sleeping in an exposed location
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They want to conserve warmth
A cat curled into a tight ball isn't necessarily cold or anxious.
It may simply be comfortable.
4. Your Cat Sleeps Completely Stretched Out
Another common position is the full-body stretch.
Your cat may lie on its side with its front legs extended forward and back legs stretched behind it.
This position can indicate relaxation.
It also allows the body to spread out and release heat.
You may notice this position more often during warm weather.
Some cats also stretch their legs dramatically after waking up.
That's completely normal.
5. Your Cat Sleeps on Its Side
Side sleeping generally allows a cat to relax its muscles.
It can also make it easier for the cat to transition from sleeping to movement.
A relaxed cat sleeping comfortably on its side may be experiencing a deeper stage of sleep.
You might even notice:
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Paws twitching
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Whiskers moving
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Ears flicking
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Tail movements
These can occur during sleep.
6. Your Cat Sleeps With Its Head Hanging Off the Furniture
This is one of the positions that makes owners wonder:
"How can that possibly be comfortable?"
Your cat may sleep with its head hanging over:
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A sofa
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A cat tree
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The edge of a bed
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A chair
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A shelf
Cats can find unusual angles comfortable because their bodies are highly flexible.
The position may also provide a pleasant stretch through the neck and upper body.
If your cat voluntarily chooses this position and gets up normally afterward, it is usually not concerning.
7. Your Cat Sleeps With Its Face Covered by Its Paws
A cat may sleep with its paws over its eyes or nose.
This can look like your cat is deliberately covering its face.
Possible explanations include:
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Blocking light
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Keeping warm
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Feeling secure
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Finding a comfortable position
Sometimes the paw simply happens to land there during sleep.
There's no need to move it unless the position is causing an obvious problem.
8. Your Cat Sleeps in a Box With Its Body Hanging Out
Cats love boxes, and sleeping in one can provide:
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Security
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Warmth
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A defined resting space
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Protection from surrounding activity
But cats don't always fit inside boxes perfectly.
You may see:
Front half inside.
Back legs outside.
Or perhaps:
Head inside.
Entire body somehow sticking out.
Cats don't care about achieving perfect geometry.
If the box is safe and large enough for your cat to move freely, this is generally normal.
9. Your Cat Sleeps in a Tiny Space
Cats often choose surprisingly small sleeping areas.
They may squeeze into:
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Baskets
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Drawers
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Boxes
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Shelves
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Between cushions
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Under furniture
A confined space can provide a sense of security.
It also helps cats maintain body heat.
This is one reason enclosed cat beds and covered sleeping spaces can be attractive to some cats.
10. Your Cat Sleeps in a "Loaf"
The classic cat loaf occurs when your cat sits upright with its paws tucked underneath its body.
It looks like a small loaf of bread.
Some cats will actually fall asleep in this position.
A relaxed loaf can simply be a comfortable resting position.
However, there is an important distinction.
A cat that is tucked into a relaxed loaf is different from a cat that is sitting hunched over because it is uncomfortable.
A painful or unwell cat may appear tense, reluctant to move, and unusually withdrawn.
Look at the rest of the body language.
11. Your Cat Sleeps With Its Paws Under Its Head
Some cats use their front legs like a pillow.
You may find your cat resting its chin on:
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Its paws
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A blanket
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A cushion
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The edge of a bed
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Your arm
This may simply be a comfortable position.
Cats don't necessarily need a specialized explanation for every strange sleeping posture.
Sometimes:
It just feels good.
12. Your Cat Sleeps in the Sun
Cats often seek warm sleeping locations.
You may see your cat sleeping:
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Near a sunny window
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On a warm blanket
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Beside a radiator
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On a heated surface
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In a patch of sunlight on the floor
Cats generally have a higher normal body temperature than humans, so warmth can be particularly appealing.
However, make sure your cat can move away from the heat whenever it wants.
Avoid excessively hot surfaces or unsafe heating devices.
13. Your Cat Sleeps in Different Positions Throughout the Day
Don't expect your cat to have one favorite sleeping position.
Cats move through different sleep states and frequently adjust their bodies.
Your cat may:
Curl up → stretch out → roll onto its side → change position → curl up again
It may also move between different locations.
This is completely normal.
Changing positions helps the cat regulate temperature and comfort.
What Does Your Cat's Sleeping Position Tell You?
Sleeping position can provide clues, but it shouldn't be interpreted in isolation.
| Sleeping position | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| Curled into a ball | Warmth, comfort, security |
| Stretched on side | Relaxation, cooling |
| Belly exposed | Comfort and trust |
| Paws over face | Comfort, warmth, blocking light |
| In a box | Security and warmth |
| High sleeping position | Security, observation |
| Loaf | Resting while remaining ready to move |
| Head hanging off furniture | Comfort or stretching |
| Fully sprawled out | Relaxation and heat release |
These are general interpretations, not strict rules.
Your cat's personality and environment matter too.
Does a Weird Sleeping Position Mean My Cat Trusts Me?
Sometimes.
If your cat sleeps deeply in unusual positions around you, it may indicate that it feels safe in your presence.
Cats are vulnerable while sleeping.
A cat that feels threatened may remain more alert and choose locations where it can quickly escape.
If your cat regularly:
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Sleeps beside you
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Sleeps on your bed
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Exposes its belly
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Sleeps deeply around you
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Chooses to rest near you
these behaviors may indicate that your home feels safe.
However, one particular sleeping position doesn't prove that your cat trusts you.
Look at the overall relationship.
Why Does My Cat Sleep in Impossible Positions?
Cats have an unusual combination of flexibility, balance, and body control.
Their bodies evolved for:
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Climbing
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Jumping
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Hunting
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Turning quickly
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Squeezing through spaces
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Landing safely
That flexibility carries over into their sleeping behavior.
A position that looks impossible to you may simply be a comfortable combination of stretching and relaxation.
Your cat isn't necessarily trying to impress you.
Although it certainly looks impressive.
Why Does My Cat Sleep in Weird Positions When It's Hot?
When cats become warm, they may spread their bodies out.
You might notice:
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Belly exposed
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Legs extended
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Sleeping on cool floors
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Lying on tile
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Stretching across a sofa
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Sleeping away from enclosed beds
Spreading the body increases the surface area exposed to the surrounding air.
Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water and a cool, well-ventilated area.
If your cat shows signs of heat stress, such as excessive panting, weakness, drooling, confusion, or collapse, seek veterinary care promptly.
Why Does My Cat Change Sleeping Positions So Often?
Cats may change positions because of:
Temperature
They may curl up when cold and stretch out when warm.
Comfort
A position can become uncomfortable after a while.
Sleep stage
Cats don't remain completely still during sleep.
Environment
Noise, light, people, and other pets can influence where and how they sleep.
Security
Cats may change positions depending on whether they feel exposed or protected.
When Should You Worry About Your Cat's Sleeping Position?
Most weird sleeping positions are harmless.
The important thing is to watch for changes in behavior.
Contact a veterinarian if your cat suddenly adopts an unusual posture and also shows:
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Difficulty breathing
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Persistent panting
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Weakness
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Limping
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Difficulty getting up
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Difficulty jumping
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Reluctance to move
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Crying or vocalizing
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Loss of appetite
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Hiding more than usual
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Repeatedly changing position without settling
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A hunched or tense posture
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Signs of pain
A cat that repeatedly gets up, changes positions, and cannot seem to get comfortable may be experiencing discomfort.
Likewise, a cat that suddenly sleeps far more than usual and is difficult to wake or has little interest in food should be evaluated.
Weird Sleeping Position vs. Painful Posture
This distinction is important.
Comfortable weird position
Your cat:
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Looks relaxed
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Has loose muscles
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Breathes normally
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Sleeps peacefully
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Changes position naturally
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Gets up normally
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Behaves normally afterward
Potentially concerning posture
Your cat:
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Looks tense
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Keeps its body hunched
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Has difficulty getting comfortable
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Avoids movement
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Breathes unusually
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Hides
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Vocalizes
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Stops eating
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Acts differently when touched
The position itself isn't necessarily the problem.
The combination of posture and behavior is what matters.
How to Give Your Cat Better Sleeping Options
You don't need to force your cat to sleep in a particular position.
Instead, give it choices.
Provide several types of resting areas:
Soft bed
Useful for cats that like cushioning.
Enclosed bed
Good for cats that prefer privacy.
Elevated cat tree
Useful for cats that like high sleeping locations.
Window perch
Provides warmth and visual stimulation.
Cool floor area
Helpful during warm weather.
Quiet corner
Useful for cats that prefer low-traffic areas.
The more choices your cat has, the easier it is for it to select the location that feels comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat sleep in such weird positions?
Cats are naturally flexible and can comfortably sleep in positions that look unusual to humans. They also adjust their posture according to temperature, comfort, security, and their surroundings.
Why does my cat sleep upside down?
Sleeping upside down often indicates that your cat feels comfortable and secure. Exposing the belly can also help release heat.
Why does my cat sleep on its back?
A cat sleeping on its back may be deeply relaxed, trying to cool itself, or simply enjoying a comfortable position. An exposed belly doesn't necessarily mean your cat wants belly rubs.
Why does my cat sleep with its head hanging off the bed?
Some cats simply find this position comfortable. The flexibility of their spine and neck allows them to rest in angles that look strange to humans.
Why does my cat sleep curled into a ball?
Curling into a ball helps conserve body heat and can provide a sense of security. It's especially common when cats are sleeping in cooler environments.
Why does my cat sleep with its paws over its face?
Your cat may be blocking light, staying warm, or simply finding a comfortable position. Sometimes the paws naturally end up there during sleep.
Why does my cat sleep in a loaf?
A cat loaf is usually a comfortable resting position in which the paws are tucked underneath the body. A relaxed loaf is generally normal, but a tense, hunched posture combined with other symptoms can indicate discomfort.
Does a strange sleeping position mean my cat is sick?
Usually not. Weird sleeping positions are extremely common. Concern is more appropriate when the position represents a sudden change or occurs alongside pain, breathing problems, weakness, appetite loss, or other unusual behavior.
Why does my cat sleep in strange positions near me?
Your cat may feel safe and comfortable around you. Cats often choose their sleeping locations based on warmth, security, familiarity, and proximity to trusted people.
Final Takeaway
Cats sleep in weird positions because they can.
Their flexible bodies allow them to curl, stretch, twist, hang, fold, and sprawl in ways that would leave most humans reaching for a chiropractor.
Most strange sleeping positions are simply expressions of comfort, relaxation, warmth, cooling, security, or personal preference.
An upside-down cat with its paws in the air may simply be enjoying a very comfortable nap.
A cat curled tightly into a ball may be conserving warmth.
A cat stretched across your entire bed may have decided that your mattress belongs to it.
And a cat sleeping with its head hanging over the sofa may have discovered a position that somehow feels perfect.
The key is to watch behavior, not just posture.
If your cat looks relaxed, eats normally, moves normally, and behaves like itself, an unusual sleeping position is usually nothing to worry about.
If the position is suddenly different and your cat also appears painful, weak, restless, confused, or unwell, that's when a veterinary evaluation becomes important.
Recommended Cat Products from TankPaw™
Cozy Cat Beds — Give cats a soft, comfortable place to curl up and sleep.
Enclosed Cat Beds — Provide privacy and security for cats that prefer sheltered sleeping spaces.
Cat Trees & Elevated Beds — Let cats sleep high above the floor while satisfying their natural preference for elevated locations.
Window Perches — Create a comfortable resting area while giving cats a view of the outside world.
Explore TankPaw™ for cat beds, cat trees, window perches, enrichment products, and everyday accessories designed to make indoor cats more comfortable.
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