What’s a boatcat or catloaf picture? There are several standard resting positions that cats get into. Some inform us that the cat is extremely relaxed and chilled out. Other positions tell us that although the cat is resting, she is also alert. Actually, cats are almost, always alert but the coatloaf picture shows a cat that is clearly alert but taking the weight off her feet.
There are varying degrees of tidiness to catloafing or boatcatting. The best catloaf pictures are of very precise and tidy cats, with the forelegs nicely tucked under the chest and the head raised up in perfect alignment:
There is a modification to the catloaf position that I have mentioned before. It is the same as catloafing but the forelegs are raised so the cat is in a crouched position. Cats can hold this for long periods. I think cats do this when they are in discomfort or you see it when a cat is outside in a more alert resting and waiting situation.
Other names and spellings for the catloaf are:
- battle-cat
- loaf stance
- hovercat
- egg mode
- cat-loaf
- boat-cat
- meatloaf-cat
I have never seen my cat, Charlie, do a catloaf. Perhaps this is because he has three legs and can’t get into a position where he is balanced. My lady cat, Binnie (now passed on) did it quite a lot. It would seem to be a matter of cat personality whether a cat takes up this position and for how long and if at all.
If you have a good catloaf picture please try uploading it using the form (“Upload an Image – Please select your image(s) to upload.”) and leave a comment – thanks. I’ll then add the picture to your comment.
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From Howard – another upside down or reverse catloaf:
This is Ollie.
I love all these photos.
lol Leanne an upside down catloaf for a change
From Leanne at Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary – an upside down catloaf.
He is one of our cats, Ollie doing a ‘reverse’ loaf. Upside down asleep, it just looked funny…
Ollie looks like a distant cousin of Marvin. An ocean of orange! Such secure contentment.
i don’t think she’s quite got the hang of this loaf/boat thing!!
From Dorothy:
She’s a loaf, though always ready to spring for escape. Yellow cat, in the perfect loaf pose. I love how the cats have cooperated for this post.
Nice picture, nice garden and above all a nice cat. A genuine catloaf. It seems to be a particularly nice place to be a catloaf.
From Dorothy:
Marvin looking loafie: