Biology:Catloaf

Short description: Internet phenomenon surrounding a cat sitting position

A cat "loafing" with its paws and tail tucked under its body

Catloaf (also spelled as cat loaf and sometimes known as hovercat, tugboat or loafing) is an internet phenomenon and term used to describe a domestic cat's sitting position in which its paws and tail are tucked under the body, forming a loaf-like shape. A speculation for the sitting position indicates that the cat is relaxed and feels unthreatened, and therefore has no need to sit in a position where it would have to attack. Another potential reason for this sitting position is for the cat to maintain a comfortable body temperature without having to move.

There is no clear date for when the word catloaf was first used or the position was popularly recognized, but it likely has been a relevant term since as early as 1999 originating in Usenet newsgroups. Before this, cartoonist B. Kliban had noted the similarity between the shapes of cats and meatloaves as early as 1975. However, widespread popularity of the word had not gained peak popularity until the 2010s on social media sites such as Reddit and Twitter, as well as Facebook, where the sitting position is also known as "tugboat" in the "Tuggin'" group. Alongside social media groups, websites such as Kitty Loaf have also been created specifically for the phenomenon. TikTok also has videos of people "checking" their cat's loaves, calling them "loaf checks."