Adorable Close-Up Pics Of Cats Napping That'll Have You Saying 'Awww'

Cats live to romp, eat, cuddle, and sleep, and it's sleep that takes up most of their time. Cats sleep so much that some, like kittens, may only be awake for four hours a day. They don't lie down for one long slog, though. They'll happily snooze for an hour or two, get up to play or eat, then settle down for another nap.

All that sleeping gives cat lovers plenty of opportunities to capture sweet photos. The same cat might curl up into a ball for nap one, twist into a furry pretzel for nap two, and stretch out on their backs without a care in the world for nap three. Some even prefer to sleep with kitty companions, multiplying the cuteness in a single photo. Our list of cute, napping cats features everything from tiny kittens exhausted from their latest gambol to fully grown cuddle bugs enjoying a well-earned rest.

Cuddling a cat is a naturally soothing experience, especially for fellow purr machines. Bella and Mo look like they're experiencing pure bliss when they lie down together. This Facebook photo shares the joy with the cats' social media fans, and many were touched by how adorable the furry duo is. One fan gushed, "Aww, they are so sweet. Sweet dreams." Mo's cuddling skills are especially praised. The black-and-white cutie dwarfs little Bella, yet he's obviously being as gentle as possible.

If two napping cats can make you smile, you'll love meeting this trio. A cat shelter snapped a photo of three of its cutest residents, and Facebook commenters couldn't decide whether the sleepy kitties were more like the Three Stooges or the Three Amigos. The animals lie on their sides: two brown tabbies and one with swaths of white fur. It's a peaceful scene, even when you spot the cats' spiral-shaped toys poking out from under the bench.

Napping is necessary when you have to prepare for goofy orange cat shenanigans. Freddie exudes peace in this Instagram photo of him sleeping on a couch cushion, but when he's awake, he's an energetic creature who loves to play. The average cat's laid-back schedule means Freddie may jump up to play for a bit, have a snack, and then go right back to sleep. Luckily, he's found an ultra-comfy spot to rest. His orange-creamsicle fur pops against the thick white couch cover, and his body melts into the couch's curves.

Cats grow even more charming when they sleep on their backs. They look cute, and they're also showing the ultimate sign of trust. Lying on their backs exposes their bellies and vital organs, so it only makes sense to do so around people they know won't hurt them. The fluffy cat lying on its back in this Instagram photo clearly feels safe with whatever's happening. The cat's so comfortable, its tiny paws dangle over its belly, and its mouth hangs slightly open. One user joked that that's what they look like "5 minutes before I'm late for work."

Some cats sleep on their beds; others get creative. Over 10,000 Instagrammers have reacted to this photo of Honey sleeping on the couch, with her own bed positioned like a protective fort. The couch provides the cushioning, and the upside-down bed adds warmth and a hiding spot. Two feet, one tail, and one orange-and-white face stick out from the bed, but she could curl up, and no one would see her. Cats adore hidey holes, even when there is nothing to hide from.

It's hard to look more comfortable than Tom does wrapped in this fluffy white blanket. He's mastered the feline trick of sleeping with his eyes half shut. That semi-gaze can help cats stay safe and alert during deep sleep, but nobody knows why they do it for sure. We do know that Tom makes us say "aww!" when he gets that look. His little pink tongue sticking out is an extra dose of cuteness. An Instagram user called Tom's tongue "The blep 😂" in a comment on his photo.