Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Is Cat Shrimping? Explanation With Pictures

Cat Curl Up Sleeping

Cats are interesting characters that can surprise us with their personalities and behaviors, no matter how well we think that we know them. What’s fun is following trends that cats set without realizing what they are doing. One trending example is cat shrimping. This entails catching your cat curled up in the shape of a “shrimp” while they’re lounging or sleeping. Basically, the cat is curled up into a cute ball, but their legs are extended beyond their heads, creating an almost “purrfect” replication of a shrimp—at least before it’s been butterflied and seasoned. Here’s what you should know with examples of cat shrimping behavior.

divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

Cat Shrimping Is Popular on Social Media

Whatever social media sites you utilize, chances are that you’ll find plenty of posts related to cat shrimping if you just search for it. The idea is basic: a picture of a cat curled up in such a way that they look like a big ol’ shrimp!

The idea of cat shrimping seems to be in the eye of the beholder, as you’ll find posts of cats curled up on stairs and in other places where they don’t really look like shrimp at all. Still, the sentiment is the same, and one can always glean the intent of a cat “shrimping” no matter how they happen to be curled up.

Examples of Cat Shrimping on Social Media

Some social media websites feature cat shrimping photos more than others, but no matter the site, you can search for terms like “cat curled with legs out” or simply “cat curled up” to find cat shrimping photos that are not tagged as such. Here are examples that should help point you in the right direction.

Instagram

This photo offers the perfect example of cat shrimping. This beautiful white and orange tabby is curled up to create an almost perfect replica of a shrimp. Their head is tucked down toward their knees, their legs extended past their head, and the rest of the body is curled up to accommodate the position.

This is a classic photo of a “cat shrimping.” The legs are extended, the head is tucked in, and there are no eyes to be seen. What more could you ask for when it comes to cuteness? The adorable bedding definitely adds to the ambiance, but the posture is where it’s at.

This dark-colored kitty looks extremely relaxed yet perfectly posed as a “shrimp.” The cat’s coloring adds an extra dimension and mimics the textured look that shrimp tend to have before they are cooked.

Twitter (X)

As the caption states, this is “cat shrimping at its best.” This kitty seems to enjoy using their front legs to curl into this curled yet extended pose. They seem to be using the back of the couch for extra support too.

This example of cat shrimping includes extended arms, which doesn’t completely mimic the way that a shrimp looks. However, the pose does represent the general look of a shrimp, so it still counts as part of the viral trend.

Despite the confined space, this is cat shrimping! The box provides just enough room for a cat to curl up for a nap, naturally making them take a pose that makes them look similar to a shrimp. The cat’s longer hair takes away from the overall visual impact, but the pose is still there.

Some Social Media Sites Don’t Feature Cat Shrimping

Some social media sites, like Facebook, don’t feature “cat shrimping” posts even when you search for them. You can try searching for things like “curled-up cat” if you can’t find results when searching for “cat shrimping.” There is always room for more cat shrimping photos on the Internet, so don’t hesitate to post any that you happen to capture of your own feline family member!divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

A Recap

Cat shrimping is simply a form of sleeping for cats that mimics the look of shrimp. You’ve been provided with a few examples that give you a good idea of what the pose looks like. If you catch your cat “shrimping,” don’t hesitate to post a pic on social media, as your kitty is sure to get plenty of attention!

See also:


Featured Image Credit: asadykov, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

15 Amazing Comic Book Cats (With Pictures)

Comics display incredible feats of artistry, storytelling, and imagination. Some are funny, others provide cutting social commentary, and there are also superhero comics...

cat in superhero costume

10 Cats With Mustaches in Honor of Movember (With Pictures)

“Movember” is an important annual campaign that promotes the growth of mustaches to support men’s health. It takes place throughout the month of...

black-and-white-cat-resting

Purrminators Helps Kittens and Adult Cats via Instagram

Brechje is a woman who lives in the Netherlands, and when her mother fostered a litter of orphaned kittens in 2012, the benevolent...

bunch of tabby kittens

Adam Ellis Talks About His Photo Book “Tiny Hats on Cats”

Adam Ellis began making tiny construction paper hats for his kitten, Maxwell, solely to amuse himself. It was a serendipitous beginning. “It started...

More related

Cushzilla: Interview With the Cat Clothing Experts

Cat costuming is one of the finest of the feline arts — but it’s also one that’s exceptionally tricky to master. Most cats...

Catster_Weekly Mews Shropshire Cat Rescue

UK Cat Rescue Gives Senior Cats a Retirement Village of Their Own

Nestled in the heart of Shrewsbury, Shropshire Cat Rescue provides a lifeline to homeless, stray, abandoned, and unwanted cats and kittens across Shropshire....

ginger cat stretching after waking up from nap

7 Favorite Cat Stretches (With Infographic)

Nearly every feline owner has witnessed their cat stretching in adorable ways. Cats stretch for similar reasons we do—it feels good, eases tight...

How to Burrito Wrap a Cat: 7 Simple Steps

As a cat volunteer at San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC), I work with homeless cats usually referred to as “feral,” who...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky? Vet-Approved Health and Nutrition Advice

Jerky has been around in human diets for millennia. Civilizations spanning the globe all have methods and recipes for drying and curing meat. It’s a great way to ensure that meat doesn’t spoil and lasts for extended periods. While jerky...

Can Cats Eat Beef Jerky

7-12-Month Old Kitten: What to Expect (Vet-Verified Guide)

Most kittens get adopted before they are six months old, meaning that you get to experience the part of a kitten’s life in which they are 7 to 12 months of age. This is the stage where kittens are self-sufficient...

Australian Mist Kitten

Can Cats Be Hermaphrodites? Vet-Approved Feline Facts

Cat lovers who spend a lot of their time learning about their feline friends have probably heard tales of hermaphrodite cats that have male and female sex organs. But is it possible for cats to be hermaphrodites? Cats can be...

close up bronze Egyptian Mau cat

How Much Space Does A Cat Need? Feline Necessities Explained

Before you bring a new pet into your home, you need to ensure you have enough space for them to be happy and healthy. When it comes to ensuring you have enough space for a feline, there are quite a...

European Shorthair

6 Alternative Types of Natural Cat Litter: Vet Approved Options

If you’re searching for a new cat litter or natural alternative to the traditional clay litter, you are in the right place. Many cat owners (and some cats) don’t care for the clay-based litters—either the feel of these litters or...

woman cleaning cat litter at home

Why Do Cats Gag? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons & When to Worry

Our cats are always nosing about, getting into all sorts of things. They see something peculiar, and what better thing to do than give it a good sniff? If your cat gags a lot, you might wonder what gives. Some...

cat gagging

9 Human Foods That Cats Can Safely Eat: Vet-Reviewed Dishes

It’s hard to resist the pleading eyes your cat gives you as you chow down on a succulent chicken breast or a juicy hamburger. So, you might wonder if you can safely offer your kitty a taste of the meal...

cat eating from metal feeding bowl

Multiple Myeloma in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment

If you’re interested in multiple myeloma, your cat may have been recently diagnosed with this rare disease. If this is the case, we’re very sorry and understand you’ll want to know everything about the condition and what to expect moving...

sad, bored or sick cat