When a big cat rests, it usually put the rear paws together on a side, bot not always. Why?
A. It’s a matter of comfort, really. Big cats and small cats often sit-lie in what Serengeti zoologist Brian C R Bertram delightfully calls Tail-end Lying, Front Sphinxed (TLFS). The front legs stretch out in front, but the rear of the body is twisted slightly so the animal rests one flank on the ground with both hind legs to the same side, one hind leg slightly forward of the other, and the head turned to face the same direction as the hind paws. The fact this is such a popular pose suggests to me it is extremely comfortable – and versatile as the animal can, from TLFS, either roll onto the brisket to become truly Sphinxed (a more alert pose) or can simply flop onto his side (the same side as whichever flank is on the ground) and go to sleep. It’s also a great pose to do most of the bulk washing, including both forepaws, the upper hind leg and haunch, the stomach, and, by merely lifting one leg, the loins and genitals. The only disadvantage seems to be in lions trying to roar. I suppo
