CAT position: What it is, how it works & why it changes orgasms

Part of our comprehensive Sex Positions Guide – the ultimate overview of all positions for more intense experiences.

CAT Position – The Technique That Changes Female Orgasm During Penetration

The CAT position – short for Coital Alignment Technique – is the only sex position that allows for simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation: no free hands, no vibrator, with a single change in body position. A minimal adjustment to the missionary position – with an effect that many couples describe as a turning point.

This guide shows how the technique works, what variations there are – and why choosing the right material makes all the difference.

Table of Contents

What is the CAT Position – and what does Coital Alignment Technique mean?

CAT stands for Coital Alignment Technique – in German: koitale Ausrichtungstechnik. The term was coined in 1988 by American sex therapist Edward Eichel and describes a specific variation of the missionary position with altered body alignment.

In German-speaking countries, the technique is also referred to as CAT position, Cat sex position, or simply Cat in Sex. All terms refer to the same thing: a missionary position variation where the penetrating person is shifted upwards, so that penetration and clitoral friction occur simultaneously.

The core difference in one sentence: Instead of up-and-down, the penetrating person moves back-and-forth – and sits higher than usual.

The science behind CAT: why it works

The Coital Alignment Technique is one of the few sex positions that has been scientifically studied. Edward Eichel's study (1988, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy) compared the standard missionary position with the CAT technique. Result: women who used the technique achieved orgasm significantly more often during penetration – and described it as more intense.

Why does it work physiologically?

The clitoris is not a small dot – it is an extensive internal organ whose visible part is only the tip. The inner crura run along the vaginal wall. In the standard missionary position, these structures are barely stimulated. In the CAT position, the following happens simultaneously:

  • External Stimulation – the base rubs directly against the clitoral glans with every back-and-forth movement
  • Internal Stimulation – the altered angle stimulates the inner clitoral crura through the anterior wall
  • Synchronized Rhythm – both stimulations happen in the same movement rhythm, multiplying the intensity

The result is a so-called blended orgasm – an orgasm that combines clitoral and vaginal stimulation. Many women describe it as deeper and longer-lasting than purely clitoral orgasms.

Step-by-step: How to correctly perform the CAT technique

Starting Position:

Begin in the classic missionary position: receptive person on their back, penetrating person on top.

Step 1: Shift Upwards

The penetrating person shifts their entire body approx. 5–10 cm upwards – do not lean forward, but move the body as a unit upwards. The pelvis is now higher than the receptive person's pelvis.

Step 2: Make Contact

The base now rests directly on the receptive person's clitoris. This is the crucial contact point of the CAT position. If this contact is not felt: shift a little further upwards.

Step 3: Change Movement

No more up-and-down movement. Instead: back-and-forth rocking – like swaying. The penetrating person presses the pelvis forward (clitoral pressure increases) and pulls it back (penetration depth changes). Both movements stimulate simultaneously.

Step 4: Synchronize Rhythm

The receptive person moves their pelvis in opposition – upwards when the penetrating person presses forward. This opposing movement simultaneously intensifies clitoral contact and penetration depth.

Tempo and Pressure:

Variable Recommendation Effect
Tempo Slow to medium Too fast interrupts clitoral contact
Pressure Even, not too strong Constant contact more important than intensity
Amplitude Small (2–5 cm) Large movements lose the contact point
Breathing rhythm Synchronized Enhances emotional and physical intensity

CAT Variations: From Beginner to Advanced

1. Standard CAT (Beginner)

As described above – penetrating person shifted 5–10 cm upwards, rocking motion. Ideal for first-time尝试.

2. CAT with Cushion (Recommended)

A cushion under the receptive person's buttocks elevates the pelvis. This greatly facilitates clitoral contact and reduces the demands on body control. The simplest upgrade measure for the CAT technique.

3. CAT with Bent Legs

The receptive person bends their legs and places their feet flat on the mattress. This tilts the pelvis upwards – similar to a cushion, but with more control. The receptive person can actively adjust the angle.

4. Reverse CAT

The receptive person lies on top – similar to the cowgirl position, but leaning forward. The clitoris rubs against the body of the person lying down. More control for the receptive person over pressure and rhythm.

5. CAT with Sex Grinder

A Sex Grinder made of platinum silicone is placed between the bodies – directly on the clitoris. The CAT movement rubs the grinder with every back-and-forth motion. More on this in the toy section.

CAT vs. Missionary Position: The Crucial Difference

Factor Standard Missionary Position CAT Position
Body Position Pelvis at the same height Penetrating person 5–10 cm higher
Movement Type Up-and-down Back-and-forth (rocking)
Clitoral Contact None or accidental Direct, with every movement
G-Spot Stimulation Medium Altered angle, different quality
Orgasm Rate (Women) ~25% with penetration alone Significantly higher (Eichel study)
Free Hands Needed? Yes, for clitoral stimulation No – completely hands-free
Eye Contact Maximum Maximum (same position)
Emotional Connection High High (same closeness)

Who is the CAT Position Ideal For?

  • Women who rarely orgasm during penetration – the technique was specifically developed for this problem
  • Couples who want eye contact and intimacy – the CAT position retains all the emotional benefits of the missionary position
  • As an alternative to vibrator and free hand – completely hands-free, no toy needed
  • Couples seeking synchronization – the opposing movement of both partners creates a connection that other positions do not offer
  • In cases of erectile dysfunction – the rocking movement is less demanding than intense thrusting movements; a penis sleeve provides stability
  • As an upgrade to the missionary position – minimal change, maximum effect

Penis Sleeve in the CAT Position: Friction on a New Level

A penis sleeve made of platinum silicone enhances the CAT effect – not despite the technique, but because of it.

Why a sleeve enhances the technique:

  • Larger base = more contact surface – the sleeve base is wider than the natural base. In the CAT movement, this larger surface rubs against the clitoris – more contact, more stimulation
  • Platinum silicone texture – soft enough for comfortable friction, firm enough for constant contact. TPE sleeves are too soft and lose the contact point during the rocking movement
  • Defined shape maintains angle – in the CAT position, where the angle is crucial, the sleeve maintains this angle even with slow movements
  • Support for erectile dysfunction – the rocking movement is less demanding than thrusting movements; a sleeve provides stability regardless of erection level

→ Discover Platinum Silicone Penis Sleeves

Sex Grinder as a CAT Enhancer: The Underrated Combination

The Sex Grinder made of platinum silicone is the ideal supplementary toy for the CAT position. It is placed between the bodies – directly on the clitoris. The penetrating person's body weight holds it in place. With every back-and-forth rocking movement of CAT, the grinder rubs against the clitoris – completely hands-free, no holding, no adjusting.

CAT + Sex Grinder vs. CAT Alone:

Factor CAT Alone CAT + Sex Grinder
Clitoral Contact Surface Sleeve base or natural base Entire Grinder surface
Stimulation Intensity High Very high
Hands Needed No No
Positional Stability Body contact Body weight holds Grinder
Fantasy Texture No Yes – ribs, nubs, waves

→ Discover Platinum Silicone Sex Grinders

CAT for Gay Couples & Femboys

Gay Couples (male):

The CAT position works for gay couples as an anal variation of the missionary position: penetrating person shifted upwards, rocking movement. The altered angle stimulates the receptive person's prostate differently than the standard anal missionary position – more evenly, over a longer period. An anal plug for the penetrating person is activated by body weight with every rocking movement.

Femboys & Trans Women:

The CAT position retains all the emotional qualities of the missionary position: eye contact, physical closeness, equality. For femboys with a Transgender Vagina Slip from SilikonLust, the CAT movement is particularly suitable – the rocking motion keeps the slip naturally in position, without slipping.

→ Discover Transgender Vagina Slip

The Most Common Mistakes in the CAT Position

Mistake Why it happens Solution
Up-and-down instead of rocking Habit from the missionary position Consciously switch to back-and-forth movement – start small
Not shifted far enough up Underestimating how far the shift needs to be Shift up until clitoral contact is felt
Too fast tempo Habit from other positions CAT thrives on a slow, even rhythm
Receptive person passive Thinking only the penetrating person needs to adjust Opposing movement of the receptive person doubles the intensity
No cushion Trying CAT without aids Cushion under the buttocks significantly facilitates clitoral contact

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the CAT Position

What is the CAT position?

CAT stands for Coital Alignment Technique – a variation of the missionary position where the penetrating person is shifted approx. 5–10 cm upwards. The movement is back-and-forth instead of up-and-down. This causes the base to rub directly against the clitoris with every movement – simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation, hands-free.

What does Coital Alignment Technique mean?

Coital Alignment Technique literally means 'coital alignment technique'. The term describes the precise body alignment that allows for simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation. Developed in 1988 by Edward Eichel, scientifically confirmed as one of the most effective methods for female orgasm during penetration.

How does the CAT technique work step by step?

1. Assume missionary position. 2. Penetrating person shifts 5–10 cm upwards. 3. Check for clitoral contact at the base. 4. Change movement to back-and-forth (rocking). 5. Receptive person moves pelvis in opposition. 6. Maintain a slow, even rhythm.

Is the CAT position scientifically proven?

Yes. Edward Eichel's study (1988) showed significantly higher orgasm rates in women using the technique compared to the standard missionary position. The method has since been confirmed in further studies and recommended by sex therapists worldwide.

What is the difference between CAT and the normal missionary position?

In the normal missionary position: up-and-down, no clitoral contact. In the CAT position: penetrating person positioned higher, back-and-forth rocking, direct clitoral contact with every movement. Minimal change – maximum effect.

Does CAT also work with a penis sleeve?

Yes – and a platinum silicone sleeve even enhances the effect. The wider base rubs against a larger area of the clitoris. Platinum silicone is soft enough for comfortable friction and firm enough for constant contact.

Can you combine CAT with a sex grinder?

Yes – this is one of the most effective combinations. The sex grinder is placed between the bodies, body weight holds it in position. With every CAT rocking movement, it rubs against the clitoris – completely hands-free, larger stimulation surface than the base alone.

Is the CAT position suitable for beginners?

Yes - the technique requires no acrobatic skills. The biggest challenge is changing the movement from up-and-down to rocking. With a pillow under the receiving person's bottom, it's much easier to get started.

→ Back to the Sex Positions Guide – all positions at a glance

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