Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) has been around for decades and is gaining popularity among couples looking for a more pleasurable sexual experience. The method claims to enhance both male and female pleasure through stimulation of the clitoris and better alignment of the bodies during sex.
This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of C.A.T. for anyone trying to decide if they want to try it!
We will look at why this particular sex position is considered beneficial for couples but also examine the drawbacks and explore alternative positions.
If you’re interested in exploring your sexuality with the C.A.T. sex position or want to know what it’s all about, this guide will answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
What Is the Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.)?
Sex researcher Edward Eichel created this technique. For scientific data regarding the effectiveness of the position, read here.
Coital Alignment Technique, cat, C.A.T., or Cat Sex position as it is sometimes called, is a sexual technique, more than a sex position.
In C.A.T., the bodies of two partners are aligned so that the man’s penis can slide up and down the woman’s vulva, particularly stimulating the clitoris. The position helps to facilitate orgasm and intimacy rather than deep penetrative sex.
Pros:
- Allows for slow, intimate sex
- Focused on pleasure during intimacy
- Increases clitoral stimulation
- Prolongs sexual intercourse
Cons:
- It can be difficult to find the right position, angles, and pace
- Not a lot of deep penetration
- It may not benefit certain couples, as penis sizes and vulva shapes vary.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference if C.A.T. is what you want in the bedroom!
Nevertheless, it’s something that you can experiment with without the need to buy new sex toys or contort your body into uncomfortable, challenging positions. View exploring new things in the bedroom as an adventure! If it isn’t mutually beneficial, move on.
How Is C.A.T. Different From Missionary?
It is similar to the missionary position but with some key differences that make it more pleasurable for both partners.
In the C.A.T. position, the man lies on top of the woman, but rather than entering her vagina, he takes the time to slowly slide and grind one side of his penis against her vulva and clitoris before inserting just the tip of himself inside.
Unlike missionary, this is not a penetration-focus sex position. It’s a slow, intimate, and orgasm-building sex position with numerous benefits for the receiving female partner.
Why The Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) Is So Popular
The Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) is not only highly recommended by sex therapists, but it is also becoming increasingly popular among couples due to its ability to provide both partners with a heightened level of pleasure through prolonged sexual intercourse.
In a 2016 study, 95% of male partners reached orgasm during sex, compared to 65% of women. Why? During most sexual encounters, the clitoris is an afterthought or only shown love during oral sex leading up to penetrative sex.
The reality is most women need direct clitoral stimulation to orgasm! In one study from 2015, only 18% of women reported that intercourse alone was enough for an orgasm.
C.A.T. is a great way to maximize clitoral stimulation during sex. The position allows the man to grind against the woman’s vulva and clitoris, making it easier for her to reach orgasm.
It also helps create an intimate connection between partners, as they can look into each other’s eyes while having sex. This can help deepen their emotional connection, leading to more orgasms and a better sexual experience.
How to Do the Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) Sex Position
The coital alignment technique (C.A.T.) allows the man to maintain direct contact between the clitoris and his partner’s body, thus making it easier for partners to achieve connection through sex.
If penetrative sex does occur in the cat position, reframe from putting more than just the tip inside. This is a clit focused sex activity, more so than your usual missionary position
The C.A.T. focuses on slow, prolonged stimulation and can last considerably longer than traditional sex positions. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your C.A.T. session is pleasurable and successful!
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Start With Foreplay
Before you get into the C.A.T. position, it is important to start with some foreplay. This can include oral sex, kissing, and caressing.
Plus, having a wet and already stimulated clitoris will make it more likely that your partner receives pleasure from having your penis sliding against it.
If you don’t start with oral sex and choose another form of foreplay, try getting her clitoris wet with your favorite lube or with a quick kiss and lick. Many women enjoy this type of stimulation better than when the area is dry.
Get Comfortable
The key to performing the coital alignment technique correctly is finding a comfortable position. Both partners should start in a missionary-style position, with the woman on her back and the man on top.
Find Her Clitoris
Once you’re in position, gently lower your pelvis towards hers until you find her clitoris. This spot should be located at the top of her vulva.
It’s important to communicate with your partner throughout the process so that she can guide you if you miss the mark – or keep it up if it feels right!
Stay Connected While Grinding
Once you find her clit, stay connected as you move forward and backward during intercourse. Maintain constant contact between your bodies as much as possible!
If done correctly, pelvic thrusting combined with your pelvic pressure against hers should result in simultaneous periods of pleasure for both partners involved in either situation—in other words: more intense orgasms!
Adjust Your Angle
C.A.T. isn’t just about achieving orgasm but also exploring different positions for each partner to find what works best for them.
There are endless possibilities regarding positioning and angles, so don’t be afraid to experiment with other positions or ways of reaching orgasm.
Don’t forget that communication is key here, so talk openly about what makes each partner feel good and never be afraid of expressing yourself sexually.
Use a Pillow or Sex Wedge
If you’re having trouble finding the right angle for C.A.T., try using a pillow or sex wedge to help. This can raise your partner’s hips and make it easier for you to stay connected during intercourse.
It will also help angle her body in a way that allows her to receive more pleasure from the pressure and movement of your penis against her.
Sex wedges provide better angles than standard pillows as they are specially designed for sex, but a regular pillow will do in a hurry. Be sure to grab a firm one and place it under her pelvis so that her body is tilted slightly upward.
The Dos and Don'ts of Coital Alignment Technique
There are numerous dos you should keep in mind before trying C.A.T. out in the bedroom, and a few don’ts you should be aware of. For instance;
The Dos:
- Make sure you're both comfortable
- Stay connected while grinding, maintaining constant contact between your bodies as much as possible.
- Adjust your angle to explore different positions for each partner to find what works best for them.
- Take your time
The Don'ts:
- Don't rush into the C.A.T. position without enough foreplay.
- Don't forget to communicate with your partner throughout the entire process.
- Don't feel pressured into trying C.A.T. if neither partner wants slow and intimate sex — some days, rough, faster intercourse is the way to go!
There are so many variations to C.A.T. that it is difficult to do it incorrectly; make sure you focus on mutual pleasure, slow moves, and connection over fast, rough, or deep penetration.
Six Alternatives to C.A.T.
The Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) is a great way to explore different positions and angles for mutual pleasure.
But if it’s not for you, try these instead!
Classic Missionary Position
Everyone is familiar with the Missionary position and the ample in-and-out thrusting it provides for the penetrating partner. If you want to get some of the benefits of C.A.T. via missionary sex, try slowing down intercourse.
Allow the tip of your penis to grind against your partner’s clitoris before penetration. Start slow and shallow, and then work your way up to deeper penetration, allowing the female orgasm more time to build up.
Although it’s “vanilla,” as some people say, missionary sex is popular for a reason! With the right adjustments and plenty of eye contact, both partners can reach orgasmic bliss.
The Lotus
The lotus sex position is a classic intimate and deeply spiritual yoga-based sex position. Lotus is all about total body alignment, increased physical contact, and intimacy— something you won’t find in many other positions!
Each of you should get into a seated position facing one another to get into position. The female partner should get on top of the man and sit on his lap.
The male partner might need to adjust his leg placement or add pillows or cushions underneath himself to ensure everything is lined up perfectly.
The Cowboy
The cowboy position is a variation of the cowgirl, except the male partner is on top in this one. Although it does not provide much skin-to-skin contact as with other sexual positions, it does provide ample eye contact.
To get into position, the female partner should lie on her back. Add a pillow for comfort under the head and hips. The male partner should then straddle her. Ensure the alignment is correct so that the tip of the penis is in direct contact with the clitoris. Spend time stimulating the clitoris and vulva with the penis before penetration to get some of the benefits of the C.A.T. sex position.
The Viennese Oyster
The Viennese Oyster is a sex position similar to the missionary position. In this position, the male partner will use both hands to pin his partner’s legs near her head. This allows him to penetrate her deeply while providing extra stimulation for her clitoris.
The female partner lies on her back with her legs spread wide to do this position. The male partner will then straddle her and use his hands to pin her legs near her head. Before penetrating his partner, he should take a moment to slide his penis against her clitoris and vulva to get the same effect as C.A.T. but with a slightly different angle. Once both are satisfied, he can penetrate deeply.
Spooning
Spooning involves two people lying side-by-side, with one partner in front of the other and their bodies curved together like spoons. This position can be incredibly intimate and pleasurable for both partners, making it a great choice for those looking to explore new positions with slow and shallow sex.
Spooning is a good alternative to C.A.T. because, depending on the length of the male partner, he can slide and grind against his woman’s clitoris from behind. The close embrace is also great for couples exploring each other’s bodies.
To get into this position, both partners should lie facing away from each other. The male partner should then enter from behind while spooning his partner’s body with his own. He can adjust his body as needed to find a comfortable angle that works best for both partners.
The Reverse Coital Alignment Technique
This variation of C.A.T. is similar to the standard version but with the man on his back and the woman on top. The woman moves her pelvis forward and backward in a grinding motion while the man moves his pelvis up and down.
C.A.T. is an incredibly versatile sex position that can explore different angles and positions for mutual pleasure.
Conclusion
C.A.T. is an incredibly pleasurable and intimate sex position that can be used to explore different angles and positions for mutual pleasure.
It is a great choice for those looking to add variety to their bedroom activities. However, many other positions can provide intimacy and pleasure! So, while C.A.T. may be the best sex position for some, it is certainly not the best for some couples.
F.A.Q.'s
Does the Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) work for all couples?
Unfortunately, no. C.A.T. will work for most couples, but everyone’s body is different, and there is no way to predict how yours or hers will respond to this technique.
The alignment might be incorrect, or she may need more intense and rapid stroking to reach orgasm, which you may be unable to provide with your penis.
C.A.T. is worth a try! Just keep an explorative mindset and be prepared to switch to a tried and true method if things go sour or don’t work out as expected.
What do I do if it doesn't work?
If the Coital Alignment Technique (C.A.T.) doesn’t work for you and your partner, other methods offer similar benefits. Additionally, consider taking more time for foreplay to maximize pleasure before attempting C.A.T. — that might do the trick and help your partner reach orgasm using the technique.
Also, remember that an orgasm is not the only goal of C.A.T. The sexual technique builds closeness through slow sexual intercourse. If your partner did not orgasm from this, it does not mean she did not enjoy it or that neither of you benefited from trying it out.
Keep an open mind in the bedroom, and explore other options to find new ways to pleasure each other.
