Coital Alignment Technique (CAT): The Position that’ll Have You Purring with Pleasure

​According to a study conducted by IFOP, only 20-30 percent of women reach orgasm through penetration alone. This means that for most women, the clitoris remains the main pleasure point during sex. However, in many relationships, penetration seems to be the focus of play. The good news is there exists a technique that doesn’t require crazy acrobatics or complex accessories, yet it will radically change your sex life. The name of this mystical position? The CAT: coital alignment technique. It’s a simple variation on our old friend missionary, with the difference being that it ensures the clitoris receives princess treatment. In this article, we discuss how and why it’s such a slam dunk in the pleasure department.

​We agree that the term itself seems quite clinical. This is thanks to scientist Edward Eichel, who baptised this move the coital alignment technique (or CAT for those in the know). Despite the medical jargon, it’s a surprisingly simple technique: slightly changing the alignment of your bodies is enough to transform the classic missionary into a real booster in the feminine pleasure department.

​In concrete terms, CAT is a variation on missionary. It doesn’t appear very spectacular, but that’s what makes it such a hard-hitter. Everything that makes missionary so popular- the closeness, intimacy and face-to-face pleasure- is still present, but the angle of movement is adjusted so that the penetrating partner’s pubis is in direct contact with the clitoris. This results in constant stimulation through rubbing, in time with penetration. This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a complete game changer. Especially when we think back to the fact that most women don’t finish from penetration alone.

​The secret to CAT is simple: the angle. Contrary to classic missionary, the penetrating person in this situation positions their body higher up than that of their partner’s. Enough so that their torso is above their partner’s shoulders, maybe even slightly higher. This new configuration changes the alignment of the pelvises, allowing the penis to rub directly against the clitoris.

​Rather than relying on classing thrusting movements, this position focuses more on rocking; a back-and-forth movement reminiscent of grinding. This stimulates the vulva in a much more regular fashion and as a result, the sensations felt are spread out across the whole pelvic region, providing stimulation that increases the chances of having one, or even multiple orgasms!

​You don’t need to become a contortionist to achieve this position, instead it’s all about recentering your attention on that little button of pleasure where thousands of nerve endings are just waiting to be stimulated.

​No need to get your knickers in a twist, we promise that despite how technical it may seem, the CAT position is super easy to get into. Don’t worry about bending your body like crazy, it’s just a simple adaptation on missionary. Don’t forget, however, that communication and trust are always necessary for any sexual practice. What makes it even more arousing is this exact idea of “let’s explore something new together”, through the common goal of maximising pleasure. Now let’s get into it from 1 to 5…

​Start in a comfortable, classic position. The receiver lies on their back, legs spread, relaxed and ready to welcome the other person.

​Just like classic missionary, the penetrating partner is positioned above the receiver so that their bodies are close together and facing each other.

​This is where the magic happens. The penetrator moves their body up slightly, so that their chest is in line with their partner’s face, maybe even slightly higher. This new position will allow for the penis (or strap-on) to align with the clitoris.

​Once you’re perfectly in place, it’s time to get penetrating. There’s no need to rush things though: just the tip to start things off is enough to give you both time to get used to the position and all the sensations it arouses. Some couples may even prefer to stay at this point, others might look for deeper penetration. Just make sure you’re aware of how you and your partner are feeling.

​This isn’t a position for classic thrusting movements. Here, grinding, rocking and rubbing movements are better. The idea is to regularly stimulate the clitoris via the pubis or the base of the penis. There’s no need for it to be hard or fast: a soft, gentle, constant rhythm maximises stimulation. It’s all about consistency, not power.

​The CAT is already a surefire winner as is, but there’s nothing stopping you from adding your own personal touch to the mix. By playing with accessories, sensations and your surroundings, you can transform this variation of missionary into a full sensory experience. Here’s a few ideas to help you explore everything this position has to offer.

​Sex toys are great for adding more intensity to sensations, even if the CAT is already focused on clitoral stimulation. A bullet vibrator that both of you can hold, an external simulator, or a hands-free toy are all great in offering you a more enriched experience.

​Placed around the base of the penis, a vibrating cock ring sends waves of pleasure around both partners’ erogenous zones. When you combine these vibrations with the movements in the CAT position, you’ll be providing intensified pleasure without any added effort necessary.

​The vagina and the clitoris are being taken care of, so why not add a third erogenous zone to the mix? The nipples are full of nerve endings, and a little stimulation in this region will have sparks flying… Some people may even succeed in having a nipple orgasm.

A butt plug can increase sensations for the receiving partner, as when worn it tightens the vaginal walls. Coupled with clitoral stimulation, it’s a combo that offers new, deeper, more all-consuming levels of intensity.

​Every body is different, and the perfect angle can vary from couple to couple. A cushion placed under the hips will allow you to adjust your position and maximise clitoral stimulation . Try, adjust, have fun: that’s what it means to enjoy pleasure with another person.

​Lube isn’t good simply for reducing discomfort, it also makes each movement softer, more fluid and more pleasant. If you add a clit-stimulating gel to the mix, the smallest amount of friction will become electrifying. It’s definitely something worth trying, even if you choose not to use it regularly.

​One of the great things about this position is that it keeps you connected to your partner. Make the most out of being face-to-face so you can look at one another, kiss , or whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears. This emotional proximity can make a world of difference. Sometimes this is just as important in reaching orgasm as the movements themselves.

​You don’t need to reinvent the wheel in order to revolutionise your sex life. The coital alignment technique is proof that a simple adjustment and added attention to the clitoris allows penetration to finally become a source of shared pleasure, not just fun for one partner. Easy to get into, fun to explore with a partner, and full of potential for spicing things up… the CAT ticks all the boxes. The only thing left to do is give it a go, and who knows- it might become your new favourite position.