It’s like an easy and sexy twist on missionary to help you take your pleasure to the next level!
Hey, so you're thinking about trying the CAT move?
Awesome choice! It's like missionary but with a smart, little twist that lines everything up just right for way stronger, mind-blowing orgasms.
No fancy moves needed. It's super simple once you get the hang of it. Stick with us, because this step-by-step guide will have you both feeling closer and loving every second.
Ready to level your love life up using the Coital Alignment Technique? Let's go!
What Does Coital Alignment Technique (CAT) Mean?

The Coital Alignment Technique, or CAT, is basically a tweaked version of missionary where the person on top scoots up a bit higher so their body lines up with their partner’s clitoris.
And instead of giving their partner some powerful in-and-out motion, givers mostly grind. They wiggle and push instead of going in and out like usual.
Some people do point out that it still puts a lot of focus on penetration, which doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s totally valid.
In this Reddit post, someone shared their story. That once you hit an orgasm while doing the CAT, it's all because your partner's thing is rubbing right on your clit. And yup, they're still inside your vagina at the same time.
That awesome feeling is mostly coming from the rubbing on the outside clit, not from the inside part by itself.
So, How Does CAT Work?
The best part of the Coital Alignment Technique is the way it tilts down just right.
As the receiver lies comfortably on their back, the giver can place their body on top of them. But much higher up. So the giver's shoulders can almost align with the receiver's chest.
After the couple positions themselves, the penis or a toy can start touching the clitoris. And that's a super tickly place with tons of feel-good nerves.
When they wiggle and grind together, it rubs the clit and the parts around it, so they can achieve the big O through grinding rather than just going in and out.
The technique lies in rocking back and forth, nice and steady, to keep rubbing the clit.
The Perks of Doing the CAT
CAT can help both partners, as long as one has a vulva and the other has a penis, and here are the good things about it.
More Rubs On the Clit
Did you know there's a big difference in who gets to feel super happy during sexy time? A study made by the National Library of Medicine says that penis owners finish gladly almost all the time, like 90 out of 100. But vulva owners only do it way less, like 39 out of 100.
One big reason vulva owners don't always get there is not having enough rubs on their little button. With CAT, the penis points down more. This only means there's more rubbing on the clit, while some action is happening inside as well.
More Control Over Ejaculation
If you finish really fast and it bugs you, CAT might help you slow things down.
Since CAT is nicer and more chill than those strong and pushy moves, it can help penis owners to last way longer when they're playing.
Simultaneous Orgasms
When couples used this move, vulva owners had orgasms more often, and a lot of pairs ended up finishing at the same time.
Makes Things Much Closer
CAT gets you super snuggled up close.
And those hugs can make your moments extra special. You might end up feeling way more comfy with each other!
Trying More Fun Stuff Together
When you’re this close, it’s easier to explore each other’s bodies in fun ways. You can use your hands to touch nice, tingly spots, give more kisses, or even bring in a vibrating toy to make things feel extra exciting.
How to Do the Coital Alignment Technique Sex Move Properly
Wanna learn this super fun bedroom trick? Here's how you can do CAT the right way and have a blast!
Grind, Don't Push!
When doing the CAT, the receiver can lie on their back with legs open wide, while the other lies on top. Don't do big in-and-out pushes like the regular missionary. Instead, try grinding and rubbing the penis (or dildo) on the clit until it slides inside.
Here's the alignment trick: Top partner tilts their hips so their pelvis lines up right on top of the bottom one's. The penis owner's chin should go above their partner's head. And their chest is right in their face.
That setup lets the penis base rub the vulva and clit for awesome friction. Penis angles down a bit too, hitting the back vaginal wall easier. Super straightforward once you get it!
Keep Things Slow
CAT is perfect for taking it nice and slow to really amp up that clit pleasure. The missionary can start chill and intimate, but it usually ramps up to those deep, hard thrusts. No hate if you're into rough stuff, but sometimes the clit loves a slow build... then crank it up a notch!
Begin With Oral Sex
Do oral sex first before the penetrative part of the CAT. It's super important!
Oral sex is a great way for you and your partner to open yourselves up to each other before trying other kinds of sex, especially if it's something new.
Plus, with all the heavy grinding and rubbing in CAT sex, oral helps make more lubrication.
Grab Some Cushions
Grab a pillow if you have a back-facing vulva! Use a pillow to angle the vagina and vulva upward for better access.
You can put a pillow under the tailbone of the receiving partner before you start. It tilts the hips up at the right angle.
Pro-tip: Sex pillows have a supportive wedge that slides under your lower back. And because pillows can help with comfort and penetration, you might find out your new favorite angle or position next!
Add Toys to the Game
CAT sex is whatever you and your partner wanna make it. Super flexible! Throw in any of these sex toys or tricks, or just get creative and see what clicks for you both.
You might wanna try:
- Vibrating penis or cock rings
- Anal toys
- Nipple massagers or clamps
- Masturbation (Mutual)
- Handcuffs
- Dirty talk
- Teasing spots like nibbling ears, moaning in them, light tongue or finger traces on skin, or grabbing waists.
Are There Any Not-So-Great Parts?
One tricky thing about CAT is that it can be hard to line your bodies up just right, so it might take a bit of practice to perfect things.
Also, the giving partner might not get those super deep strokes they’re craving, especially if they’re on the smaller side.
Easy Tips to Nail the Coital Alignment Technique
Here are some handy tips for trying out the CAT position in bed:
- Lean Into That Closeness - Other sex positions are all about thrusting in and out, but the Coital Alignment Technique is grinding and rocking instead. Your bodies rub right up against each other super close. You can touch all over, hold tighter, or kiss, lick, and nip with your mouth.
- Figure Out If It Works For You - If you or your partner aren't feeling it but wanna keep focusing on the clit, then you can try cunnilingus (vulva oral sex), clitoral masturbation, or just grinding without going in.
- Angle It Right - Tilt those hips! For this one, the bottom person angles their hips and thighs up, just not over 45 degrees. This angle gets you in a better position without locking up the pelvis.
- Move In Opposite Ways - No thrusting. Just have one go up while the other goes down. Switch directions for extra clit action.
- Pace Yourself - Unlike a regular missionary that goes fast and wild, coital alignment works best slow and controlled.
Some Positions You Can Try Once You’re Used to the Technique
Here are a few more clit-loving sex positions to check out after you've nailed this one:
Lotus

If grinding hits the spot, then why not sit on your partner's lap in lotus? It's super romantic! Or tweak it, as this position allows vulva owners to find the best angle for them. Just like lap-sitting or clit-grinding on their partner's thigh.
Reverse Coital Alignment

This is like a reverse cowgirl, but focusing more on the clit. To do this position effectively, the vulva owner can first sit on the top of a dildo or penis. This gives the receiver more control to line up their clit and the bottom's pressure spots.
Tabletop

Now this is a fun one. Just sit or lie back on the edge of a table, bed, or chair. Then, the giver can stand between the receiver's legs, grab their waist, and slide right in. Easy peasy.
This one's great for that super easy access, and also great for switching up angles without putting much effort.
Seashell

For this next position, all you gotta do is lie back, raise your legs high, and cross your ankles behind your head. Next, the giving partner can slide in just like during a missionary. Super flexible and deep!
The Sitting V

The receiver can sit and lie on a high table, counter, or even on the floor. Next, the giver can stand in front, while spreading the receiving partner's legs to form a V-shape. They should line up their pelvises, then have the legs supported in the air during the action. So deep and wild!
Scissors

Scissors is a cool side-lying position for clit-friendly action. To begin, the receiver can lie on their side with legs spread open and knees bent a little.
The giver can start to move a bit closer, so they can slide their legs between the receiver's, and the top leg should be straight up, while the bottom one is tucked.
The giver will enter the receiver to create a scissoring angle that rubs the clit nicely with thrusting or grinding. Hit a perfect right angle between your legs? Spot on! Because it's tight, intimate, and lets you control the depth easily.
Can CAT Help People With Specific Conditions?
Can CAT help with special problems? Yes! It can definitely help people who have trouble with sex stuff.
This is meant for folks who can't climax from penetrative sex, like people with vulvas who have coital anorgasmia. And it works!
People who did the CAT got more orgasms in the missionary position, because it also stops premature ejaculation.
Why? Coital alignment isn't about going in and out. So no big thrusting! So this can help penis owners last longer to make their partner happier and satisfied.
Grind Your Way to Epic Orgasms!
The Coital Alignment Technique can make the missionary way better by rubbing instead of just aggressively pushing. All you gotta do is line up your hips tight, start with oral for wetness, use a pillow to tilt your hips, rock slowly in different ways, and add toys for fun.
CAT can also give couples an epic finish and tighter cuddles, just mix it up with lotus, tabletop, or scissors if you wanna try something new.
Have fun trying it!
You can also hop over to BeYourLover to get your buzz right! Makes it even better!
Special Thanks To:
- Nicole Andrejek, Author, National Library of Medicine
- Tina Fetner, Author, National Library of Medicine
- Melanie Heath, Author, National Library of Medicine
- neapolitan_shake, Reddit User
