Originally defined by psychotherapist and sex researcher Edward Eichel1 to help people achieve more orgasms beyond penetration, this technique requires the penis-holder to move higher up on the vagina-holder until an erection points down and presses against the nerves closer to the clitoris, explains AASECT-certified sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus, LCSW, MPH, Ph.D. This position might be best for people who are more likely to experience pleasure and/or orgasms through clitoral stimulation, but public health practitioner and researcher Linsey Grove, DrPH, CPH, CHES, says it’s also a great fit for people with mobility issues or those who simply want to get creative with missionary. According to Marla Renee Stewart, M.A., sexologist and expert for sexual wellness brand and retailer Lovers, the main difference between the coital alignment technique and the missionary position is that CAT sex mainly focuses on the clitoris, plus the penis is pointing downward in the vagina instead of upward. However, it’s similar to missionary sex because one person is on their back and the other person is on top, facing their partner. Breaking it down, Grove says, “With CAT sex, the partner on top—the one using their penis or dildo—focuses on clitoral stimulation while penetrating the vagina.” With missionary, on the other hand, “The person on top may not use their weight to put pressure on the clitoris or may use their fingers to stimulate manually.” Look at it this way: CAT is the hands-free version! Clitorises are considered one of the most sensitive erogenous zones, which makes it easy to understand why the grinding and rocking part of CAT sex is perfect for anyone who seeks stimulation that way. Plus, studies show2 that 81.6% of women don’t orgasm from P-in-V sex without clitoral stimulation, and only 18.4% of women report that penetration alone is enough to orgasm. To get even closer, the partner on the bottom can wrap their legs around their partner while slowly moving down as the penis owner grinds higher. Because you have to try this technique repeatedly to discover the ways it works best for you and your partner, you get to have more time bonding together intimately and learning how to maximize your pleasure. Win-win! Here’s where the coital alignment comes in: The top partner should angle their hips so their pelvis is directly on top of the bottom partner’s pelvis. During penetration, the penis-holder should have their chin above their partner’s head and their chest in the other’s face. With this alignment, the base of the penis can create pleasurable friction against the vulva and clitoris, and the penis will be angled slightly downward, which makes it easier to hit the back wall of the vagina. Pro-tip: Sex pillows often have a supportive wedge that easily slides beneath your lower back, enabling deeper penetration and comfort and possibly unlocking your ability to try new angles and positions. You might consider: Additionally, Marcus explains that the problem with it is twofold: “If a couple thinks it would be a fun experiment to try CAT, go for it!” Marcus tells mbg. “Think of it as another sexual adventure, like dressing up as Bridgerton characters and meeting at a motel. But an obsession with orgasm from intercourse will only lead to disappointment and trouble.”
