The Coital Alignment Technique (CAT): What It Is and How to Do It

A lot of sex positions prioritize vaginal intercourse over clitoral stimulation. In response to this deficit, psychotherapist and sex researcher Edward Eichel put a spin on the classic missionary position and defined a new technique called the coital alignment technique (CAT). 

Some call it “grinding the corn,” and you may already be doing it without realizing it.

The first step is to get into missionary position.

You then move your body forward so that your head is slightly above your partner’s and your chest is aligned with her shoulders.

Don’t forget to extend your arms for support.

In this position, your penis is angled slightly downwards so that the tip hits the back wall of her vagina while your shaft rubs against her clitoris.

Now for the most important part: rather than thrusting your penis in and out of her vagina, CAT requires that you grind your pelvis in a rocking motion (like you do when dry humping).

This technique is all about slow, steady strokes.

When done right, CAT can provide the ultimate physical and emotional connection for both you and your partner.

It’s a win-win.

Essential Components of Coital Alignment Technique

Have you heard of CAT position? (AKA Coital Alignment Technique?) 🐱 pic.twitter.com/xDQkZzHSor

— Emily Morse (@SexWithEmily) June 8, 2021

Before trying this technique, keep in mind that it may take some time for you to master it. This is because the position is largely dependent on anatomy. If you’re having trouble finding the right angle, try this:

1. Extend your arms for support and use your forearms to pull yourself forward.
2. Place a pillow under your partner’s hips to make her clitoris more accessible.
3. Play with your leg positions to encourage more friction on her clit.

Find Your Rhythm

Slow and steady is the name of the game.

The aim of this technique is to provide the clitoris with repeated and consistent motion. Start with slow and controlled movements and resist the urge to thrust in and out.

You can grind your pelvis in small circles against her vulva to ramp up the pleasure. You’ll know it’s working when you feel her pulling you closer with her legs.

Put Your Weight Into It

Rather than using your arms to hold yourself up, rest your weight on your partner to increase the pressure on her clitoris.

Of course, you can use your arms to support yourself a little bit, especially if your partner is not comfortable with your full weight on top of her.

If you need to create more friction, ask her to place her legs around your outer thighs and squeeze them together while you grind against her

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You can also add a vibrating toy to up the sensation even further.

We recommend these toys to ramp up the pleasure during CAT:

• Penis extension sleeves
• Hollow strap-on dildos
• Vibrating penis sleeves

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Penetration Is Not Essential

The coital alignment technique isn't a position for deep penetration.

A lot of the time, you won't be inserting much more than the tip of your penis into the vagina. It’s possible that you won't insert your penis at all, especially if it’s shorter (men with a small penis can use these cock rings for a larger and more powerful erection).

Remember that CAT focuses on the woman’s pleasure, specifically her clitoral stimulation. A 2015 survey published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy reports that 36% of women need clitoral stimulation to achieve an orgasm.

Just because CAT prioritizes a woman’s pleasure doesn't mean that men can't enjoy this position too.

Although the sensation may not be as intense as it is with full penetration, both you and your partner can still build up to simultaneous org

It’s About the Connection

Take your mind away from the technique and focus on connecting with your partner.

Ask her for feedback to find out what’s not working, or what you can do better. Don’t hesitate to communicate what you want either—CAT is about intimately experiencing each other’s bodies.

Use Plenty of Lube

A high-quality lube helps to keep things smooth and slippery. There’s good and bad friction during sex, and you need lube to help you achieve the good kind.

Without lube, you might not even be able to make it through CAT. And if you do, your genitals are likely to be chafed. 

CAT vs Missionary: What Are the Differences?

While the missionary position is great for stimulating a woman’s internal G-spot, the CAT is modified for stimulating the clitoris.

The CAT is ideal for women who have difficulty climaxing from penetrative intercourse alone.

This technique is more intimate and provides more external clitoris stimulation than the missionary position does.

This table summarizes the main differences between CAT and missionary.

CAT and Premature Ejaculation

You might have heard that the coital alignment technique helps to cure premature ejaculation. Well, it’s true, and there’s a simple explanation for this.

Since your penis is not being thrust deep into the vagina, this position won’t give you the same heightened stimulation that ends the fun as soon as it begins.

This technique involves slight vaginal penetration or none at all.

Taking the focus off of thrusting helps to delay penile ejaculation. This way, both you and your partner can enjoy sex for longer.

CAT also allows for full body and genital contact which can feel deeply intimate for both of you.

This means that aside from lasting longer during sex, you can provide your partner with intense pleasure and achieve more simultaneous orgasms.

Expert Tip: Apply a penis numbing cream to last longer and improve your sexual stamina during CAT.

Tips for a Perfect CAT 

Good sex involves constant communication and feedback. Ask your partner what works for them as you try this new technique.

Here are some other tips to help you add magic to your sex life using the coital alignment technique:

• Use the weight of your torso to move forward instead of lifting yourself up on your forearms.
• Invest in a sex pillow to achieve the perfect angle during CAT.
• If both of you are comfortable, try passionate kissing, hair pulling, and eye contact when in this position.
• Have fun, be playful, and embrace the awkwardness.
• Don’t give up if you fail to master the CAT on your first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the coital alignment technique work?

Yes.

According to a study published in APA PsycNet, 56% of women reported an increase in orgasms during intercourse that incorporates CAT.

This technique also helps men last longer during sex.

Can a man feel pleasure from CAT?

Yes.

The tip of your penis can still penetrate the vagina in the coital alignment position. Your shaft will also feel pleasure when rubbed against her clitoris.

Lastly, you can use a vibrating toy to enhance the sensation for both of you.

Is the coital alignment technique reversible?

Yes.

In the reserved CAT, the woman gets on top and spreads her legs before positioning her clitoris on the shaft of your penis. She will then move in a grinding motion to stimulate both your genitals.