Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Do cats dream? Yes, and wait until you hear what they dream about

Paige Cerulli
By

If you’ve ever watched your cat in a deep sleep, you’ve probably noticed him twitching or otherwise moving, and maybe even making some noises. This is similar to how people can behave when they dream. While we’re still working to understand just how cats function and why they behave the way they do, scientists have learned quite a bit about feline sleep habits. The next time your cat decides to catch some Zzzs and you see him unconsciously in action, you’ll better understand just what’s going on and what you should do to keep him safe and happy.

Cat sleeping on a beige fleece blanket
monicore / Pixabay

Do cats have dreams?

Can cats dream? Probably, but we still don’t know a whole lot about their dreaming process. According to Purina, cats’ sleep cycles consist of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and deep sleep. Your cat is more likely to move and dream during REM sleep. When cats enter this state, their eyes often twitch and their muscles relax, which is similar to how humans behave when we’re experiencing REM sleep. Kittens probably get more REM sleep than adult cats, which gives them a chance to process all of the information they’re learning about the world.

Recommended Videos

According to Rover, cat REM sleep cycles are short, and cats can experience REM sleep every 25 minutes. In comparison, people experience REM sleep every 90 minutes. This shorter REM cycle means your cat can experience REM sleep quickly, so even if she takes a quick cat nap, she could go into the REM phase.

Related

Do cats dream about their owners?

When cats are in REM sleep, notes Purina, they often move their heads like they’re watching something. They are likely dreaming about a favorite feline activity: hunting. It’s also possible that cats dream about things that have happened that day, like sitting on the couch with you. We don’t yet know details of what cats are dreaming about, but if you’re a big part of your cat’s life, you’re probably in his dreams, too.

Can cats have nightmares?

Purina explains that we’re not entirely sure about this, but since cats can dream, they can probably also have nightmares. You might have noticed your cat suddenly waking up from a deep sleep and looking frightened or confused. In these cases, it’s possible that your cat has had a bad dream.

Should you wake a dreaming cat?

If you notice your cat is snoring, twitching, stretching, or otherwise moving around in her sleep, you’re seeing the signals being sent to her brain as he dreams. There’s probably nothing to worry about, and all of these behaviors are normal for cats in REM sleep. There’s also no need to wake your dreaming cat since you could unnecessarily startle her.

Happy cat sleeping on a cat sofa
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can cats have trouble sleeping?

Rover notes that there are some instances where your cat might have difficulty sleeping. Sleep apnea can affect cats, causing their nervous systems to stay highly active even when your cat tries to relax for a snooze. Sleep apnea can also create breathing issues when your cat is asleep. It’s also possible for cats to experience insomnia. If your cat isn’t getting enough rest, you might notice that he’s unsettled at night. Some cats meow at night because of these issues. If you suspect that your cat is having trouble sleeping, talk with your vet and schedule an appointment for your cat to be evaluated.

If your cat dreams frequently, chances are she’s perfectly healthy and her body is just processing everything she’s experienced during the day. But your cat’s sleep habits can also hold a key to health issues. If you notice sudden or significant changes in how much, where, and how well your cat is sleeping, these changes could indicate that something is wrong and your cat might be experiencing a health issue. Other factors, like stress prompted by a recent move or a new pet or human addition to the home can also alter your cat’s sleeping habits. One of the best ways you can monitor your cat’s health is to get to know what sleeping habits are normal. That way you’ll have a heads-up on any possible problems if you notice a change in your feline friend’s resting routines.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Funny cat behavior: This confused kitty’s reaction to a running bath is hilarious
Here are the 3 reasons cats might hate water
A cat stares at the running sink carefully

Cats are well known for being bossy, aloof, and independent. They're also famous for having a sworn enemy: water. That's why it's particularly funny to see kitties interact with the dreaded liquid, especially as it usually ends in hissing, running, and hiding. This little lady, however, has a different approach, and we get to watch as her endless curiosity about the sink blossoms into a hilarious encounter. It's just another example of weird cat behavior that makes us enjoy our pets so much.

The video takes a few watchings cause there's a blink and you'll miss it intro of the tub filling with water. Then we pan to our beloved star, the cat. Captioned "She gets weirder every day," it follows the black and white feline as she stands on her hind legs and walks around trying to get a better look into the tub, possibly studying the water. Finally, she approaches and determines that this isn't what she signed up for. The clip ends with the cat backing away and then scampering from the room. But don't worry, she turns at the final second to give one last look.

Read more
Can cats eat turkey? These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat can eat safely
Want to celebrate Thanksgiving with your cat? Here are the safest foods
A fluffy gray cat perches in a windowsill surrounded by autumnal decor

Our cats are more than just furry roommates; they're members of our family. The holiday season is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and good food. With Thanksgiving upon us, you may be asking yourself, "Can cats eat turkey?" While there are plenty of foods you won't be able to share with your feline friend, many common holiday staples make it onto the approved list.

We've researched the best Thanksgiving foods safe for cats. Stick to the ones on our list, and your fur baby will have a happy Thanksgiving this year.

Read more
Is it safe for cats to be outside in winter? The answer may surprise you
Some cats love being outside, but is it safe for them during winter?
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

Every loving feline owner knows that a cat is more than just a furry roommate. She's a member of the family. That's why -- for her own safety and your peace of mind -- we always recommend keeping cats indoors. However, some cats are determined to find their way outdoors no matter what.

While cats can generally withstand both extreme heat and extreme cold without suffering the consequences, veterinarians advise you to remain vigilant once the temperature begins to dip into the 40s. But that's only the basics! If you've been wondering about the potential dangers for cats outside in winter, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know.

Read more