Last updated: July 10, 2023 crystal with
If you’ve ever seen a cat sleeping, you’ve probably seen them twitch a little when they see funny dreams. You may wonder if your cat is really dreaming and what exactly it is.
Experts believe cats are indeed dreaming, but the content of the dreams is not entirely known, but it is likely a summary of the cat’s day.
Let’s take a closer look at the sleeping habits of cats and the dreams they have.
Exactly how long do cats sleep?
Cats can sleep an average of 12-16 hours each day, which equates to sleeping about 70% of the time.1 This gradually increases with the age of the cat. Senior cats are more likely to get 12-18 hours of sleep each day.
If you’re wondering why your cat sleeps so much, pay attention when it zooms. With so much sleep, it’s no wonder the cat is dreaming.
sleep stages
To dream, you must enter the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle of sleep. REM occurs multiple times during sleep cycles when the brain is most active.
cats tend to have 3 sleep stagesREM, non-rapid eye movement (NREM), and transition stages between REM and NREM.
NREM sleep
Cats are thought to experience brain waves seen during low-wave or deep sleep similar to those in humans. They also have similar sleep spindles that speed up brain waves during non-REM sleep.
The human sleep spindle helps reduce interruptions and maintain sound sleep, and memory is also thought to play a role.
Cat sleep spindles are different from ours, but they also occur during the transition to REM sleep and probably serve the same purpose.
REM sleep
In REM sleep, the eyeballs move rapidly under the eyelids during sleep, causing muscle spasms and limpness. Cats are believed to spend between 3 and 8 hours of REM sleep each day, and eye movements are thought to be primarily in response to dream images.
Besides eye movements, you may also notice leg movements, ear and tail twitching, and rapid breathing. These are all perfectly normal.
deep sleep
When cats aren’t in REM sleep, they usually go into deep sleep, which is very important for body repair and growth. During times like these, it’s important to give your cat as much rest as they need without waking them up too often.
What do cats dream about?
As you can imagine, it’s difficult to fully understand what cats are dreaming about. Since the 1960s, French neuroscientist Michel Jouvet We discovered that cats are likely to dream just like us because they experience REM sleep.
Researchers studied rat brains to understand what they dream and found that they likely dreamed. dream about my job. Studies have shown that brain activity in rats navigating mazes and doing puzzles is very similar to brain activity measured during REM sleep.
Cats, like humans and mice, experience REM sleep, so they can dream about events, places, and people in everyday life. Dreams help us make sense of everyday events, and cats are no exception. They are also just as likely to dream about one of their favorite pastimes: hunting.
Do cats have nightmares?
If cats dream just like us, they can have nightmares just like us. Some cats have been known to hiss to wake them up or jump out of bed, so it’s safe to assume they had a particularly bad dream.
Twitching in your sleep is normal, but if your cat wakes up looking frightened and restless, it may be having a nightmare. But it’s impossible to know what it means. Perhaps someone or a dog chased you?
If you suspect your cat is having nightmares, leave him alone. Eventually the cat wakes up from the nightmare. Waking up from an unpleasant dream can cause an aggressive reaction.
What benefits do dreams bring to cats?
Dreams allow us to process information, understand new experiences, and form memories. It also helps in restorative and soothing experiences and helps reduce stress and trauma. Dreams help prepare for difficult events and upcoming work. When we wake up, we can feel ready to deal with these events.
Cats probably get the same benefit from dreams. After experiencing something frightening, such as a thunderstorm, when you calm down, you may take a nap and fantasize about something pleasant, or relive it as a coping mechanism.
Conclusion
If your cat is jerking during sleep, don’t worry as this is normal behavior. Cats dream, but you never know exactly what they’re dreaming.
If your cat seems to be sleeping well, especially on her back, this is a sure sign that you are doing something right. A cat showing its belly is the ultimate sign of trust!
If you’re concerned about your cat’s sleep patterns, especially if anything has changed significantly, consult your veterinarian. But if everything seems to be going well, keep watching your cat sleep. It’s definitely a relaxing pastime!
Featured image credit: Александар Цветановић, Pexels
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything about cats, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of