If you've ever watched your cat twitch their whiskers, paddle their paws, or softly chirp in their sleep, you might wonder, ‘what are they dreaming about?’
It turns out, cats, just like people, have a rich dream life. And it’s filled with everything that makes them who they are, including their instincts, their memories, and even a little bit of their unique personality. Let’s take a closer look at what research tells us.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
Do Cats Dream When They Sleep
Yes, they do!
Scientists have confirmed that cats experience a sleep phase called REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), the same phase where humans dream. During REM, a cat’s brain is very active, even though their body stays mostly still. This is when those little twitches, whisker flicks, and sleepy paw movements happen, which give us tiny glimpses into their dream world.
Want to catch your cat mid-dream? Devices like the Petcube Cam 360 let you peek in on your pet from anywhere, day or night. You might just spot a dream adventure in action!
What Do Cats Dream About
Studies suggest cats likely dream about the things that matter most to them (just like us).
That includes activities like:
- Hunting and chasing prey
- Playing and pouncing
- Grooming themselves
- Exploring new places
In fact, when researchers studied cats during REM sleep, they found that cats sometimes acted out their dreams when a certain brain pathway was disrupted. The sleeping cats would crouch, stalk, pounce, and even bat the air as if chasing something invisible!
As French neuroscientist Dr. Michel Jouvet, a pioneer in sleep research, put it:
"Even in their dreams, cats seem to carry a little of their personality with them. Some friendly cats were observed to dream aggressively, while others stayed playful."
So your cat’s dreams might be just as unique and full of character as they are when awake.
Can Cats Have Nightmares
It’s very possible.
If cats dream about their daily lives and memories, that could include stressful or scary experiences too.
Signs that your cat might be having a nightmare include:
- Sudden jerking awake
- Crying or whimpering in sleep
- Running to you for comfort after waking
Pet parents agree. One Reddit user shared:
"Mine dreams about when she was a stray living alone on the streets. I know this because when I first took her in she'd wake up crying and run over to me and curl up in my lap seeking comfort. 1.5 years later and she still does this at times."
This reminds us that dreams might not only be about fun adventures, but also about remembering and healing from the past.
If your cat seems stressed, a soothing environment can help.
A calming Petcube Water Fountain for fresh water, cozy beds, and gentle affection after a bad dream can all make a big difference.
Conclusion
Cats dream about the very things that make them who they are, such as hunting, playing, exploring, and even bad memories or events from hard times. Their dreams are windows into their deep instincts, their history, and their love for the world (and people) around them.
Next time you see your cat twitching in her sleep, just imagine, they might be off chasing butterflies, climbing the tallest bookshelf, or curling up somewhere safe and warm.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
