Catnaps and kitty dreams: Why do cats twitch in their sleep?

Sleeping cats… are they not adorable? They can nap almost anywhere, from sunlit windowsills to cozy corners. So peaceful, so calm and relaxed… until all of a sudden, their paws start to paddle, their whiskers twitch, their tail starts flicking and they may even meow or whine softly!

While we can’t help but laugh at our feline friends’ sleep-time antics, we may also wonder what’s going on in their furry heads while they’re catnapping. Are they dreaming, and if so, what do cats dream about?

Do cats dream?

Yes, we believe they do. Research shows that cats’ brainwave patterns during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the sleep cycle in which dreaming is most likely to occur, closely resemble those of awake cats, suggesting they may be processing memories and emotions.

Dreams are thought to help consolidate memories, process emotions, and reinforce learning. Since cats learn and remember things throughout the day, it’s likely they replay these experiences in their dreams.

Why the twitches and tail-flicks?

While we can’t know for certain, those funny behaviours you may have noticed, such as twitching whiskers, paddling paws and flicking tails, all suggest the “acting out” of dream scenarios. Your cat may be reliving a playful chase, guarding their territory, or engaging in imaginary adventures. These dreams can trigger small twitches in their legs, tail, or whiskers as their brain mimics the movements of these imagined activities.

Cats make noises in their sleep for the same reason. Whimpers, soft meows, purrs and chirps can all be part of their dream experience, reflecting what’s happening in their dream world. .

Other amusing dream-state motions that you kitty may make include:

• Scrunching or wiggling their noses
• Small ear flicks, possibly responding to imaginary sounds
• Chewing or smacking their lips as if they are eating
• Eyes moving behind their eyelids
• Paddling their paws as if they are kneading dough
• Jerking or twitching their whole body as if they are startled or pouncing

What do cats dream about?

Cats probably dream about familiar activities, such as chasing a bird, playing with a favourite toy, or exploring new areas.

• Hunting and chasing: As natural predators, cats may dream about stalking and pouncing on prey, whether real or imagined.
• Exploring their territory: Cats are curious by nature, so their dreams may involve climbing, investigating new areas, or navigating their surroundings.
• Interactions with humans and other pets: Cats likely replay moments of affection, playtime, or even conflicts with other animals.
• Eating and grooming: Given their love for food and cleanliness, they may dream about enjoying a meal or meticulously grooming themselves.

Do cats have nightmares?

Cats can experience bad dreams, just like humans. Signs of a possible nightmare include:

• Whimpering, growling, or hissing

• Sudden jerking movements or tensed body posture

• Waking up startled or appearing disoriented

If your cat seems frightened upon waking, give them space and allow them to reorient themselves naturally.

Why do cats sleep so much?

Adult cats typically need 12 to 16 hours of sleep per day compared to our 7 to 9 hours, and unlike (most of) us, they sleep multiple times throughout a 24-hour period.

As predators, they have evolved to sleep for long periods to store energy for hunting, even if domestic cats no longer need to hunt for survival. Their sleep cycles include both deep sleep and light dozing, allowing them to stay alert to potential threats.

During the day, they take frequent light “catnaps” that allow them to stay semi-alert to their surroundings, ready to respond quickly if needed.

At night, when the environment is usually quieter and there are fewer distractions, cats are more relaxed, allowing them to experience longer and deeper sleep. This is why Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is more likely to occur at night.

Just like we do, cats go through different stages of sleep. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active, and this is when dreaming occurs. This is the stage where you’re most likely to see twitches, hear noises, or even notice their eyes moving rapidly under their eyelids.

Other reasons cats twitch in their sleep

Besides dreaming, cats may twitch in their sleep for other reasons, including:

• Muscle reflexes: Involuntary muscle contractions can cause slight twitching, even outside of REM sleep.
• Deep relaxation: As cats transition between sleep cycles, their muscles may twitch as part of the relaxation process.
• Temperature regulation: Slight movements can help adjust their body temperature, especially if they are too warm or cold.
• Nervous system activity: Young kittens and older cats may twitch more due to developing or aging nervous systems.
• Medical issues: In rare cases, excessive twitching could be linked to conditions like seizures, pain, or neurological disorders.

While twitching and noises are normal during a cat’s sleep, there are a few instances where it might signal something more serious:

• Seizures vs. normal twitching: Seizures during sleep can sometimes be mistaken for normal sleep twitches. Signs of a seizure include rigid muscles, uncontrollable jerking, excessive drooling, or confusion when your cat wakes up. If you suspect a seizure, consult your veterinarian immediately.
• Restlessness or distress: If your cat seems unusually restless or makes distressing noises while sleeping, it could be a sign of stress, pain, or an underlying health issue. Keep an eye on their behavior and consult your vet if it continues.

If you have any reason for concern, please consult your vet. It may be helpful to take a video of your cat’s sleep-time twitching to show the vet.

Conclusion

Twitching and making noises in their sleep is a completely normal behaviour for most cats. It’s a sign that their brain is processing their daily adventures and experiences. So the next time you catch your furry friend paddling their paws or flicking their whiskers in their dreams, you can relax and enjoy the moment, knowing it’s just a part of their fascinating dream world.