Do cats dream? If you see your kitten’s whiskers or toes twitching during the night, it’s most likely that she is dreaming. We know that kittens dream just like people do, but there is a lot going on in their minds during this process.
Dreaming isn’t random for cats – they have different periods and cycles of dreaming just like we do. What’s more interesting is that cats’ dreams reflect what’s going on in their lives. So when you see your cat having a dream, it can tell you something about what’s happening in her life.
Do Cats Dream?
Cats dream just like any other mammal. In fact, their sleeping patterns are quite similar to those of humans. During sleep, cats experience rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep cycles. REM sleep is when most dreaming occurs.
Cats use the time they sleep to rest and get ready for the next day. Even though domesticated cats don’t have to hunt for food, sleep is still very important for them. They also tend to store information throughout the day on their neurons. Do cats dreams contain this sort of stored information?
What Do Cats Dream About?
Believe it or not, cats are actually quite organized creatures. It’s easy to compare a cat’s brain to a post office – when you visit the post office during the night, it is temporarily closed for visitors. However, the workers are readily organizing the mail in the back, making sure that it gets delivered on time. Well, something similar happens to your kitty friend while he or she dreams.
Cats sleep in a way that helps them understand their day. This is interesting because we dream in a way that is disconnected from reality.
Do Cats Have Nightmares When They Dream?
Just like humans, cats’ dreams are often associated with negative events that occurred during the day. Dreams are based on reality, so it’s not surprising if your kitty has a nightmare every once in awhile.
If your cat is acting naughty in its sleep, it might not be a good idea to wake it up. When cats first wake up, they might not know what’s happening and their natural reaction is to protect themselves.
REM sleep in Cats
Studies suggest that cats spend a lot of time in REM sleep, which is the stage when their eyes move around quickly. This means that they are unlikely to wake up easily. Additionally, as cats get older, they spend less time in REM sleep because they remember fewer new things.
Why Do Some Cats Twitch When They Dream?
Cats’ brains usually send signals during the REM cycle that cause cats to involuntarily twitch, similar to when they are awake. Often, these movements are associated with what the cat is dreaming about at the time.
Do Cats Dream about their Owners?
It’s not just humans who dream about their loved ones–cats do it too! In fact, they often dream about their owners quite frequently. Cats recall the events of their day while they sleep so that they can organize them more effectively.
Do Cats Dream in Color?
It’s tough to exactly say, even though it seems very probable. Cats can see colors like people do, so it’s probably likely they dream in color too.
Do Cats Sleepwalk?
It’s unlikely you’ll see your cat literally walk in its sleep, but you might hear it meowing or twitching during a nightmare.
