Do Cats Dream? What Sleep Science Says About Twitching and Whiskers
Your cat's paws twitch, its whiskers quiver and it makes a tiny chirp. Is it dreaming of mice? Scientists cannot read a cat's mind, but they know a good deal about feline sleep, and the evidence points to something like dreams.
How cats sleep
Cats sleep about twelve to sixteen hours a day, and kittens and seniors more. They have two main sleep stages.
- Light sleep or non-REM sleep. Cats doze with ears alert, ready to wake. This is a large part of their sleep.
- Deep sleep or REM sleep. The brain is highly active, muscles relax and the eyes move rapidly under the lids. In humans, this is when most vivid dreams occur.
A cat cycles between the stages, with REM episodes lasting a few minutes. See why do cats sleep so much.
Evidence for dreaming
In the 1960s, French researcher Michel Jouvet removed part of the brainstem that normally paralyzes muscles during REM in cats. The sleeping cats then acted out behaviors such as stalking, pouncing and grooming, even though they were asleep. This suggested that cats experience dream-like states and that their brains rehearse hunting and other activities. Modern studies in animals have found similar patterns of brain activity during REM and waking.
We cannot ask a cat what it dreams, so the content is unknown. Researchers think that cats may dream about daily events, such as hunting, playing, being groomed or watching birds.
What dreaming cats do
- Twitching, especially of the paws, ears, tail and face.
- Whisker movements.
- Paw paddling, as if running or kneading.
- Small sounds, such as chirps, murmurs or soft meows.
- Rapid eye movement under closed lids.
- Changes in breathing, which may become irregular.
These are usually brief and harmless. They happen most in the deep stage, about fifteen to twenty minutes after a cat falls asleep.
Kittens and seniors
Kittens spend a larger share of time in REM sleep, which may help brain development. They twitch more. Seniors may sleep more, and have changes in sleep patterns. See senior cat care guide and caring for a cat with dementia.
Should you wake a dreaming cat?
It is best not to. A cat woken from REM sleep may be confused and may lash out. Let it wake on its own. Avoid touching a twitching cat. If you must wake it, call its name softly, from a distance.
When twitching is not a dream
Some twitching signals a medical problem.
- Seizures. These last longer, the cat may be stiff, drooling, paddling violently, losing control of bladder, or not respond when called. Afterwards, the cat may be disoriented. See seizures in cats.
- Feline hyperesthesia, where the skin ripples, with frantic grooming or attacks on the tail.
- Pain or neurological disease.
If you are unsure, film the episode, and show your vet. Seek emergency help for a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes or repeated seizures. See cat emergency warning signs.
Helping your cat sleep well
- Provide quiet, cozy places. See how to choose a cat bed.
- Keep a routine.
- Provide play before bed. See exercise for indoor cats.
- Avoid noise and light.
- Provide a safe place in multi-cat homes. See setting up a multi-cat home.
Sleep positions
How a cat sleeps can tell you about its comfort. See why do cats sleep in strange positions.
Dogs dream too
Dogs, humans and many other mammals have REM sleep, so dreaming is likely common.
Why sleep matters for cats
Sleep helps cats to conserve energy for hunting, supports growth in kittens and helps to consolidate memories. Cats that cannot sleep well may become irritable, so a quiet, comfortable resting place is important. Changes in sleep patterns can reflect pain, anxiety or illness, so notice what is normal for your cat. A cat that sleeps in the open, relaxed and deep, usually feels safe. A cat that rarely sleeps deeply may be on guard, and could be stressed by noise, other pets or changes in the household.
What happens if a cat sleeps too little?
Cats that are stressed, ill or in pain may sleep less or sleep lightly. A cat that is constantly awake at night, pacing or restless may be anxious, in pain or have thyroid disease. Provide a calm night routine, a warm bed and some play before bed, and see a vet if the pattern is new. Sleep is one of the best indicators of a cat's wellbeing, so pay attention to any shift.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat has changes in sleep, long twitching episodes or collapses. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Do cats dream?
Probably. They have REM sleep, and brain studies suggest dream-like activity.
What do cats dream about?
Perhaps hunting, playing or daily events, but we cannot know.
Why does my cat twitch in its sleep?
It is typical of REM sleep and usually harmless.
Should I wake a cat that is twitching?
Generally not, unless the episode seems distressing or lasts a long time.
Sources and further reading
Behavior problems often have medical or emotional roots. These specialist bodies explain how professionals assess them.
- ASPCA cat careEveryday care, behavior and safety basics for cats.
- American College of Veterinary BehavioristsFind board-certified veterinary behavior specialists.
- Cat Friendly Homes (AAFP and ISFM)Cat-specific care guidance and a finder for cat-friendly practices.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.