Do Cats Have Bad Dreams? Signs, Causes, and Tips
Do cats have bad dreams when they sleep?
Yes, they do!
Just like we have scary dreams, your moggy can have nightmares too.
But don't worry - most of the time, cats have lovely dreams about chasing toys and getting tasty treats!
Have you ever watched your cat sleep and seen them move their paws like they're running?
Or maybe you heard them make little miaow sounds while having a kip?
That's your Fluffy Friend dreaming!
Sometimes those dreams are absolutely brilliant, but other times they might be a bit scary.
Let's learn all about cat dreams and how to help your moggy have the sweetest dreams ever.
Table of Contents
Do Cats Dream?
Cats totally dream, just like you do!
When cats sleep really deeply, their eyes move back and forth under their eyelids.
This is called rapid eye movement or REM sleep - it's when all the best dreams happen.
What do you reckon cats dream about?
They probably dream about all their favourite things!
Your cat's dream might be about:
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Chasing that red dot from the laser pointer
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Catching toy mice
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Playing with their favourite feather wand
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Getting belly rubs from you
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Eating their lovely dinner
Kittens dream way more than grown-up cats.
This is because their brains are still growing and learning new things every day.
So if you have a kitten that wriggles about loads when they sleep, they're probably having amazing adventures in dreamland!
Do Cats Have Bad Dreams?
Yep, cats can have bad dreams or nightmares, just like we do.
Even though we can't ask our cats, "Oi, did you have a scary dream?" we can tell by watching how they behave.
Think about it - if you had a really rough day or something scary happened, you might have bad dreams that night.
Cats are the same way!
If something upset your moggy during the day, they might dream about it later.
Cats that lived outside before getting adopted might have bad dreams about being hungry or cold.
Even happy house cats can have nightmares about things like going to the vet, loud thunder, or that nasty neighbour cat they saw through the window.
Some cats have more bad dreams than others, especially if they get anxious easily or if something really scary happened to them before.
Related: Ultimate Guide: Cooling Mats for Dogs and Cats That Work
Signs Your Cat Had a Bad Dream
How can you tell if your feline friend just had a nightmare?
Here are some clues:
While They're Sleeping
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Cat twitching way more than usual (like they're having a scrap in their dream!)
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Making angry sounds like growling or hissing while asleep
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Breathing really fast like they just legged it around the house
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Moving their paws like they're trying to scarper from something
After They Wake Up
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Waking up really suddenly and looking confused or scared
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Running over to you for extra cuddles and comfort
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Hiding under the bed or in their favourite hiding spot
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Acting jumpy or nervous for a while after their nap
Remember, all cats move a little bit when they dream - that's totally normal!
But if your cat seems really upset or scared when they wake up, they probably had a bad dream.
Related: What Are the Best Blankets for Cats?
What Causes Bad Dreams in Cats?
Loads of things can give cats bad dreams:
1. Scary or Stressful Stuff
Cats don't like loud noises, strange smells, or when their daily routine gets all mixed up.
If your house is proper noisy or chaotic, your cat might have more bad dreams.
2. Getting Woken Up Too Much
Just like you get stroppy when someone wakes you up in the middle of a good sleep, cats need quiet time to rest properly.
If they keep getting bothered while sleeping, they might have weird dreams.
3. Scary Things That Happened Before
Some cats remember bad things that happened to them, and those memories can show up in their dreams.
Rescue cats might have nightmares about their tough times before finding their forever homes.
4. Not Feeling Well
When cats are poorly or hurt, they might have more bad dreams.
It's like when you have a fever and get weird dreams - cats can have the same thing happen.
5. Uncomfortable Sleeping Spots
If your cat's bed is lumpy, too hot, too cold, or in a noisy place, they might not sleep well and could have more bad dreams.
How to Help Your Cat After a Bad Dream
If you think your moggy just had a nightmare, here's how you can help them feel better:
Be Super Gentle
Talk to your cat in your softest, sweetest voice.
Don't make any sudden moves or loud sounds that might scare them even more.
Let them come to you when they're ready for cuddles.
Make the Perfect Sleep Spot
Every cat needs a cosy, safe place to sleep.
The MrFluffyFriend Cat Bed is like a little fortress where your cat can feel totally safe and secure.
It's super soft and gives them their own special space for the best dreams ever!
Create Bedtime Routines That Rock
Help your cat chill out before sleep time!
You could brush them gently, play quietly with their favourite toy, or give them a soft blanket to snuggle with.
The MrFluffyFriend Fluffy Pet Blanket is perfect for making any sleeping spot extra cosy and comfy.
Make Life Less Stressful
Try to keep your house calm and quiet, especially around bedtime.
Give your cat loads of hiding spots where they feel safe, and try to keep their daily routine the same every day.
Talk to the Vet
If your cat has bad dreams all the time or seems really scared and anxious, it's time to visit the animal doctor.
Sometimes cats have bad dreams because they don't feel well, and the vet can help figure out what's wrong.
Related: Cat Behaviour Problems: How To Solve Them
FAQ: Cat Dreams and Nightmares
How do you know if your cat is having a bad dream?
Watch for things like scary sounds while they sleep, loads of twitching, or if they act scared when they wake up. If your cat seems upset after a kip, they might have had a nightmare.
Should I wake my cat from a bad dream?
It's usually better to let them sleep unless they seem really, really upset. Cats can get confused if you wake them up suddenly. Instead, talk softly from far away if they seem scared.
What do cats usually dream about?
Cats probably dream about all the fun stuff they do during the day – playing with toys, exploring the house, getting treats, and spending time with their favourite humans (that's you!).
What do cats dream about when they twitch?
When cats twitch in their sleep, they're probably dreaming about running, jumping, or playing. Their brain is telling their body to move, but since they're asleep, only little twitches come out.
Sweet Dreams for Your Furry Feline Friends
Now you know that cats can have both brilliant dreams and sometimes scary ones too!
The cool thing is that you can help your cat have better dreams by making sure they feel safe, loved, and comfortable.
Watch your sleeping kitty for signs of bad dreams, keep their world calm and happy, and give them the cosiest sleeping spots ever.
A cat that sleeps well is a happy cat, and happy cats make the best furry mates!
Want to help your cat have the most amazing dreams?
Check out all the super comfy sleep products at MrFluffyFriend - your cat will thank you with the loudest purrs ever!
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