When your cat curls into an odd position, paws twitching and eyes fluttering in sleep, you might wonder: Do cats dream? The answer, according to experts, is likely yes—and their dreams may not be so different from ours.
What the Research Says
Studies on sleep patterns in rats—frequently used in neurological research—suggest that mammals replay daily experiences in their dreams. Rats navigating mazes while awake show similar brain activity when asleep, implying they “dream” of those tasks. Since cats share comparable sleep cycles, veterinarians believe they dream too.
“Cats, like most mammals, do dream,” says Dr. Kelly St. Denis, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. “Brain wave studies in rats show that sleep activity mirrors wakeful behavior. It’s reasonable to conclude cats experience the same phenomenon—just like dogs.”
What Do Cats Dream About?
If rats dream of lab tasks, cats likely dream of their own daily adventures: chasing toys, stalking prey, or even cuddling with their humans.
“Cats may dream about hunting, playing, or their favorite meals,” says Dr. Verna Serra of the Veterinary Emergency Group. “Their dreams probably reflect their experiences, just as ours do.”
St. Denis adds that feline dreams might also feature their human companions. “They likely dream of bonding with their housemates—whether playing, cuddling, or receiving affection.”
Do Cats Have Nightmares?
Since rats exhibit signs of bad dreams, cats might too—though we can’t know for sure. “We can’t ask them,” Serra notes, “but their brain activity suggests they process both positive and negative experiences during sleep.”
Twitching, Whisker Flicks, and Sleep Sounds
Just like humans in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, cats may twitch, vocalize, or paddle their paws while dreaming. “This is normal and indicates vivid dreaming,” says St. Denis.
However, sudden changes in sleep habits—like excessive lethargy or restlessness—warrant a vet visit. Otherwise, let your cat snooze peacefully. After all, those tiny paw movements might mean she’s chasing dream mice or curled up with you in her mind.
So next time your cat dozes off, watch closely. Her twitching whiskers could be telling a story—one she’ll never remember, but science says is very real.
Related topics:
