Why does my cat twitch in her sleep?
Twitching in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including dreaming, nervous system development, muscle spasms, and seizures.
While it’s normal for cats to twitch occasionally during sleep, excessive twitching, difficulty waking up, or violent movements could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
When cats twitch in their sleep, what’s going on in the cat’s mind and body?
Why Cats Twitch in Sleep
One reason for cats twitching in their deep sleep phase is involuntary muscle spasms.
These are normal twitches that occur when a cat is in a deep sleep.
The spasms can occur in any part of the cat’s body and are usually nothing to worry about.
Another reason for cat twitching in sleep is dreaming. Like humans, cats dream too.
During a deep sleep, cats may act out their dreams, causing them to twitch or move in their sleep. This is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.
In some cases, twitching in a cat’s sleep cycle, can be a sign of a medical issue. For example, if a cat is experiencing uncontrollable muscle spasms or seizures, it may be a cause for concern.
It is also worth noting that kittens tend to twitch more than adult cats.
This may be due to the development of new connections in their nervous system.
As cats grow older, they may twitch less frequently in their sleep.
The Science Behind the Twitch
When it comes to understanding why our feline friends twitch in their sleep, we need to look at the science behind it.
The twitching we see can be attributed to a few different factors, including the nervous system, electrical activity, muscle tone, and seizures.
During sleep, our cats go through different stages, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During NREM sleep, our cat’s brain activity slows down, and their muscles relax. However, during REM sleep, our cat’s brain activity increases, and their muscles become more active.
The twitching we see in our cats during sleep is likely due to this increased muscle activity during the REM stage of sleep.
This muscle activity is caused by bursts of electrical activity in the brain that send signals to the muscles, causing them to twitch.
While twitching during sleep is generally considered normal, it’s essential to understand that twitching can sometimes be a sign of a seizure. Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing involuntary muscle movements.
If you notice that your cat’s twitching is accompanied by other signs of a seizure, such as drooling, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately.
In some cases, excessive twitching during sleep can be a sign of feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a condition that causes cats to experience heightened sensitivity to touch and other stimuli. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it’s thought to be related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Overall, while twitching during sleep is generally considered normal, it’s essential to understand the science behind it and be aware of any signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Do Cats Dream?
As pet owners, we have all seen our cats twitching, pawing, and even vocalizing in their sleep.
This begs the question, do cats dream?
The answer is yes, cats do dream, just like humans and other mammals.
When we sleep, we go through various stages of sleep, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. During REM sleep, our brain activity increases, and we experience dreams. Cats also experience REM sleep, and it is during this stage that they dream.
Research has shown that cats spend about 15% of their sleep time in REM sleep, which is a similar percentage to humans.
During this stage, their eyes move rapidly, and they may twitch their whiskers, paws, or tail.
If your cat sleeps on your pillow you will be aware of this twitching. It is believed that these movements are a reflection of their dream content.
The Role of Sleep in Cats’ Health
Sleep is an essential part of a cat’s life, just as it is for humans. It helps cats to properly develop and maintain their physical and mental health.
Cats sleep for an average of 12-16 hours a day, and this is because sleep is necessary for their survival.
During sleep, cats go through different stages of sleep, including non-REM and REM sleep stages. Non-REM sleep is when the body is in a state of relaxation, and REM sleep is when the brain is active, and the body is in a state of paralysis. REM sleep is also known as paradoxical sleep.
Sleep helps cats to consolidate memories, develop their nervous system, and recover from physical activity.
It also helps to regulate their body temperature, hormone levels, and immune system.
Lack of sleep can lead to behavioral problems, obesity, and other health issues.
Twitching as a Natural Defense Mechanism
Wild cats, such as lions and tigers, had to be constantly aware of their surroundings to avoid danger. They would take short catnaps throughout the day, much like our domestic cats do.
During these catnaps, they would remain alert and twitch their muscles to stay ready to jolt awake if needed.
Our domestic cats still exhibit this behavior today, even though they are not in the wild anymore.
When they twitch in their sleep, it is a sign that they are in the lightest stage of sleep and are still aware of their surroundings.
When Should You Be Concerned?
There are some instances where twitching during your cat’s sleep can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you notice any of the following symptoms in addition to your cat’s twitching, it’s important to contact your veterinarian:
- Whole body stiffness
- Other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea
- Seizure-like activity
- Loss of consciousness
In some cases, twitching during sleep can be a sign of an ear infection or ear mites. If your cat is experiencing ear-related issues, she may display other symptoms such as head shaking, ear scratching, or discharge from the ear.
If you are concerned about your cat’s twitching during sleep, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s underlying health issues.
How to Help Your Cat Sleep Better
As pet owners, we want our cats to have the best possible sleep.
Here are some tips to help your cat fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer:
- Make sure your cat has a cozy bed in a quiet and dark room. Cats prefer to sleep in warm and soft places, so consider adding a soft blanket or pillow to their bed.
- Cats are creatures of habit, and they appreciate routine. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine for your cat, such as playing with them before bed or giving them a treat.
- Feeding your cat too close to bedtime can cause them to be restless and uncomfortable. Try to feed your cat at least a few hours before bedtime.
- Cats are active animals and need exercise during the day to help them fall asleep at night. Play with your cat before bedtime to help them burn off energy.
- Cats prefer to sleep in a slightly cool environment. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot, and consider using a fan or air conditioner to keep the room cool.
- Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause your cat to be itchy and uncomfortable, which can disrupt their sleep. Make sure to regularly groom your cat and use flea and tick prevention.
