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Cats and Their Dreams

Ever spotted your cat letting out little meows or chirps, or even twitching in their sleep and wondered ‘do cats have dreams’? The answer is yes, and you might just be witnessing a glimpse of one! 

Do cats dream?

They certainly do! Just like we do after a hard day's work, cats need their rest, and sometimes that includes dreaming. Scientists and vets have found that when cats hit the deep sleep stage called REM (Rapid Eye Movement), their brains light up with activity. 

What do cats dream about?

Now we know the answer to ‘do cats dream?’, the next logical question is wondering what their dreams contain. Experts believe cats’ dreams are a mix of everyday experiences, instincts, and even emotions. We like to believe cats dream about eating WHISKAS®. So what do cats dream about exactly? Here’s what the experts think:

• Your cat might be reliving their daily adventure, nap in the sun, or playtime with their new favourite toy. Their deep sleep helps them process these memories and store them away.
• Even if they’ve never caught a thing in their life and no matter their breed, your cat’s dreams might be filled with stalking, chasing, and pouncing on imaginary prey. It's all about keeping those natural instincts sharp!
• Just like we do, cats experience a range of emotions. A stressful encounter with the vacuum or a peaceful cuddle session can all show up in their dreams as they process their feelings.

How to tell if your cat’s dreaming

Look out for these telltale signs to see if you can spot your cat in dreamland:

• Notice their body language. Adorable whisker twitches and paw flickers could mean your cat’s dreaming of chasing butterflies or batting imaginary toys.
• Listen to their noises. Soft meows, chirps, or even the occasional growl can all be signs that your cat is deep in a dream.
• Rapid eye movements behind closed lids are a dead giveaway that your cat is in REM sleep and likely dreaming up a storm. But be as quiet as a mouse – you may have to get close to them in order to see this!

Understanding your cat's dreams adds a whole new dimension to your bond and the love you have for them (let’s be real, it’s pretty cute). By creating a comfy and safe sleeping area for them, they’ll be able to drift off without a worry. So next time you catch your furry friend purring in their sleep, remember – they're not just snoozing, they're off on an amazing adventure in their head! Now the question of ‘can cats dream?’ has been answered, check out our Guide to Purrrfect Living for more fun cat facts. 

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