Cats sleep for 10 or more hours a day, but what do they dream about?With their tiny little brains running around in dreams, what goes on in a kitten’s imagination?Yesterday, MuzzPaws saw a kitten thrashing around in its sleep—and it actually tumbled over itself!It was hilarious, and I just had to share it with you! I’m not sure who won the race between the turtle and the rabbit, but this kitten? It’s the champion—still running in its dreams!Because even in sleep, it’s training!So here’s the question: Do kittens really dream?And if they do, what exactly do they dream about?
-
Do Cats Dream?
Regarding this question, French physiologist Pohil Nove conducted a fascinating experiment: he blocked the “pons” area of a cat’s brain to see if the cat would act out its dreams.After the surgery, the cat would suddenly lift its head while deeply asleep, look around with its eyes closed, and then walk in circles as if searching for food.Pohil Nove repeated the experiment multiple times and found that the cat would frequently pounce and thrash around in its sleep, mimicking hunting behavior.To prove that these actions were happening during dreams, he deliberately made noises near the cat or placed a live mouse nearby—but the cat remained completely oblivious to its surroundings.This indirectly confirms that cats indeed dream during sleep.The explanation is simple and can be understood using Pavlov’s theory of neural activity: the cat’s brain is active during REM sleep, processing experiences and instincts even while asleep.
-
What Do Kittens Dream About?
As early as the second half of the 20th century, physiologist Michael Jouvet conducted a series of experiments observing cat behavior during sleep.When cats are in REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), they often kick their legs rapidly, resembling running or walking. This suggests their dreams likely involve hunting-related activities.If a cat makes licking or chewing movements while asleep, it may be dreaming about eating.Just like humans, a cat’s dreams are often a “replay” of sensory experiences—visual, auditory, tactile, and even taste sensations.For humans, our dreams are often complex and bizarre because our daily lives are rich and varied. But for kittens, whose days mostly involve eating and sleeping, their dreams are simpler and more direct.Research by Matthew Wilson (MIT, Brain and Cognitive Sciences) shows that cat dreams are closely tied to their daily experiences, much like our own.In plain terms, what they do in dreams often mirrors their waking life. For example:Drinking water from your cup.Using the litter box.Sitting by the window watching the scenery.Playing with a cat teaser toy alongside you.
-
Do Kittens Have Nightmares?
Yes, they do—but their nightmares are usually not as mysterious or fantastical as human nightmares.Take a cat named Dongzhi, for instance. It often had nightmares, suddenly thrashing during sleep and scratching its owner’s face.After reviewing videos with a cat behavior specialist, the owner realized that Dongzhi’s eyes were rapidly blinking during these episodes—indicating it was dreaming.Dongzhi had been a stray cat before adoption. Its nightmares often replayed unpleasant memories from its life on the streets, which explains the frequent sleep disturbances.Over time, with careful support from its new owner and guidance from a cat psychologist, Dongzhi gradually became calmer, and the frequency of nightmares decreased.So, if your cat was once a stray and you adopted it, it’s crucial to care for it patiently and lovingly. Those painful memories may follow them into dreams for life, and only love and attention can help heal them.In general, a kitten’s dreams are simple combinations of real-life experiences. They cannot piece together complex or unfamiliar elements. But one thing is certain: you are likely one of the most common characters in their dreams.
If your cat suddenly wakes up from sleep and slowly walks toward you, ready to snuggle, gently call its name and give it a soft pet.Whether it just had a nightmare or a sweet dream, seeing you first thing will instantly make your cat happy!Share this article with other cat lovers: little kittens, may you let go of all worries, sleep well, and have sweet dreams.
