If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably spent some time admiring your cat’s adorable poses during their naps. You may have also noticed your cat twitching in their sleep.
If you see their paws wriggling, their mouth moving, or their whiskers twitching, you might wonder if there’s something wrong. But some twitching and shaking during sleep is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, a little movement is just as natural as those funny sleeping positions!
In some cases, though, twitching and shaking can have other causes, including muscle spasms, allergies, or seizures.
Read on to learn more about why cats twitch in their sleep, plus what to do if you’re concerned about their sleep and when to get help from your veterinarian.
Why Do Cats Twitch In Their Sleep?
Experts say twitching can happen during a cat’s sleep for a few different reasons:
1. Dreaming
Yes, cats dream—and dreaming is the most common explanation for cats twitching in their sleep.
This mainly happens due to the activation of the motor cortex during the REM stage, explains Dr Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. She adds that this is a normal and healthy part of the sleep cycle. If your cat is in a deep, restful sleep and potentially dreaming, you might notice some movement of the paws, whiskers, and ears. They may even make some sounds, just like they do when awake.
During this sleep stage, avoid the temptation to disturb your cat. “Don’t be surprised if when you try to wake them up, they become very startled and even afraid. It would be like waking up a human in the middle of the night,” says Dr Jenna Waltzek, assistant professor and veterinarian at the Community Practice Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University, USA.
2. Muscle spasms
“Sometimes, twitches are simply involuntary muscle contractions caused by neurological reflexes during sleep,” says Cristy Brusoe, certified cat behaviourist and owner of Cat Training by Cristy. “As predators, cats have evolved to have quick reflexes and muscle responses. Even in sleep, these reflexes can sometimes manifest as twitches,” she adds.
When entering the sleep phase, cats can also experience the same hypnic jerks—more commonly called sleep starts—that you do. Experts believe these spasms happen naturally as your brain switches into sleep mode.
3. Allergies
In some cases, twitching during sleep can happen due to physical discomfort. If your cat has skin allergies, flea dermatitis, or irritated skin, they may try to scratch an itch in their sleep. This isn’t that common, though. More likely, you might notice your cat wake up, scratch, and then go back to sleep.
4. Seizures
Twitching or shaking during sleep could be a sign of a seizure.
However, this type of twitching will be more like full body convulsions, says Grant Little, DVM and veterinary expert at JustAnswer. In other words, you’ll notice a lot more than small or mild twitching. Your cay may even urinate or defecate at the same time.
Other signs of a seizure include:
- shivering
- stiffness
- falling to one side
- excessive drooling
- loss of awareness
- behaviour changes including confusion or nervousness
Seizures are a neurological disorder, so if you suspect your cat is having a seizure, you’ll want to make an appointment with your vet right away, he recommends.
Don’t touch your cat if you notice signs of a seizure. “They can’t control their body and if you touch them, you may get scratched or bitten by accident,” Dr Little says. Instead, write down any observations or take a short video. This could give your vet useful information about your cat’s symptoms.
Try to stay calm—your cat’s twitching and shaking may be very frightening, but most seizures will last just one to two minutes, Dr Little says. After this comes the postictal state. During this time, the twitching and convulsions will stop, and your cat may seem very lethargic.
Seizures may happen due to trauma, poisoning, or underlying health conditions, so it’s best to get your cat medical attention as soon as possible.
All About Cat Sleeping Habits
Your cat’s love for multiple daytime naps is completely typical. “Cats are polyphasic sleepers, so they sleep multiple times throughout the day and night,” says Dr Amy Attas, VMD, MA, and author of Pets and the City.
In fact, cats sleep for anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, and older cats may sleep up to 20 hours a day, she adds. Each sleep session is relatively short, however—usually less than an hour.
People, of course, are monophasic sleepers who tend to sleep for a long, continuous block, usually at night.
Cats are also crepuscular. “This means they’ve evolved to sleep more during the day and be active during the dusk and dawn,” Dr Attas says. She adds that cats can adapt their sleep cycles to match your routine, so they may end up sleeping more at night.
A cat’s sleep cycle can change as they age. “Adult and senior cats typically learn and master how to nap better than kittens,” says Dr Little. “Kittens can be very playful during the day when they’re awake but then go into a deep sleep after getting tired.
“As cats grow into adolescents, they tend to extend their awake time, learn their human caretaker’s schedule, and adjust their sleep pattern accordingly,“ explains Dr Waltzek.
Should you observe your cat’s sleep?
“Most cats don’t need to be monitored while sleeping,” Dr Waltzek says. “Unless you observe loss of bowel or bladder control, distressing cries, trouble, or open-mouthed breathing, just enjoy the silly antics of a sleeping, dreaming cat.”
If you still have concerns and want to monitor your cat’s sleep, most vets advise watching them quietly, from a distance.
Dr Attas says it may be useful to observe your cat’s resting respiration rate to learn their typical breathing rate during restful sleep.
Cats generally have a fairly slow breathing rate during sleep, Dr Little adds—roughly 12 breaths a minute. “It should never be over 30 breaths a minute in deeper sleep,” he says.
When To Ask A Vet About Cat Sleep Twitching
“Twitching is typically harmless,” Dr Dench says.
She adds that you generally don’t need to worry unless you notice:
- excessive twitching movements
- signs of distress or pain
- lasting stiffness upon waking
Epilepsy, neurological disorders, or pain could manifest as abnormal sleep twitching, Dr Dench says, so if you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to check in with your vet.
Taking a video of your cat’s sleep twitching and any other unusual behaviour can give your vet more information—without disturbing your cat’s sleep.
Your vet may want to run some tests to rule out any underlying health concerns.
How To Help Your Cat Sleep Better
Making sure your cat has a quiet, comfortable place to sleep—or several—can help them snooze more soundly.
If your cat loves to sleep tucked away, you can try a covered cat bed. If they prefer high-up spaces, you might try a cat tree or a blanket-covered shelf.
You can also help improve your cat’s rest by making sure they have sleeping places away from children and other pets. If you have multiple cats, it’s important to make sure everyone has their own retreat.
“Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial to rule out any underlying health issues that could affect your cat’s sleep patterns,” Dr Dench says.
If your cat seems to have frequent trouble sleeping or they show signs of discomfort when they wake up, your vet can offer more guidance.
