Millions of people worldwide choose cats as pets, prized for their affectionate yet independent nature. While sleeping, cats exhibit an adorable trait that isn't snoring: they dream, and often about their owners.
Cats Dream During Sleep
Adult cats sleep between 12 to 18 hours per day, and experts confirm they dream. PetMD states: "Like most other mammals, cats do dream, as it's an important phenomenon that helps the brain to process the activities of the day."
Signs a cat is dreaming include twitching paws and whiskers, body movements, running motions, chirping, purring, muffled meows, and various facial expressions.
What Do Cats Dream About?
According to PetMD: "Although the specifics of a cat's dreams are unknown, it's likely that their brain is reviewing the day's activities, consolidating memories, and processing various experiences."
It is highly likely cats dream about their owners. PetMD suggests: "It's reasonable to expect that cats relive their daily experiences at night, perhaps with some imaginative additions." The site adds: "Cats probably do dream about their pet parents, their kitty friends, and even their enemies."
Cats may also dream about favorite activities like playing, eating, hunting, or exploring.
Social Media Confirms the Trend
A TikTok video from account Oreo and Pumpkin Spice, featuring rescued sisters, shows a sleeping cat. A narrator says: "Here's your fun cat fact of the day. You are actually in your cat's dreams - cats dream about their owners, and they recall glimpses of their day as they sleep."
One commenter wrote: "Good to know my cats think of me." Another quipped: "I hope he was nice in his dreams with me."
Additional Benefits of Cat Ownership
Stroking a cat provides stress relief by lowering cortisol levels. Help Guide notes: "Scientific evidence also shows a cat's purr can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure."
