Cats are famously aloof at times, but something they do in their sleep shows just how much they really care about their owners. While snoring is often seen as an unpleasant trait in humans, in animals it is generally considered sweet and endearing. However, cats are guilty of an endearing habit that happens while they are sleeping, and it is not snoring.
Millions of people across the globe choose to welcome a pet into their home, with cats consistently featuring among the most popular choices. They are relatively straightforward to care for, as they do not require daily walks in the same way dogs do. And while they can be loving and cuddly, they are equally cherished for their trademark independence and occasional air of indifference. Cats are also considerably quieter than dogs, as they are far less inclined towards loud vocalisations that might disturb the neighbours.
Stroking a Cat Reduces Stress
Stroking a cat is also regarded as an effective means of relieving stress, reducing cortisol levels in humans. Help Guide states that scientific evidence also shows a cat's purr can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure.
Adult Cats Sleep 12 to 18 Hours Daily
Many pets doze throughout the day. Adult cats sleep for around 12 to 18 hours each day, and experts reveal they do something quite unexpected during this time: they dream. PetMD reveals: "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 your cat may be dreaming include twitching, especially of the paws and whiskers, body movements, running-like motions, chirping and purring sounds, muffled meows, and various facial expressions.
Cats Likely Dream About Their Owners
So, what do cats actually dream about? PetMD states: "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." While it is impossible to state with certainty what cats actually dream about, there is a strong chance their owners feature heavily. This is due to the fact many mammals use dreams to process the events they have experienced, with PetMD suggesting "it's reasonable to expect that cats relive their daily experiences at night, perhaps with some imaginative additions." It adds: "Cats probably do dream about their pet parents, their kitty friends, and even their enemies." They are also likely to dream about their favourite daily routines and pastimes, such as playing games or with toys, eating, hunting, exploring and more.
In a clip posted on TikTok by the popular account Oreo and Pumpkin Spice, which follows the lives of rescued sisters Oreo and Pumpkin Spice, one of the cats is shown in a deep slumber. A narrator then states: "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." In the comments, one fellow cat owner wrote: "Good to know my cats think of me." While another joked: "I hope he was nice in his dreams with me."
