The cat twitches in a dream: why and what to do?

The movements of representatives of the cat family in a dream always touches their owners. However, if the activity begins to resemble cramps, then you should be worried. Animals differ in their habits from humans, their actions may be the result of certain pathologies. Do not let things go by their own accord, you need to figure out whether such a phenomenon is considered normal or is this a deviation? In today's article, we will explore the reasons why cats can twitch while resting. We will also tell you what can be done in this case.

Sleep features

1. Specialists are constantly studying the behavior of furry animals, so they made conclusions regarding the phases of sleep of cats. The first stage includes sleep of a superficial type, which is comparable to a nap. The animal controls its actions, because the body does not completely relax. The pet is aware of what is happening around it, it can at any time stand up or open its eyes.
2. Slow-flowing sleep is assigned to the second phase. It is characterized by a relaxation of muscle fibers, a decrease in the rate of blood circulation, and a slowdown in heart rate and respiration. An individual can open its eyes, as if struggling with sleep, then close them again. Everything is done very slowly.
3. And finally, the final phase, otherwise referred to as quick sleep. As a rule, it takes no more than 7 minutes in duration. Against this background, breathing changes, first it becomes intense, then slow and deep, then again fast. The heart also works unstable, may pound or be in a calm state. Usually the pressure rises, the eyes move, sometimes the animal makes sharp jerking with its paws, ears, mustache or tail.
4. Studies were conducted during which it was possible to find out that it was the last stage that is the period when the pet dreams. The dream is filled with emotions, it turns out quite spectacular, respectively, the pet reacts to it. The phases are constantly changing and coming out in turn, so the behavior of a furry friend looks different.

Cat dreams

1. It's no secret that animals can also dream and take an active part in them. As much as possible. They experience negative or positive emotions. Since animals are hunters by nature, experts believe that chasing or tracking prey is the main picture of sleep.
2. In addition, representatives of the cat family experience aggression, interest, joy. They may be afraid in a dream of other rivals or insurmountable obstacles. A person will not look into the sleep of his ward, but can partially understand from the movements of the cat that he is dreaming.
3. It is important to remain calm and not to panic if you suddenly notice a twitching of the legs or other parts of the body. This is not due to illness. It’s just that your pet is deeply immersed in a dream, which takes a direct part in it.

Movement of adult animals during rest

1. For the older generation of cats, it is considered the norm to pull the limbs, tail, mustache or ears. This usually happens during the transition period from adolescence. The animal adapts to external changes, new living conditions and other aspects. If the cat's day was busy, it is likely that the dreams will be the same.
2. In adolescence, individuals strengthen their psycho-emotional environment, learn the world more in depth, build relationships with the owner and achieve stability of the nervous system.The animal does not experience special stresses, so sleep is calm and with periodic movement of the limbs.
3. In the older generation, the last stage of sleep is characterized by stirring ears, antennae, lips. Tail and limb movements can also be seen. Some particularly emotional individuals purr, cry out or growl. Everything, again, depends on the dream.
4. If an animal has overcome a two-year age threshold, it may experience joy, sadness, and feelings. Some in their behavior are similar to kittens, they are nervous, they show aggression. As a rule, it is more difficult for such individuals to communicate with themselves and humans. They are closed, do not want to be near people constantly and literally clog into a corner.

Kittens movements during rest

1. Kittens are very active during rest, there is an explanation for this. Animals also look more energetic when not sleeping. Specialists concluded and explained the excessive activity by the duration of the last phase of sleep. She is allocated about 78% of the total rest period. That is, if the phases of large cats alternate, then the kittens are almost always at a fast stage of sleep.
2. The animal is actively growing, every day it learns something new through acquaintance with the environment. The nervous system is formed, the baby is developing. He can experience emotions much brighter than adult relatives. This is the main explanation.
3. Kittens can fall asleep in the most inappropriate position, so they often become heroes of funny videos and cause bewilderment of the owner. A person does not understand how such an unnatural position will help the baby sleep. As soon as the animal falls asleep, it almost immediately plunges into sleep and the emotions that a particular dream gives.
4. Usually, kids move their limbs, can spin from one side to another and radically get lost in space. From the outside, some people think that the kitten has already woken up. In fact, he is still in his interesting dream.
5. Some growing cats sleep with their eyes ajar, which is the absolute norm for kittens. Cats have a special visual apparatus; there is a so-called third eyelid. It creates a film, therefore, even with open eyes, the apple is successfully protected from light. During sleep, babies purr, meow and squeak more often than adults.
6. By the nature of motor activity, you can understand what the kitten is experiencing in a dream. If he smacks, collects paws from his face, then he definitely wants to eat. Intense limb movements and twitching of the head speak about games with relatives. Meowing is the result of anxiety or making new acquaintances.

When to contact a veterinarian

Consider the fact that the atypical behavior of a four-legged friend in a dream may indicate that he is developing serious pathological diseases. Therefore, it is worth knowing about the symptoms and, if necessary, seek the help of a specialist. If you react in time, then treatment can occur as efficiently as possible.

Cramps and seizures

1. You can often notice that cats often twitch in a dream. However, such movements can strongly resemble seizures. It is in this case that the animal requires the urgent help of a specialist.
2. Do not waste time in vain and do not try to take any measures yourself. If you notice that the animal began to twitch, immediately gently wake it. Do not scare the pet, remember that the body is able to wake up in a quarter of a minute.
3. Pay attention to whether the process of awakening is delayed against the background of a convulsive seizure. The cat should not be half asleep, lethargic and hard to get out of sleep. If such symptoms occur, the help of a veterinarian and a full examination are simply necessary.
4. A seizure can be detected for several reasons. Pay attention to whether your four-legged friend is experiencing shortness of breath. Also, if an individual suffers from such a pathology, it will not be able to stand normally and even simply raise and hold its head overhang.
5. Another symptom is excessive salivation, when the animal is unable to swallow it and simply chokes on it. Especially dangerous is the situation when you are unable to wake the animal with such a fit. Sometimes, if you manage to awaken a pet, he may lose consciousness. Contact the clinic immediately.
6. Keep in mind, if you are faced with a similar, this may indicate that the attack did not completely pass and may soon recur. If seizures are repeated regularly, this means that the animal has serious problems with the nervous system. Perhaps the individual develops a tumor process in the brain. If nothing is done, convulsions will be fatal.

Pregnant cat and after childbirth

1. Remember that when the animal is in an interesting position, it should be especially closely monitored. Also, the cat after birth should be surrounded by care. It is in such a difficult time that control the normal rest of the pet. Be careful not to cramp in the animal.
2. Often, such a seizure occurs mainly after childbirth. Such symptoms indicate that the cat is most likely to develop postpartum preeclampsia. Also with this disease, some more symptoms are revealed. Most often, the animal can be very excited or worried, or vice versa.

In any case, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. Such a fuss would not be superfluous. It is better to make sure that the animal is completely healthy than let it go by itself. Seizures are not the norm under any circumstances. Do not hesitate in going to the clinic and do not try to solve everything yourself.

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