Why does a cat flinch in his sleep? A cat twitches in a dream: reasons and what to do

Sometimes inexperienced owners are surprised: why does a cat twitch in its sleep? There is no need to panic, for animals it is as natural as for a person to talk in a dream. One cat twitches more often in its sleep, another almost never, this is very individual among cats.

Sometimes, inexperienced owners are surprised that the kitten twitches in its sleep, and may even make strange sounds: sometimes purr, sometimes “cry out.” This behavior during sleep is quite natural for animals; this is not at all an indication that the pet is sick with something.

Like people, our smaller brothers have certain sleep phases. At the same time, in cats, the duration of “deep” sleep is about a quarter of the total time spent in blissful slumber. And yet, why does this happen, why does a cat twitch in its sleep?

It may seem like cats are terrible lazy people, because they sleep most of the day, but in fact, this is not entirely true. What looks like sleep is often simply a state of relaxation, with the animal in control of everything that happens around it. Have you probably noticed that a “sleeping” cat opens one eye slightly as soon as some movement occurs?

So, when a cat decides to take a nap, she curls up, gets comfortable, and relaxes all her muscles. The shallow sleep phase begins, and after about 10-30 minutes it gives way to deep sleep.

During this period, the muscles are completely relaxed, the cat lies on its side. And then, when the animal is truly asleep, noticeable movements of the tail, ears, and limbs occur, and the cat twitches in its sleep.

A person, unlike cats, while in this phase of sleep, dreams. In this special state of the brain, information about recent events is transferred to deeper layers of memory from its “temporary” section. Cats probably experience similar experiences.

If a person has developed areas of the brain responsible for psycho-emotional experiences and imagination, then for less developed animals physical movements and motor skills are important. These are what the cat’s brain reproduces, while relaxed muscles sometimes reproduce by inertia.

Periods of deep sleep for cats are about 6-7 minutes. During a long rest there can be many such phases. Therefore, if your pet “talks” or moves in its sleep, do not rush to contact the veterinarian; this is quite normal.

Modern veterinary medicine quite successfully fights many infectious, viral, dermatological, senile and other diseases in cats, but in order to correctly prescribe treatment, it is necessary to take into account the entire complex of symptoms.

Sleep Features

Experts constantly study the behavior of furry animals, so they made conclusions regarding the sleep phases of cats. The first stage includes sleep of a superficial type, which is comparable to dozing. The animal controls its actions because the body does not relax completely. The pet is aware of what is happening around it and can stand up or open its eyes at any time.
The second phase includes slow-moving sleep. It is characterized by relaxation of muscle fibers, a decrease in blood circulation, and a slowdown in heart rate and breathing. The individual may open its eyes slightly, as if fighting sleep, then close them again. Everything is done very slowly.
And finally, the final phase, otherwise called REM sleep. As a rule, it takes no more than 7 minutes. Against this background, breathing changes, becoming intense at first, then slow and deep, then fast again. The heart is also unstable and may pound or be at rest. Usually the pressure rises, the eyes move, and sometimes the animal makes sharp twitches of its paws, ears, whiskers or tail.
Studies have been carried out, during which it was possible to find out that it is the last stage that is the period when the pet dreams. The dream is filled with emotions, it turns out to be quite spectacular, and accordingly, the pet reacts to it. The phases are constantly changing and appear one after the other, so the behavior of your furry friend looks different.

Emotional excitement

What to do if your cat is shaking? First you need to find out the reason, and only then take some action. For example, periodic trembling in an animal may appear due to certain emotional states. For example, the cat experienced severe fear, discomfort from the appearance of strangers in the apartment, and aggression arose.

Note that not only negative emotions can cause such conditions in a pet. For example, a cat that is experiencing bliss may also tremble periodically. Some owners notice that when they return after work and the cat is bored, rubs, purrs, and literally shakes with joy. This is the normal state of the animal. Therefore, you should not leave your pet for a long time if it is so hard for you to be separated from you.

Complete relaxation

To help your pussy fall into deep sleep, where twitching may sometimes occur, provide him with a sleeping area that maintains a constant, comfortable temperature. Cats especially feel safe in high places, where they are protected from various stimuli, such as other animals in the house.

At temperatures below 20 degrees, a cat may curl up and hide its nose under its tail, but at higher temperatures, it will tend to gradually relax its position.

Noticing that a cat is twitching in its sleep, the owner may be concerned about the well-being of the pet. If we are talking about an adult cat, suspicions are far from unfounded. Let's figure out why cats twitch in their sleep and what it may indicate if a cat twitches too much.

It was cats, or rather, their dreams, that made it possible to prove to the whole world that animals also plunge into the world of dreams. Moreover, scientists suggest that our pets' dreams are much richer and more dynamic than ours.

It all started when doctors began to study the phases of human sleep. To confirm their assumption that healthy people lose the ability to move during REM sleep, an experiment was conducted on a group of cats.

All animals had a small area of the brain removed, which was responsible for muscle atonia in the REM phase of sleep. After the animals were fully rehabilitated, the scientists' suspicions were corrected. The observed cats stood on their paws, walked confidently, and turned their heads, as if watching someone. While in a state of sleep, cats sniffed and turned their ears. The experiment proved that cats see, hear and touch dreams.

This is interesting!
A healthy, adult animal does not move during REM sleep, although rapid eye movements and slight twitching are considered normal.

With the development of medical equipment, it was possible to prove that during dreams, cats experience real emotions: fear, joy, excitement, aggression. Near the animals under observation, “pheromones” of a same-sex cat were sprayed and the observed one showed aggression. In the opposite case, when the scent of an animal of the opposite sex was sprayed, the observed behaved calmly or interestedly. That is, animals not paralyzed by the REM phase not only sensed the outside world, but also made natural, instinctive decisions. These observations led to the conclusion that in their dreams, cats see themselves and their surroundings very realistically.

This is interesting!
Experiments were carried out on cats, dogs and rodents. Cats surprised scientists by very naturally emitting hunting in their dreams. The dogs unexpectedly hinted at the animal essence, imitating the behavior of wild wolves. The rodents broke all records, because even in their sleep they were able to solve the tasks assigned to them.

The study of human and animal sleep continues. Of course, today it is no longer practiced to remove part of the brain for the sake of observation. To relieve atonia during the REM phase, blockades of part of the brain are used. Modern scientists are on the verge of a big discovery, since the experiments included observations of brain activity using highly sensitive scanners. There is no doubt that cats dream, but perhaps we will soon find out exactly what their dream world looks like. Already today, scientists have managed to find out that kittens see their first dreams while still in the womb.

Cat dreams

The world of dreams is like an otherworldly universe with its own laws and characteristics. Scientists have long established that animals dream like people, experiencing vivid and dynamic pictures. It is noteworthy that cats made a great contribution to the study of sleep, becoming test subjects in a number of experiments. The purpose of the research was to prove the theory that during the dreaming phase of sleep, people and animals with an intact brain are affected by atonia (lack of muscle tone), which blocks active movements.

Movements of adult animals during rest

For the older generation of felines, it is considered normal to twitch their limbs, tail, whiskers or ears. Typically, this happens during the transition period from adolescence. The animal adapts to external changes, new living conditions and other aspects. If the cat had a busy day, it is likely that the dreams will be the same.
During adolescence, individuals strengthen their psycho-emotional environment, learn about the world more deeply, build relationships with the owner and achieve stability in the nervous system. The animal does not experience any particular stress, so sleep is calm and with periodic movement of the limbs.
In the older generation, the last stage of sleep is characterized by moving ears, antennae, and lips. Movement of the tail and limbs may also be seen. Some especially emotional individuals purr, scream or growl. Everything, again, depends on the dream.
If an animal has passed the two-year age threshold, it may experience joy, sadness, and anxiety. Some are similar in behavior to kittens; they are nervous and aggressive. As a rule, it is more difficult for such individuals to communicate with their own kind and humans. They are withdrawn, do not want to be around people all the time and literally hide in a corner.

Kittens are more active during rest, and there is an explanation for this. Animals also appear more energetic when they are awake. Experts came to the conclusion 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 big cats alternate phases, then kittens are almost constantly in the rapid stage of sleep.
The animal is actively growing, learning something new every day through exposure to its environment. The nervous system is formed, the baby develops. He can experience emotions much more vividly than his adult relatives. This is the main explanation.
Kittens can fall asleep in the most inappropriate position, which is why they often become the heroes of funny videos and cause bewilderment to the owner. The person does not understand how such an unnatural position will help the baby get enough sleep. As soon as the animal falls asleep, it almost immediately plunges into sleep and the emotions that a particular dream gives.
Typically, babies move their limbs, can spin from one side to the other and become completely 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.
Some growing cats sleep with their eyes slightly open, which is the absolute norm for kittens. Cats have a special visual apparatus; they have a so-called third eyelid. It creates a film, so even with its eyes open, the apple is successfully protected from light. During sleep, babies purr, meow and squeak more often than adults.
By the nature of motor activity, you can understand what exactly the kitten is experiencing in its sleep. If he smacks his lips and gathers his paws near his muzzle, then he definitely wants to eat. Intense movements of the limbs and twitching of the head indicate games with relatives. Meowing is a consequence of anxiety or a new acquaintance.

Seizures in a cat - reasons that provoke unusual behavior of the pet

If your cat has a seizure, place her on a flat surface.

If your pet is experiencing seizures, you should follow these tips:

if the animal begins to have convulsions, calm down and do not panic, since in an excited state you will not only not be able to provide first aid, but can also harm the pet;
Place the animal on a hard, flat surface, such as the floor. In this case, you can place a disposable diaper under the cat, since often during an attack pets experience uncontrolled bowel and bladder emptying;
Do not under any circumstances try to hold the animal or open its mouth by force in order to insert a stick or other object into it;
There is no need to try to pour medications into the animal’s mouth, and especially not to push pills.

After an attack, it is necessary to cover the pet with a warm blanket and show the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Massage helps shorten the duration of an attack and reduce discomfort and pain. At the same time, do not forget that you should not overdo the massage. In order to help your pet, light stroking of the cramped limb will be enough.

The animal's convulsions look quite frightening, and the owner is required not to panic and maintain presence of mind

It is necessary to remove from the animal shaking in fits all objects that could cause physical harm to it if moved carelessly

There is a technique for massaging your pet during an attack.

You can try placing a cat in a state of convulsions on a soft, smooth surface and gently massage the cramped limb. After this, apply a heating pad or any other container with warm water to the animal’s paws and lower back.

The seizure usually lasts less than 5 minutes, but the cat's fear and confusion will continue for quite some time. You can't leave her alone. The owner must calm and comfort the animal with stroking, affection and kind words.

During and after an attack, you can try putting a few drops of Valocordin or Corvalol on your pet’s tongue. These drugs will calm the animal and ease its suffering. No other medications should be given without the advice of a specialist.

After the end of the convulsions, it is advisable to place bowls with water and food at an accessible distance from the cat, given that for some time she cannot orient herself normally in space. It is not recommended to specifically force the animal to eat or drink.

What to do if your pet has seizures? The first step is to protect the animal from possible injury. To do this, you need to remove all objects that the cat might hit during convulsions. You can cover the cat with soft pillows or wrap it in a blanket. At the same time, carefully ensure that the animal does not suffocate in the material.

Do not touch your pet's face with bare hands. During convulsions, the animal is very frightened and does not recognize the owner. This condition can lead to aggression. A cat is capable of scratching and biting its owner.

If possible, reduce various effects on the animal’s nervous system that can prolong an attack or stimulate a new one. Turn off the lights, sounds, avoid touching the body, do not scare.

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It is prohibited to independently prescribe and use medications for an animal. Drugs intended for humans can be fatal for cats. You can call the veterinary clinic and, with the veterinarian’s approval, put a couple of drops of Corvalol or Valacordin on the cat’s tongue. These products will help calm your pet before going to the vet.

Even a single attack of seizures must be reported to a veterinarian, who will conduct a full examination and determine the cause of its occurrence.

To do this, you must place the animal in a closed carrier.

Reasons why a cat trembles

Tremor or trembling in a pet is not always a sign of illness

. If a cat is trembling, then it is almost impossible not to notice this state of the animal. There are several main reasons that can cause a pet to tremble in apparent absolute health:

an animal's reaction to an external stimulus represented by cold
. This reason is the most harmless, but can cause a number of quite serious consequences, including severe hypothermia of a pet. It is especially important to control the temperature in the room when keeping hairless breeds and cats with short hair. In cool weather, it is necessary to reduce walks with the animal to a minimum or completely eliminate its stay on the street;
an animal's reaction to severe fright or any stressful situation
. Quite often, this situation arises when there is a sudden change in diet, the appearance of strangers or unfamiliar animals in the house, as well as when being transported to a new place of residence. In this case, it is enough to eliminate all factors that provoke trembling as quickly as possible and calm the pet;
reaction to a joyful event
. Trembling in an animal can also cause quite positive emotions, including joy from the appearance of the owner or pleasure from games, affection and receiving favorite foods;
reaction to sexual arousal
. The appearance of fairly distinct trembling can be caused by a state of sexual arousal in a cat or a cat in heat. In almost all representatives of the cat family, all senses are very characteristically heightened and behavioral characteristics change greatly during the period of sexual arousal, therefore, it is advisable to sterilize or castrate animals not intended for breeding;
natural processes
. Actively occurring in the body of a sleeping pet, they can also be accompanied by trembling of the body and limbs.

Important!

Particular attention is required to frequent, quite strong tremors of the body and limbs, which occur in a pet regularly and for no apparent reason.

In this case, it is necessary to deliver the cat to a veterinary institution as quickly as possible, where a full range of basic, most informative diagnostic measures will be carried out aimed at identifying the cause of the pathological condition.

Associated symptoms

The red cat is trembling, why?

Let's take a closer look.

Subclinical form of panleukopenia

In the subclinical form of panleukopenia, the cat develops lethargy and fever.

The subclinical form of panleukopenia often does not manifest itself with pronounced symptoms, so timely diagnosis is especially important.
The latent period of this disease lasts about ten days, then lethargy and fever appear.
The cat refuses food and water and is very thirsty.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating are possible.

Hidden period of rhinotracheitis

Apathy and loss of appetite appear in a cat with rhinotracheitis.

The latent period of rhinotracheitis lasts about a week.

The first signs are apathy, loss of appetite, and fever.
Serum nasal and eye discharge.
Over time, they turn into purulent mucous discharge and increased salivation.
Ulcers develop on the tongue, and parenchymal keratitis occurs.

Calcivirus infection

Calcivirus infection is dangerous and difficult to treat.

Calcivirus infection can be expressed by discharge from the eyes.

In healthy and strong animals, it can occur in a latent form and manifest itself only as a slight tremor.
However, when it develops into a chronic stage, it causes irreparable harm to the pet’s body.
It can be expressed by slight discharge from the nose and eyes, lameness, apathy, and lethargy.
A slight fluctuation in the body’s protective function and the disease becomes acute.
The danger is the rapid course of the acute form and the development of secondary pathologies.

In this case, an unfavorable and cautious prognosis .

Puberty of a cat

One of the main reasons is puberty in the cat or the period of estrus.

One of the reasons for trembling is puberty in a cat.

If this is a young animal, such a condition causes unreasonable fear and, as a result, stress.

Central nervous system disorders

If during the daytime a pet tries to hide in a dark corner, this may indicate a disorder of the central nervous system and diseases such as meningitis, myelitis or neuroses of any nature.

With meningitis, depression will be present.

With meningitis, depression, low blood pressure, and fever will be present. Severe, continuous vomiting may occur.
Symptoms of myelitis may not appear immediately.
The initial stage is characterized by constant attacks of anxiety.
Then severe pain, aggression, and loss of coordination with partial paralysis occur.
The animal is constantly trembling, there is hyperthermia, difficulty urinating and defecating.
Neurosis manifests itself in the inappropriate behavior of an animal.
This may be an unreasonable fear of familiar things and events - feeding, one’s own habitat, the owner.
Fear of closed spaces or litter boxes.
Aggressive behavior gives way to complete apathy.
Prolonged licking of the fur until it is wet.

When should you seek advice?

Consider the fact that the atypical behavior of your 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, seeking help from a specialist. If you react in time, treatment can be as effective as possible. Convulsions and seizures

You can often notice that cats twitch quite often in their sleep. However, such movements can closely resemble seizures. It is in this case that the animal requires immediate assistance from a specialist.
Don't waste your time and don't try to take any measures on your own. If you notice that the animal begins to twitch, gently wake it up immediately. Do not frighten your pet; remember that the body can wake up in a quarter of a minute.
Pay attention to whether the process of awakening is delayed due to a seizure. The cat should not be half asleep, lethargic and have difficulty getting out of sleep. If such symptoms occur, the help of a veterinarian and a full examination are simply necessary.
A seizure can be detected for several reasons. Pay attention to whether your four-legged friend is experiencing difficulty breathing. Also, if an individual suffers from such a pathology, it will not be able to stand normally or even simply raise and hold its head up.
Another symptom is excessive secretion of saliva, when the animal is unable to swallow it and simply chokes on it. The situation is especially dangerous when you are unable to wake up the animal during such a seizure. Sometimes, if you manage to awaken your pet, he may lose consciousness. Contact the clinic immediately.
Keep in mind that if you encounter something like this, this may indicate that the attack has not completely passed and may soon recur. If seizures recur regularly, this means that the animal has serious problems with the nervous system. Perhaps the individual is developing a tumor process in the brain. If nothing is done, the seizures will be fatal.

Pregnant cat and after birth

Remember that when an animal is in an interesting position, you should watch it especially closely. Also, after giving birth, the cat should be surrounded by care. It is in such difficult times that you should monitor your pet’s normal rest. Pay close attention to ensure that your animal does not exhibit seizures.
Often, such an attack occurs mainly after childbirth. Such symptoms indicate that the cat is most likely developing postpartum preeclampsia. Also, with this disease, some other symptoms are revealed. Most often, the animal may be very excited or worried, or vice versa.

In any case, it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. Such fuss will not be superfluous. It is better to make sure that the animal is completely healthy than to leave everything to chance. Seizures are not normal under any circumstances. Don’t hesitate to go to the clinic and don’t try to solve everything yourself.

It is believed that almost 70% of the population begins to experience uncontrollable twitching of limbs or individual parts of the body during night sleep. However, most people do not realize the presence of such symptoms for a long time until close relatives tell them about it. There are many reasons why a person twitches in his sleep. For some, this may simply be an uncomfortable position chosen, while for others it may be the consequences of a serious illness.

However, you should not under any circumstances confuse the symptoms inherent in night twitching with convulsive or epilepsy-like attacks. If you or someone close to you woke up from pain, which is accompanied by a cramp of the limbs or all the symptoms appear that resemble an attack of epilepsy with the inherent arching “into a bridge” and, in the final phase, the act of urination, you should definitely consult a doctor.

There is also a rare hereditary disease called essential myoclonus. It begins to develop in very early childhood and is characterized by just such involuntary twitching during sleep and uncontrolled movements of the legs in the joints.

All of the above belongs to the group of so-called pathological myoclonus. This also includes twitching due to:

hereditary pathologies of the spinal cord and brain, which provoke trembling and twitching during sleep;
encephalitis of viral etymology, which essentially “poison” the brain and force it to give not always adequate signals;
damage to nerve endings, which are complications of severe or chronic diseases of the liver, pancreas, kidneys and lungs;
poisoning with toxins, medications and narcotic substances.

The muscle in the leg twitches in the same way as in Ekbom's restless legs syndrome. This is a separate condition when patients complain of:

painful sensations, burning, heaviness in the legs;
these pains are associated with periods of active relaxation, therefore they are noted in the evening and at night, while in the morning they are either insignificant or completely absent;
Performing leg movements alleviates the condition.

That is why the body often makes such “relieving movements” involuntarily, twitching the disturbing limb. Sometimes the shudders are so sharp that an already asleep person wakes up. Sometimes it seems to him that the condition is somewhat reminiscent of a cramp, but it passes very quickly and does not constrain the limb.

Why do cats snore?

In order to give correct explanations, we will touch on the anatomical structure of cats, the basics of which any owner who respects his animal should know.

The picture clearly shows how long the cat’s trachea is. Through the trachea, air enters the cat's lungs, and through it it is expelled back. In a normal state, the number of inhalations and exhalations by a cat is 17-20. A very deep breath and a very long exhale! Air is passed through the vestibule of the trachea - the larynx.

But our cats, cats and kittens do not know how to growl - the hyoid is rigidly embedded in the larynx. But our pets can purr, forcefully pushing air through this natural bony barrier. They push air as they inhale, push it as they exhale, and therefore their purring process is continuous as long as the cat keeps the larynx in a relaxed state.

Kittens begin to make these sweet sounds as early as 5-7 days after birth, as soon as their little larynx begins to harden.

This is the first reason for snoring.

Do you know that pugs snore always and everywhere? The reason for this is the brachycephalic structure of the muzzle. If your cat has the same shortened nasal passages and unnaturally altered “facial” bones, then snoring for them is a natural, standard condition, because the air moves along an anomalous trajectory. They snore even while they are awake, but during sleep, when they relax, the snoring is especially pronounced.

Snoring can also occur in the most unimaginable positions that a cat takes during sleep. This position may seem comfortable to the cat, but it blocks the natural flow of air to the lungs - disrupts their circulation. The body reacts by drawing in more air and releasing carbon dioxide back. Result: we snore, we’re shaking!

We are not talking about obesity yet, but your cat’s “legs” have already become plump, the ribs are difficult to feel under the layer of subcutaneous fat, and the scruff of the neck is almost equal in width to the butt.

If until recently your funny kitten was cheerful and cheerful, but today he has a runny nose, drooling, sneezing, diarrhea, lack of appetite and snoring, then take him by the paw and take him to Aibolit. This one sign is enough to start seeing a doctor and start proper timely treatment, which will lead to the recovery of your naughty boy.

The cause of “fading” can be anything, from helminthic infestation and diseases of the gums and teeth, to serious diseases of the heart and other internal organs.

Having dealt with the main causes of snoring, let's try to find out why your cat twitches in its sleep, runs somewhere, shudders, twitches and even fights.

Why does a person twitch in his sleep?

Experts have identified several types of night twitches, each of which has its own cause and a specific way of manifesting itself.

A fairly common syndrome that causes short-term spasm of a certain muscle group. This occurs due to uncoordinated muscle tone and a state of complete relaxation. When a person falls asleep, the brain perceives this as a possible state of death. Therefore, the body begins to receive impulses so that the brain makes sure that the person is alive.

If the nerve impulse fails to touch the muscles of the body, the brain sends the signal again, only with more powerful force. Having reached its goal, the impulse disrupts the calm and state of relaxation, thereby provoking involuntary twitching.

Sleep paralysis

Becomes active during the transition from the waking state to the stage of falling asleep. Hallucinations, panic, a feeling of fear, and rapid breathing may occur. Particularly susceptible people imagine otherworldly forces or the presence of intruders in the house.

Common causes of paralysis are disturbances in the day and night routine, severe shocks, stress and a sedentary lifestyle.

An equally common cause of nighttime tremors is “Ekbom's restless legs syndrome.” It is characterized by burning and severe pain in the foot and lower leg when falling asleep or during sleep. The result is an involuntary shaking of one or both legs, causing a sudden awakening.

Cases that do not require intervention

Sometimes sudden movements during sleep are completely harmless, so they should not cause concern or attract special attention.

When falling asleep, a person completely relaxes, tension in the muscles decreases, the heart begins to beat more slowly, and breathing becomes more even. Perceiving this condition as impending death, the brain transmits a certain signal, causing the muscles to begin contracting again. Therefore, the sleeper suddenly awakens.
Sleep goes through several stages. Due to their order, a certain malfunction occurs, causing twitching.
Poor blood supply to the extremities. This occurs due to the fact that the vessels become overfilled with blood, and the pressure in them begins to change. This indicates that you need to turn over and get into a comfortable sleeping position.
Regular snoring provokes a lack of oxygen in the blood, so it can also lead to awakening.
Due to daily overwork and constant stress, muscles cannot relax quickly. Recovery requires more time or a sudden jolt that occurs during the night.
Stress and overexertion also negatively affect the quality of sleep.
In children, twitching is possible due to a disorder of the nervous system, its inability to perceive the amount of information received during the day.
For many, nighttime tremors are caused by nightmares, sudden sounds, or simply being touched by another person.

Frequent shuddering, which is constantly exhausting and interferes with restful sleep, can signal the presence of serious abnormalities. In this case, it is recommended to contact a specialist who will study the problem in detail and help solve it.

In the presence of a disease such as bruxism, twitching occurs along with teeth grinding.
In epilepsy, exacerbation begins at the moment of falling asleep.
Nocturnal myoclonus is a syndrome of uncontrolled muscle contraction in which the body shudders sharply, the legs bend at the knees, and the thumbs straighten.
Neurological disorders (dementia, Parkinson's disease) have a detrimental effect on sleep.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system (require special attention and constant monitoring).
If side effects occur from antidepressants and other drugs.
Paroxysmal dystonia is a disorder that causes involuntary vibrations of the body or limbs, which can lead to injury. For example, a sharp blow to the face with a hand or a kick to the bedside table.

Signs of imminent death

You can know that a cat is dying by the presence of a combination of certain symptoms. If your pet is over 12–14 years old, then you need to carefully monitor its behavior and health. Some felines live up to 25 years, but this happens very rarely.

Before you prepare for the worst, you should take him to the vet. It is likely that the pet is simply seriously ill, but it can be cured. Timely therapy is important for recovery, so do not delay going to the clinic or calling a specialist at home. For example, older cats often develop chronic pathologies that are similar to signs of impending death. However, if remission is achieved, the animal can live several more years without suffering or pain.

But even if medical intervention does not help, the doctor will advise how to properly care for your friend and prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. If you don’t have enough time to carry out supporting manipulations yourself, the cat can be placed in a clinic where he will be provided with the necessary care.

Loss of appetite is an alarming symptom

A cat's eating behavior changes dramatically before death. She eats little or refuses food at all, and then even water. The following signs should alert you:

untouched food in a bowl;
absence of excrement in the tray for two or more days;
feces containing blood;
darkening of urine.

After some time, hunger makes itself felt with sunken sides and physical exhaustion. The hair begins to fall out, the pet is no longer active and constantly lies down. Due to weakness, control over the muscles of the intestines and urinary tract is reduced. There may be traces of feces left on the floors of your home.

Difficulty breathing is a sign of the approaching end

Other symptoms of a cat dying are changes in breathing. The heart can no longer work fully, so the amount of oxygen entering the lungs and blood decreases. The pet draws in air heavily and rapidly, trying to make up for the losses. In a healthy animal, the frequency of breaths per minute is 20–30. Shortness of breath, weak or infrequent breathing are symptoms of imminent death. It is not difficult to determine the indicator; just use a stopwatch and count the number of chest rises per minute.

Decreased heart rate and blood pressure are dangerous symptoms

Signs that a cat is dying include a slowing heart rate (normally 140–122 beats per minute) and a decrease in blood pressure. Changes in these indicators occur due to difficulties in pumping blood by the heart and, as a result, overload. You can measure an animal's pulse like this:

place your palm on the left side behind the front paw;
count the number of beats in 15 seconds;
calculate the heart rate per minute by multiplying the resulting figure by 4. If the number of beats is less than 60, then this sign indicates the cat’s approaching death.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to measure your pet’s blood pressure at home without special equipment.

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A specific smell is a sign of imminent death

A dying cat emits an unpleasant odor. This happens due to a decrease in the performance of internal organs. The elimination of toxins slows down or completely stops. Harmful substances gradually accumulate in the body, a symptom of which is the unpleasant aroma of the animal’s body and mouth.

Reduced temperature

When checking for signs of death in a cat, be sure to measure its body temperature:

a special ear thermometer;
a rectal digital device, the tip of which is carefully inserted into the rectum.

The body temperature of a dying cat is significantly lower than 37.7 ⁰C, which indicates a weak heart. When you don’t have a thermometer at hand, you can feel the animal’s paw pads. If they are cool, then this is also a bad symptom.

How to get a restful sleep

Useful tips to normalize sleep and get rid of involuntary body movements:

you need to identify the cause of the disease and, if necessary, seek help from a specialist;
take sedatives if there are no contraindications;
beware of hypothermia;
add foods rich in macronutrients to your diet;
reduce consumption of tea and strong coffee;
do exercises in the morning, take walks in the fresh air before going to bed;
accustom yourself to go to bed and get up at the same time;
choose a comfortable bed with orthopedic accessories.

These rules are useful only if a person twitches in his sleep and this does not affect the person’s sleep in any way and does not bring much discomfort. If you have serious illnesses, it is impossible to cope with the disorder on your own; it is better to seek help from a qualified specialist.

Twitching in sleep or sleeping myoclonus is a syndrome that is manifested by muscle contraction (also called positive myoclonus) or a decrease in their tone (negative) during the period of maximum possible relaxation. It is worth noting that twitching can affect both the body as a whole and its individual parts (usually the arms and legs).

The phenomenon of night twitching is common in both the adult population and the younger population, including infants. It is believed that about 70% of people twitch in their sleep. But most people don’t know about this, since myoclonus does not contribute to awakening and people don’t remember about it in the morning. Therefore, household members often pay attention to him and pester him with the question of why the person slept so restlessly at night.

There is also another definition for nocturnal twitching - hypnagogic twitching. It was first described by physiologists as a simultaneous tension of all nerves in a bundle directed to a particular muscle.

When to contact a veterinarian

If the owner, after analyzing his pet’s trembling on his own, does not find an explanation for it, he will have to immediately contact a specialist at the nearest veterinary clinic. As the animal begins to tremble, its behavior may change; overnight, a beloved cat may become aggressive. In addition to the reasons described above that cause tremors in a cat in a lying position, there are many other less harmless reasons that cause tremors.

These include:

The cat has helminths.
Lack of vitamins in the cat's body (especially calcium and vitamin B).
Diseases of internal organs (in particular the kidneys - the presence of urolithiasis in the animal).

The veterinarian will send the animal along with the owner to undergo all the necessary tests and an ultrasound of the internal organs, and then give recommendations on the necessary treatment.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=q3-k5YmSRCU

Factors

Another possible factor for tremors in a cat may be uncomfortable posture . Cat muscles and joints are capable of reacting this way to being in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
An equally significant fact can be stress or previously experienced fear . A possible reason is the animal’s excessive activity during hunting and games. As well as the presence of injury or bruise.

The fact that a cat is trembling may be due to stress.

What can a cat dream about?

What kind of dreams does a cat have? Scientists believe that an animal in a dream is capable of experiencing many pleasant and not so pleasant emotions, while at the same time seeing the real world around them and hearing its sounds :

joy;
aggression;
fear;
interest;
hunting instinct.

It is hunting, the pursuit of prey, that, according to researchers, are the main plot lines of cat dreams. This leads to the conclusion that a sleeping cat’s paw twitches not because of illness, but because of the vivid pictures of life that the animal dreams of.

When twitching is normal

The question that most often arises is: why do you twitch when you fall asleep? The answer may be so-called physiological or benign myoclonus. Sometimes, when falling asleep, a person imagines that he is flying or falling into a hole. A sharp and strong relaxation of muscles is not always correctly perceived by our brain.

After all, absolute relaxation is death. So our brain transmits a signal to check whether the body is alive. The impulse rushes to the muscles, “revitalizing” the body and providing a tremor, which is a kind of signal about successful activity. This is why people twitch during sleep. Therefore, benign myoclonus is often observed in children and those people who fall asleep very quickly and without problems.

Phenomena that do not require intervention also include myoclonus in children and infants. Physiologists say that the sleep phases of babies are not similar to those of adults. And if for parents the deep sleep phase lasts 2-3 hours, then for their child it can only be an hour, alternating with shallow sleep. When transitioning from one phase to another, the baby begins to twitch and frighten the parents. Although there is no need to worry at all.

How to treat fever in a child who has previously had febrile seizures?

If the child does not have an increase in temperature during illness or after vaccination, it is not recommended to give antipyretic drugs! This does not reduce the risk of an attack.

If the temperature has risen, medications to reduce it make you feel better overall, but do not help with attacks.

The harm from anticonvulsants for the prevention of febrile seizures outweighs the benefits; they are almost never prescribed.

If a child’s febrile convulsions are prolonged, at the beginning of the attack it is recommended to administer a drug from the benzodiazepine group in the form of an enema, a spray in the nose or a gel on the cheek. Unfortunately, none of these forms are registered in Russia. Therefore, if an attack lasts longer than 5 minutes, an emergency doctor may give an injection of such a medicine.

For antipyretic drugs, children can be given ibuprofen at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours or paracetamol at a dose of 15 mg/kg every 6 hours. Don't give children aspirin!

Light twitching

According to available data and statistics, most cats regularly experience small twitches while sleeping. Some experts believe they may be similar to what people experience during REM eye movement sleep. During rapid eye movement, people dream and experience a deep sense of pleasure in sleep. Those little twitches your kitten or cat makes could be simple movements they make while chasing a mouse or playing with other cats in their dreams.

What other reasons for movement are there?

If a cat shakes its tail, it means it is “speaking” and wants to be understood. There are a number of common “phrases” that are expressed by moving the tail:

Regularly repeated movements of this part of the body must be understood and carried out by the owner of what the furry is asking him to do.

Playful mood - the tail is raised vertically and twitches easily.
Irritation, reluctance to play anymore - the tail hits the floor.
Nervousness, warning of a possible attack - the tail is raised, but its tip is bent.
Stress - the cat's tail trembles when in a calm mood and meows. An animal may behave this way when sitting or lying down. In addition to emotions, this indicates pain and general malaise of the pet.
An extreme degree of irritation, a harbinger of an attack - the tail is lowered and twitching, the animal purrs gutturally, the fur stands up.

Chaotic tail shaking can be a sign of serious illness in your pet. If, in addition to trembling of an incomprehensible nature, twitching of the hind legs is noted, you should consult a veterinarian. Common causes of this phenomenon are considered to be stressful situations, pinched nerve endings, and inflammation of the anal gland. Sometimes this is due to the discomfort caused by parasites or inflammatory formations that have arisen.

The body is a single whole

There are also explanations for why the body twitches in a dream. When the body is asleep and not controlled by its rational part, it often senses its needs much better, for example, a lack of vitamins, potassium or calcium. However, in this case, you should definitely seek advice from a specialist, and not prescribe yourself self-medication, consuming all kinds of vitamins and mountains of microelements, which can cause harm.

Also, if your legs twitch when falling asleep, you can suspect problems with the blood supply to the extremities. If a person suffers from vascular pathology, then such involuntary movements help blood flow to the most distant areas. By the way, for this reason, many girls can clearly observe twitching associated with monthly blood loss.

But if muscles twitch throughout the body, the cause may be a short-term cessation of breathing during sleep. This most often affects people prone to snoring. Improper breathing provokes the very delays to which the brain sends an active nerve impulse.

And finally, myoclonus associated with acute or chronic stress. When a person seems unable to stop running and continues to run. Often, he also tends to talk in his sleep and even fight.

Pathologies

It is necessary to diagnose the pathology in time.

Tremor can accompany the development of pathologies, so owners should closely monitor their pet and seek advice from a specialist.

Possible pathologies:

cat flu;
panleukopenia;
rhinotracheitis;
calicivirus;
central nervous system disorder;
kidney damage.

It is necessary to diagnose a possible pathology in time and take all measures to eliminate it.

Convulsions

Mild twitching during sleep should not cause you concern when your cat is sleeping. However, if your cat's body becomes "stiff" when she twitches, then it's best to tell your veterinarian. Mild seizures usually occur not only during sleep, but also while the kitten is awake. If your cat twitches during sleep but does not experience lethargy, loss of appetite or vomiting, then the slight twitching that may occur from time to time should not bother you.

The importance of REM sleep in kittens

Kittens are able to dream while still inside the mother cat. Moreover, REM sleep provides neural stimulation, which contributes to the normal development of the brain and the entire nervous system of the embryo. The REM phase is extremely important for newborns and growing animals. Young animals experience dreams especially vividly. Kitty:

can move its paws;
beat the tail on the floor;
roll over from side to side;
move your ears and cheek muscles;
breathe rapidly and meow.

Especially often, such violent reactions appear after outdoor games, stress or hunting experience. Running and tired, the baby may fall asleep in an unnatural position with his eyes half-open, which also should not cause concern. Firstly, kittens are like human babies and relax in their sleep without feeling discomfort, and secondly, the presence of a third eyelid in the corner of the eye helps protect the eyeball from drying out.

Features of the nervous system in kittens. The nervous system is formed simultaneously with the growth of the body, so unusual motor activity in kittens in the REM phase is completely normal.

If in adult animals the duration of REM sleep is 15-20 minutes, followed by a longer phase of slow-wave sleep, then in kittens up to six months the REM phase takes up 80% of the total rest time.

If the owner noted that the growing furry pet began to sleep more calmly and practically does not flinch in its sleep, then we can talk about the animal growing up and strengthening the nervous system. The period of stabilization of nervous functions is very individual and is determined by many factors, such as:

Breed affiliation . In outbred cats, which generally mature faster, psychological maturation begins by 12 months, and representatives of large breeds, growing up to 2-2.5 years, demonstrate elements of childish behavior for quite a long time.
Character . Temperamental and easily excitable animals require more time for the development of nervous processes than balanced and calm phlegmatic animals.
Personal negative experiences and traumas . Stress can cause serious damage to the psyche. It has been proven that animals that have experienced fear and pain can return to this episode in their sleep, experiencing real nightmares.