Understanding Cat Sleep Patterns and Dream States

Cats sleep 12-16 hours daily, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors who needed to conserve energy for hunting. During REM sleep, cats do dream - you may notice twitching whiskers or paws. Kittens and senior cats sleep even more, up to 20 hours per day. This extended sleep is not laziness but an evolutionary adaptation. Wild cats are ambush predators who need to conserve energy for short bursts of intense activity. Even well-fed domestic cats retain this sleep pattern. Research has shown that cats experience both REM and non-REM sleep, just like humans. During REM sleep, their brain activity is similar to when they're awake, suggesting they may be 'practicing' hunting or other activities in their dreams.