Do Pets Dream?
I enjoy watching my cats while they are deeply sleeping, escaping the busy work-a-day world, appearing deeply relaxed. However, I am always fascinated to watch their paws start moving, their ears twitching and the tips of their tails that resemble a beckoning finger.
Is it possible that these seemingly random movements mean that they are dreaming? Many folks I know wonder if their cat or dog is really having dreams, and, of course, what the subject of those dreams may be.
Many people suspect that when their pet's paws are moving rapidly, that they be in the throes of a hunt for a mouse or rabbit. Therefore, if we can agree that pets do dream, there is some fascinating research going on in the field of animal dreamland. Moreover, while scientific study on this subject has not been high on the priority list for research, according to Jean Hofve, DVM, researchers have documented that not only cats and dogs, but also other mammals and birds display what is considered the equivalent of rapid-eye movement, which occur during the dreaming stage of sleep. Frequently observed are patterns similar to humans, such as running motions and twitching paws, tails and whiskers. Some animals may even verbally express themselves while they are dreaming.
In her thought provoking article, "Do pets dream? And if so, what do they dream about?" Dr. Hofve raises the question about whether animals have imagination. She states that "many humans would prefer to deny that animals have any such abilities." because if they do possess this ability, animals bred and raised for human food, might imagine freedom and other natural behaviors, which would put a great deal of responsibility upon the shoulders of the human species. After all, might it not affect our relationship with these species somewhat negatively? She expands upon this theory by stating that it would be easier for us to subscribe to Descartes’ view that animals are ruled by instinct, and are "witless beings.” Dr. Hofve quotes Descartes "I think, therefore I am" which keeps humans on top of the species ladder.
We know that animals can learn, and have excellent memories. Our pets remind us consistently, when they stand in front of the food cabinet in which their food is stored, at dinnertime. The sound of an electric can opener can rouse a cat from the deepest sleep from locations in our homes that are quite distant and a horse can gallop quickly to the opposite side of a pasture when seeing their owner approach with a halter and lead line.
So if pets have memories, can think creatively, and learn, it seems to me that they have the ability to dream, as well. In addition, much in the way that humans have the capacity to dream about things, which they have not personally experienced, logically, it follows that our pets may also share that capacity.
In her article, Dr. Hofve cites two books that add credence to this theory. "Conversations with Cat" by author and animal communicator, Kate Solisti, who interviewed cats, asking, "You seem to be thinking all the time. Do you think in thoughts or pictures?" Cats replied, "Both, and more… We think with our entire being… We perceive visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimuli both in the physical and non-physical realms…"
In her other book, "Conversations with Dog" Kate Solisti inquired of dogs, "What do you dream about?" "Lots of things," they responded, "Fun, physical activities… the beautiful things we've experienced in our lives with you… that we are young and full of life…"
Times are rapidly approaching as we humans feel less unique and separate compared to our furry and feathered companions. With the many things we share in common, we are quickly learning that our emotions and behaviors can serve as a bond between us, which enhances our relationships with them.
Have you observed your pets dreaming? And about what do you think they dream? Leave a comment and share with us.
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Comments (7)
susie October 1, 2008 12:26 PM
I know my kitties are dreaming when the sleep. They dream of how great their mommy is and how she takes good care of them. lol
I love to watch them sleep. It's peaceful watching their tummys move up and down.I love it when they roll over on their backs and their legs are flopped out to the side. Their tummys are so soft and furry.
Margie October 1, 2008 12:30 PM
There is no doubt in my mind, whatsoever, that animals dream. (At least the mammalian species.) I have observed cats, dogs and horses (of all ages)having REM and also leg twitches, and running motions, faster heartbeats and breathing plus verbal sounds.
It has been documented in the human mammal that REM sleep (dreaming stage)is vital to survival, therefore it seems completely logical that REM sleep and dreaming is simply not limited to humans alone.
Vicki October 1, 2008 1:08 PM
I have seven dogs, and yes, I'm crazy. Many times I have observed them dreaming. Sometimes they will wiggle a foot, or make strange sounds. There have been times that I have awakened them because I knew they were having a bad dream. So yes, i am certain that they dream.
Joanne October 1, 2008 2:37 PM
I am SURE that pets dream. Our golden retriever Mikey barks in his sleep. Sometimes he growls or wags his tail Funny thing -he has never growled when he was awake lol.
Skylark October 1, 2008 6:48 PM
I'm sure my cats dream. Why else would the 3rd eyelida come up and the eyelids flicker when they sleep? Their tails and feet twitch, and they are very hard to rouse from such a deep sleep.
Sometimes they will even cry out in their sleep. When that happens, I very gently wake them up because I don't want them to continue with their bad dreams.
They live very comfortable lives now, and I do hope they don't have bad dreams about their lives before they came to live with me.
Skylark
Amy October 2, 2008 5:38 AM
There is no doubt in my mind that critters do dream. The moving tail, or paw is a sure indication something is going on. I also have a dog who howls when he sleeps.
Jenny October 11, 2008 10:24 PM
My doggies definitely do! Specially my oldest, Libby, who's 11. Her big ole paws getta going, and she woofs. And then what brings a smile to my face is when she wags her tail in her sleep. That's always cute.
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