Why Does My Cat Jerk While Sleeping?

It can be alarming to watch your cat’s paws twitch, whiskers quiver, or body jerk while they are resting or drifting off to sleep. Many pet parents worry these movements could be seizures, reactions to medication, or signs of a serious neurological problem—especially if they appear suddenly or seem intense.

The good news is that in many cases, when a cat jerks while sleeping, the behavior is completely normal. Understanding what causes these movements, how to tell the difference between normal sleep activity and medical concerns, and when to contact your veterinarian can help put your mind at ease.

A Common Concern from Pet Parents

One PetPlace reader wrote in after noticing sudden jerking and twitching in her kitten following a neuter and declaw procedure. The kitten had been sent home with antibiotics and pain medication, and a few days later began showing involuntary movements of the paws, mouth, eyes, and ears—especially when relaxed or falling asleep.

She wondered whether the medications could be causing seizures, whether the symptoms would be permanent, or whether something more serious was developing. Her veterinarian advised observation, but the behaviors remained concerning.

This scenario is one many cat owners encounter, particularly with kittens or young cats who are still developing neurologically.

Normal Sleep Behavior in Cats

Cats spend a large portion of their lives sleeping—often 12 to 16 hours per day, and kittens may sleep even more. During sleep, cats cycle through different stages, including light sleep and deep sleep (also known as REM sleep).

During REM sleep, the brain is highly active. This is the stage associated with dreaming, and it’s the most common reason a cat jerks in sleep.

What Normal Sleep Twitching Looks Like

Normal sleep-related movements may include:

• Jerking or paddling of the paws
• Twitching of the whiskers or mouth
• Flicking of the ears
• Tail twitching or swishing
• Small body jerks or tremors

These movements often occur when a cat is falling asleep or deeply relaxed, and they usually stop if the cat wakes up. If you gently call your cat’s name, make a noise, or offer a treat, most cats will respond immediately.

This type of cat jerking in sleep is similar to what many people notice in dogs—and even humans—during dreaming.

Why Do Cats Jerk When Sleeping?

If you’re asking, “Why do cats jerk when sleeping?”, the most common explanation is brain activity during REM sleep. While the body is mostly relaxed, nerve signals may still cause brief muscle contractions.

Other common, non-serious reasons include:

• Immature nervous systems in kittens
• Muscle relaxation as the body transitions into sleep
• Residual stimulation from play before bedtime
• Comfort behaviors, such as kneading or suckling motions

Some cats are simply more expressive sleepers than others.

When Jerking May Be a Cause for Concern

Although most cases of a cat jerking in sleep are harmless, there are situations where further evaluation is important.

You should contact your veterinarian if:

• Jerking occurs while your cat is fully awake
• Episodes become more frequent or intense over time
• Your cat seems disoriented, blind, or weak afterward
• There is drooling, vocalization, or loss of bladder control
• Your cat does not respond when you try to wake them
• Appetite, energy, or behavior changes significantly

These signs may indicate seizures, tremors, or other neurological disorders.

Is It a Seizure or Just Sleep Twitching?

One of the most important distinctions pet parents want to make is whether the movements they are seeing are seizures.

Typical Sleep Twitching

• Occurs only during rest or sleep
• Stops when the cat wakes up
• Cat is alert and normal afterward
• No confusion or disorientation

Seizures in Cats

• Often occur when awake or asleep
• Cat does not respond during the episode
• May include stiffening, paddling, or collapse
• Often followed by confusion or lethargy
• May involve drooling, vocalizing, or loss of bowel/bladder control

Most seizures are unmistakable once you see one, and many do not resemble the mild twitching seen when a cat jerks while sleeping.

A simple test suggested by veterinarians is to gently wake your cat during an episode. If they respond normally or eagerly accept a treat, a seizure is unlikely.

Could Medications Cause Jerking or Twitching?

Some medications, including pain relievers and sedatives used after surgery, can affect the nervous system. In rare cases, they may contribute to unusual movements, tremors, or sedation-related behaviors.

If your cat recently had surgery or started a new medication and you notice changes such as cat jerks in sleep, it’s reasonable to discuss this with your veterinarian. Never stop or adjust medication without professional guidance.

In many cases, once a medication is discontinued or completed, any mild side effects resolve on their own.

Age and Neurological Development

Kittens often display more twitching, jerking, and odd sleep behaviors than adult cats. Their nervous systems are still developing, and they may show:

• Suckling motions
• Tail twitching
• More dramatic dream movements

These behaviors often diminish as the kitten matures. If the kitten is otherwise healthy—eating well, growing normally, playful, and responsive—sleep twitching is usually benign.

What Your Veterinarian May Evaluate

If you bring your cat in for evaluation, your veterinarian may focus on a neurological exam, checking:

• Reflexes
• Coordination and balance
• Muscle tone
• Responsiveness

Additional diagnostics, such as bloodwork or imaging, are typically reserved for cats showing other concerning signs.

Your veterinarian may also ask you to record a video of the episode at home, which can be extremely helpful in determining whether the movements are normal sleep behaviors or something more serious.

Monitoring Your Cat at Home

For most cats who jerk while sleeping, observation is the main recommendation.

Helpful tips include:

• Keep a log of when episodes occur
• Note duration and severity
• Watch for changes in behavior, appetite, or energy
• Try gently waking your cat during an episode
• Avoid overstimulation right before sleep

If episodes remain mild, infrequent, and limited to sleep, ongoing monitoring may be all that’s needed.

Trust Your Instincts

Seeing your cat twitch or jerk while sleeping can be unsettling, but in many cases, it’s simply a normal part of feline sleep behavior. Most cats experience some degree of twitching during REM sleep, and a cat jerking in sleep is often just dreaming.

However, trust your instincts. If something seems off, episodes worsen, or your cat shows other symptoms, a veterinary exam is always the safest choice.

When in doubt, your veterinarian can help determine whether what you’re seeing is normal—or whether further evaluation is needed to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.