If your cat makes noises while sleeping, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat make noises while sleeping? Likely reasons why your cat makes noises while sleeping are that your cat is dreaming, purring, snoring or that your cat is actually awake.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat makes noises while sleeping and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main reason and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat make noises while sleeping?
Below are likely reasons why your cat makes noises while sleeping and what would make them more likely.
Your cat is dreaming
Cats are able to dream as well. The reason why your cat makes noises while sleeping could be that your cat is reacting to something in its dream. This especially likely if your cat also makes small movements at the same time.
Your cat is purring
It could be the case that your cat is purring since cats can purr while they are sleeping. This would be more likely if your cat sounds like it is purring. The cause of the purring might be that your cat is having a good or a bad dream.
Your cat is snoring
Cats are also able to snore as well and it might be the case that your cat has been snoring. This would be more likely if your cat makes the noises in a breathing pattern but it does not sound like purring.
Snoring can be a sign that your cat is in a relaxed state but it can also be a sign of something more serious. If your cat has started doing it suddenly, is panting, struggling to breathe or has to breathe through its mouth, it would help to take your cat to a vet for a checkup.
Your cat is actually awake
Additionally, it might actually be the case that your cat is not asleep. Rather, your cat might be awake and making noises to try and get attention from you. This would be more likely if it happens at night when your cat is in a different room.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason.
If your cat is moving around
If your cat is moving around while making noises, it would make it more likely that your cat is either dreaming or is actually awake or that your cat is struggling to fall asleep. Whereas, if your cat does not move around, it would be more likely that your cat is snoring or purring.
The type of noises that your cat makes
It would also help to consider the types of noises that your cat makes. If your cat does things such as make sudden noises, it would be more likely that your cat is having a particularly bad or good dream. Whereas, if your cat makes consistent noises, it would be more likely that your cat is purring or snoring.
What to do about my cat making noises while sleeping?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Nothing
If your cat has not been behaving unusually in other ways and has not been having difficulty sleeping, it would likely be normal behavior. In this case, it would be best to leave your cat alone and let it continue.
Let your cat sleep elsewhere
If it seems like your cat has been struggling to fall asleep, another option would be to give your cat another spot to sleep in.
Get help
If your cat has been behaving unusually, your cat has been making a lot of noises while sleeping, they seem like they are having trouble breathing or are breathing heavily, it would help to take them to a vet for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat.
Why does my cat groan or whine when asleep?
If your cat has been groaning or whining while sleeping, it could be because your cat is dreaming. This would be more likely if your cat only does it for a short time period and does not seem to be having trouble breathing.
It could also be the case that your cat has been struggling to sleep or breathe through its nose which would be more likely if your cat pants heavily or breathes through its mouth a lot.
Why does my cat growl while sleeping?
If your cat growls while sleeping, it could be because your cat is dreaming. This would be more likely if your cat only does it while it seems to be in a deep sleep and if your cat does not seem to be behaving unusually in other ways.
It might also be the case that your cat growls because it is having trouble falling asleep. This would be more likely if your cat does it when other pets are nearby. However, it might also be because of a problem causing your cat to struggle to sleep such as a problem with its nose.
Why does my cat meow while sleeping?
If your cat meows while sleeping, it could be due to dreaming or calling out for attention. It would be more likely that your cat is dreaming if it is clearly asleep and it also does things such as make small movements with its paws.
Why does my cat make a squeaking noise while sleeping?
If your cat makes a squeaking noise while sleeping, it could be the case that your cat is dreaming, struggling to breathe, purring, or yawning. It would help to consider if your cat seems to be struggling to sleep in which case it would likely help to take your cat for a checkup with the vet.