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My cat breathes fast and twitches while sleeping. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I have a 1 year old female cat, spayed 8 weeks ago. Today, she was sleeping curled up and I noticed that she was breathing rapidly, accompanied by some twitching. I've seen the twitching before while she's in a deep sleep, but not the rapid breathing. I woke her up and the rapid breathing continued for about 2 more minutes and then it gradually it slowed to 24 breaths per minute. She seems fine otherwise: very playful this morning, eating and drinking fine. Is this cause for concern?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 12th, 2017

Cats do dream, and the rapid breathing could be in response to a dream Luna was having when you woke her up. The breathing continued after you woke her up because she was still waking up and coming out of the dream. As long as she is fine otherwise, I would not be concerned :-)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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