Why does my cat shake during sleep? Is it dreaming or serious?

To be honest with you, if you really wanted to figure out what is going on it would probably take a considerable amount of testing. My opinion is that it is not likely anything to worry about but, of course, I have not seen the behavior so it is very difficult to say. The best I can tell you is that if you are worried, I suggest you video tape the behavior with your phone and then take Scotch to the vet for an exam and show them the video. If they see the behavior then they may be able to tell you more. This article will give you more information about muscle tremors in cats. ( https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_tremors )

It's quite hard to appreciate exactly what you mean without seeing these tremors. However, it is very promising that he was otherwise well during the day. It may simply be movement of the muscles during sleep which often happens. Alternatively he may have strained a muscle and it could be in spasm. If the issue persists I would certainly go to your vet and have him examined. I don't think it sounds like anything too serious, but I understand that you are worried and a trip to the vets msy help alleviate this.

It is very difficult to say without seeing what she is doing myself. I suggest you video her doing the behavior and then show your vet at her next exam. If she seems normal in every other way I'm not sure I'd be too worried about it especially if it is only when she stretches.

It can be very hard to find the cause for intermittent tremors, so while it's appropriate to have him checked out, your vet may not be able to find anything. I would recommend a general exam, a neurologic exam, and a general bloodwork panel including urinalysis and thyroid levels to make sure everything looks normal. If all that is normal, and a veterinary neurologist isn't available where you are, your kitty can either just be monitored to make sure it's not getting worse, or you could try an anti-seizure or anti-tremor medication. Those medications definitely can have side effects, so you probably only want to go that route if the episodes seem to be causing lasting harm. I hope that helps a bit. Good luck!

If you can wake her up when this occurs and she seems normal then this is probably a nightmare or dream. If you attempt to wake her and it doesn't stop I'd be concerned that this might be seizure activity. If it seems a seizure is more likely I'd recommend making an appointment to see your vet.

If you can wake her up and the shaking stops it is not a seizure and is more likely movement associated with REM sleep. If you try to wake her up but she continues to have muscle tremors it could be a seizure or neurologic disorder and you should see your veterinarian. If you do decide to see your veterinarian a video can help them determine what might be going on.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Sometimes during the deep phase of sleep, animals can twitch or have muscle twitching. This is completely normal. I would recommend bringing in a fecal sample in to the veterinarian so that the most appropriate deworming medication can be prescribed. If the leg shaking worsens, I would consult with the veterinarian for more information. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.