Why do cats bite in their sleep: what to do
Cats are charming pets that delight their owners with tenderness and playfulness.
However, sometimes during sleep cats begin to behave aggressively - hissing, arching their backs and even biting.
What happens to furry pets during sleep and how should owners react to such behavior?
First of all, it is worth understanding that nightmarish experiences are absolutely normal for these pets.
During REM sleep, cats' brains become more active and the animal literally relives the experiences it has accumulated during the day.
And if during the day the cat chased a sparrow or played with its owner, then at night in its sleep it can make the same movements with its paws.
If a person is nearby, the negative reaction can be redirected towards him in the form of bites or scratches.
How should owners react in such situations? First, you need to understand that the cat is behaving aggressively unconsciously, and you shouldn’t punish it for it.
It is best to carefully move the sleeping pet to another location to avoid contact.
If the biting behavior is repeated regularly, it is worth taking action. It is important to provide the cat with enough activity and play during the day so that it is really tired at night.
You can get her some new interesting toys or arrange active games with a feather on a string before bedtime.
It will also be useful to provide the cat with a separate sleeping place, such as a bed, so that it does not sleep with its owners.
And of course, you need to monitor your pet's health, because aggression can be caused by pain or discomfort. A veterinarian can help determine whether your cat has health problems.
If the nighttime bites do not stop after this, it makes sense to consult a felinologist or cat psychologist.
A specialist will select an individual approach so that the cat feels calm and comfortable.
The main thing that owners should remember is that they should never show aggression or punish their cat for such behavior. This will only worsen the situation and violate the trust between the person and the pet.
Instead, after the incident, you need to calm the cat down - pet it, talk to it kindly, maybe give it a treat, so that the animal does not have any negative memories.
It is also important to create comfortable sleeping conditions - make a soft bed in a quiet corner where the cat will not be disturbed. You can turn on soothing music or a night light.
It is worth noting that night bites and aggression in cats are a temporary phenomenon. Most often, this is due to the development of a new home, stress, or changes in the pet's life.
By showing patience and care, owners can help their pet adapt, and soon the night "nightmares" will pass on their own.
The main thing is not to give in to irritation, but to show love and understanding. Then sleep for the cat and its owners will again become a calm and pleasant time.
Earlier we talked about which pets are capable of sincere love, and which ones don’t care about people.
