Cats dream that they shit? - briefly
Cats do indeed dream, and their dreams can sometimes reflect everyday activities such as hunting or grooming. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that cats dream specifically about defecating.
Cats dream that they shit? - in detail
Cats indeed experience dreams, and while the content of their dreams is not as well understood as those of humans, it is believed that they can dream about various activities they perform during wakefulness, including defecation.
Dreams in cats occur during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, similar to humans. During this phase, brain activity increases and is characterized by rapid eye movements, muscle twitching, and changes in heart rate and breathing patterns. In cats, REM sleep typically lasts for about 10-20 minutes per cycle, with several cycles occurring throughout the night.
The content of a cat's dreams is speculative but likely includes activities they regularly engage in during their waking hours. This can range from hunting and playing to eating and grooming. Given that defecation is a natural part of a cat's daily routine, it is plausible that cats might dream about this activity as well.
Research has shown that cats do exhibit behaviors during sleep that could be indicative of dreaming about specific activities. For instance, if a cat is seen making paw movements or slight body twitches while sleeping, it might be experiencing a dream related to hunting or playing. Similarly, if a cat appears tense or anxious during REM sleep, it could be dreaming about stressful events from its waking life.
In conclusion, while there is no definitive proof that cats dream specifically about defecation, it is within the realm of possibility given their regular engagement in this activity. The complex nature of feline dreams remains a fascinating area of study for researchers and cat enthusiasts alike.