After trying to find some answers online and coming up empty-handed, I'm turning to the forums to see if anyone can help me understand what's going on...
Pep’s, my 6-month-old Bengal, woke up from a deep sleep, jumped about two metres into the air and was completely panicked.
A second time, he was sleeping peacefully when he suddenly woke up in a panic, bolted upstairs like a bullet, cleared the baby gate at the top of the stairs (which he never normally jumps) and leaped out of my bedroom window (a drop of about 10 to 13 feet) 😱
He landed in the swimming pool... luckily!
And thank goodness we were there to get him out and comfort him.
He was in a total state, as if he didn't know what had just happened...
Does anyone have any ideas about this behaviour??
Translated from French
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They sometimes have terrifying predation nightmares; it’s happened a few times with my cat. You need to speak to them in a soothing voice and then give them a cuddle, but let them wake up properly before you touch them so you don't overwhelm them. Bach Rescue Remedy for pets, sprayed on and around them…
Hi @Marysand8323,
My cat Pepsy is 8 months old and she's also been suffering from panic attacks in her sleep for about three months now. After loads of trips to the vet, we still haven't found a solution. I just wanted to ask how your cat is doing now and if you ever managed to get a diagnosis?
Thanks
...and leave his carrier out for him with his favourite blanket, some calming spray, and a toy he loves; his very own little safe space/sleeping nook, tucked away in a corner he likes!
I don't mean closing the carrier door, just making sure he can get in and out... it might help him feel secure enough to sleep peacefully, who knows!
He could be dreaming about something that’s frightening him, and because he’s so young, he might be mistaking it for reality. It sounds like he’s just been startled by a nightmare. He’ll grow out of it with time if that's the case. Otherwise, he might have been stung by something out of the blue, or he’s hurting somewhere.
In any case, make sure he doesn't end up jumping out of any windows next time! 😅
Hi there,
Some cats have nightmares and wake up with a start, looking really frightened; it’s essentially night terrors, similar to what some children experience. Usually, they grow out of it as they get older. If it only happens while he’s asleep, I don’t think there’s any cause for concern. However, if it happens when he’s awake, it could be a neurological issue, and in that case, only the vet will be able to give you a proper diagnosis.
