Dreaming About Cats and Dogs? Find Out Why

What do dogs dream about? As a pet parent you might have wondered this. Or maybe you’re the one dreaming of dogs and cats and wondering what it means? Whichever aspect of the dreamscape you’re pondering, whether yours or theirs, we’ve got it covered.

Dreams mean different things to different people. Some people believe dreams are just that and nothing more, while others believe dreams are messages from the subconscious mind. People who are more religious or spiritual believe dreams are a message from a higher power.

Dreaming about cats and dogs is not uncommon, especially if you’re an animal lover. So, with that said let’s try to get to the bottom of your dreams!

Do dogs dream?

At a structural level, the brains of dogs are similar to those of humans. Also, during sleep, the brain wave patterns of dogs are similar to that of humans and go through the same stages of electrical activity observed in humans, all of which are consistent with the idea that dogs dream.

What do dogs dream about?

If you’re wondering about this, you’re not alone. Not only is this a common Google search, but according to Google Trends, this is a burning hot question that’s currently trending.

It’s no wonder many of us wonder what our dogs dream about. They can be fairly expressive even when they’re awake, let alone when they’re asleep yet still running (in the air), twitching, whimpering, and even barking!

What do dogs dream about when they twitch?

Similar to humans, dogs can experience muscle twitches during REM sleep. This could be a sign that they’re engaged in an active dream and that their body is responding to the movements happening in their mind.

What do dogs dream about when they whimper?

If you hear your dog making whimpering sounds while they’re asleep, it could mean that they’re reliving some emotional moments from the day. Maybe they’re dreaming about that scrumptious treat they gobbled up earlier or yearning for a snuggle session with their favourite human.

What do dogs dream about when they bark?

If your dog lets out a bark or two while asleep, this could signify an especially vivid dream taking place in their mind at that moment. They might be protecting their territory from an intruder who doesn’t even exist…or maybe they’re just excitedly barking because they’re chasing something really fast around in circles!

Remember, if you have any concerns about your dog’s sleeping patterns or behaviour during sleep, it’s always best to consult with your vet for guidance.

Now, let’s tackle the big question: why are you dreaming about Fido or Sir Meow-a-lot? 🤔

So, what does it mean to dream about dogs and cats?

Dreams can be a fascinating window into our subconscious minds, offering insight into our thoughts, emotions, and desires. Many people believe that dreaming about animals, like dogs and cats, can hold special significance. So, what’s the real story behind these dreamy encounters with our favourite pets?

What could a dream about a cat mean?

It’s no secret that cats are independent, confident, elegant, and protective creatures. These are also some of the qualities usually used to describe women.

Did you know many dream experts say dreaming about cats is linked to a female or something to do with femininity in your life? This applies regardless of whether you’re male or female.

The psychology behind a cat dream

The renowned Sigmund Freud, whom history has dubbed the “father of modern psychology,” believed dreams about cats represented tension in your daily life. The equally famous Carl Jung, who founded analytical psychology, believed cats in dreams are a representation of our ‘self’ and could be a reflection of our unconscious behaviours and how well we relate to others.

Dreaming about cats can also have something to do with their self-sufficient nature and may symbolise something’s holding you back.

Psst … speaking of cats and dogs, have you ever wondered what breed you’re most like? Take our PET PAWSONALITY test! Find out what breed you are at heart and share it with your friends – click here:

Is dreaming about cats good or bad?

Both Sigmund and Carl believed there is a strong association between cat dreams and things buried deep in the subconscious mind. If you’ve been dreaming about cats, this could be a sign for you to introspect or review what’s weighing on your mind.

Dreaming about cats can also be interpreted as a warning sign. It’s often a sign of a difficult situation involving a female in your life. Some people believe a cat dream can be linked to a higher power, like the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet, who was a protectress of women and children.

The meaning behind what a cat’s doing in your dream

A cat’s mannerism or actions are important when interpreting a dream about felines.

It’s positive if the cat is purring, rolling over, and being all cuddly. Dreams where a cat is biting, or scratching, or angry can represent a warning from your subconscious mind. If you’re feeling worried or anxious, this could be the reason for a dream about a cat prowling or attacking something.

Side note: Want to know more about cats in real life? Read our International Cat Day article to find out why cats make great pets.

Now that we’ve explored dreams about cats, let’s turn our attention to doggos.

Dreaming about dogs lately? What could this mean?

Now that we’ve addressed dreams about cats, let’s explore dreaming about dogs.

Considering that in real life, dogs represent companionship and protection, this could also be an underlying message in your dream. Dreaming about dogs can be your subconscious mind warning you to protect something in your life.

Some people believe dreaming about a dog has a more spiritual connection to a higher power of protection.

The psychological meaning behind dreams about dogs

Freud believed a dream about a pack of dogs is linked to friendships in your life. After all, that was why dogs were domesticated – to be our loyal friends and companions.

Dreaming about a dog or a pack of dogs can be connected to your basic instincts about protection, friendship, and loyalty. Depending on the situation you’re facing in your life, the dog in your dream can either symbolise you or other people in your life you’re dealing with.

Unpacking a dog’s behaviour in your dream

Dreaming about a happy dog has a different meaning than dreaming about a dog biting you. The same applies to dreaming about different coloured dogs.

If your dog dream is about an aggressive dog or a dog attacking you, this could mean that there’s a conflict brewing in your life. Another interpretation is that someone close to you is betraying you. A dog biting you (read our article on why dogs bite) as part of your dog dream can be a sign that you’re feeling attacked by people in your life.

If you’re pining over something or someone, this can reflect as a dream about a missing dog. If what the experts say is true and you’ve been dreaming about puppies, then it’s all rainbows and sunshine in your future! A dream about a puppy is linked to happiness and liveliness.

And a litter of puppies… well, that business idea you’ve been working on – perhaps you can expect it to come to fruition pretty soon.

The best way to interpret a dream about a dog is to remember the emotions or feelings it evoked. This may help you better understand the situation you’re facing in real life.

What does a dream about a black dog mean?

Different religions and cultures associate black dogs with evil and death. So, it may not be a surprise to some people that a dream about a black dog has the same interpretation. A black dog can also represent emotions of negativity or darkness.

On the flip side, it’s not unusual for dream experts to say that a white dog is a picture of happiness and peace! You may also find our article on sacred animals fascinating. It explains why and where dogs are worshipped as positive beings.

Pet insurance for your furry friends

As much as we wish life could be more like a dream about a white dog or a litter of puppies, this isn’t always the case. So, when it comes to the health of your cat or dog, you may want to consider pet insurance.

Pet health cover can help provide a financial cushion in the event of unexpected medical emergencies. With PD Insurance winning awards for customer satisfaction, why not contact us for a quick quote on one of our cat insurance or dog insurance plans?