Cat was crying in his sleep

PoGee

I had to spend a few days in hospital after becoming unwell at home Our older cat knew I wasn't well that day - he came up to me looking concerned. I'm home now but he won't come near me the way he used to. He loved sneaking onto my bed from his bed but he won't do that anymore. I heard him meowing in pain, in his sleep, today. He's not off his food, healthy weight etc. but very quiet. He doesn't go out as often during the day but sleeps close by, but not on my bed or lap, ...it's as if he's keeping an eye out from afar. Do cats have nightmares?

beanielou

Not sure that they have nightmares but they are certainly very initative.

MovingForwards

They have some form of dream, as for how their brains interpret it compared to our dreams I've not got a clue. Mine has hissed in her sleep, woke herself up, realised she's at home with us and settled down again.

As you've been away for a few days, smell different to normal your cat will be wondering what's happened, although they can pick up on people not being well too. Let him adjust to having you back, keep talking / fussing him and he'll settle too.

PoGee

I gave him his favourite treats and he's getting better. I'm guessing he can smell a chemical smell off me from medication.

MovingForwards

@PoGee I meant hospital smells would be on you. Keep spoiling him and try not to fret, look after yourself and he'll relax. For now think of him as nurse cat.

PoGee

He's back to normal today, even a bit clingy. I changed his litter to Catsan, which may have done the trick as kids weren't changing litter tray as it shoud have been while I was away. He's been on my bed all night and sitting at my feet now.

TripleH

My wife had several operations over the preceeding years. When she came home each time, our youngest 2 (at the time) would be suspicious of her.

To be fair, our cats are suspicious of each other if any make a solo trip to the vet.

I agree with it probably being the new smell you have temporarily acquired.

Katiehound

Perhaps your cat was dreaming?

My dogs regularly bark, howl & woof in their sleep and are 'running' - probably somewhere nice!
I suspect that chemical/ medical smells may influence your cat's behaviour

My 'boy' will not walk on the pavement past a vet clinic even though he has never visited it- must be the smell

Hope everything is back to normal, including yourself!