Deirdre Barrett, a dream researcher at Harvard University and author of The Sleep Committee, states that no one has ever conducted research on the content of animal dreams. However, for example, it is known that only dogs and cats can see dreams. Fish do not have REM sleep. It is not yet clear whether the birds can sleep. In some cetaceans, one hemisphere of the brain is always awake, even if the other is asleep, and REM sleep is completely absent or appears very strange. So most likely dolphins and seals do not dream.
Cats and dogs exhibit cognitive brain activity during sleep that is very similar to human brain activity during dreaming. However, this does not mean that these pets dream in a similar way to humans. For example, humans rarely report smells in their dreams, but dogs are likely to see smells in their dreams.
Scientists also believe that dogs and cats’ dreams, like those of humans, reflect their daily experiences. Dreams for pet dogs may include food, play, or a beloved owner.
Neuroscientist Michel Jouvet conducted an experiment on cats in the late 1970s. It damaged the area called the bridge. As a result, the animals began to move during REM sleep. Scientists interpreted these movements as hunting small prey. The cat may also dream of yawning, lying in the sun, or playing.
Source: Ferra
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