Cat Making Noises While He Sleeps.

CommonCatOwner

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This isn't snoring. These are the types of noises a cat makes and people think: "Oh, he just made the cutest little sound!" Such as if a cat were curled up, then rolled over a bit on a cat bed. But he does it often. Continually. Repetitively. Does anyone know if this is normal, or why a cat would do this? He does it wherever he sleeps over and over. He almost always sleeps next to my head when I am in bed and it is to the point I want to kick him out. Could it be a sign of poor sleep? I would really like any input anyone can provide. At first it was fun because it was cute. Now I wonder if maybe something is wrong. Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 

susanm9006

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I have had snorters, snufflers, whimperers and outright snorers. If everything else about him seems healthy, he probably doesn’t have something that can be treated, but be sure to mention it to your vet. I know cats can get tonsillitis.

If the only issue is him keeping you awake you might need to make him a bed in another room and shut your door.
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. Agree with susanm9006 susanm9006 . But, I will ask: 1.) how old is the cat?, 2.) has he done it all of his time with you?, and 3.) if this a new recent behavior, has he seen the vet since it started?

My Feeby makes all kinds of noises at night - she sleeps right by my head - and she turns and moves just like humans do. I also 'disturb' her when I move and make noises too, but she forgives me.
 

kissthisangel

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Charlie sleeps with his eyes open often, Mojo occasionally snores. Sometimes she will make a noise like she's annoyed Mroowooowowoowow whilst asleep and adjust her position, then sort of ... deflate like a big sighing "thank goodness for that" and resume her sleep. She's basically done this forever so it's of no concern for me. If you think this is a new behavior, I would see the vet, other than that if you don't want to be disturbed by his sleep noise probably just buy some earplugs. I can attest that they keep out cat noises really well.
 

DreamerRose

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For the OP, I think this is normal and still cute. Mingo groans whenever he moves in his sleep, and I love it. I know he's there and comfortable. He heaves a big sigh sometimes too.
 
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CommonCatOwner

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This isn't really about disturbing my sleep. I used that example as to how often and loud he can be. He is a little over 2 1/2 years old. Still a youngster. He only began doing this a few months ago. His behavior hasn't changed. It may be a personality trait. After I started caring for another cat he became more vocal. This might be a latent part of that. It still concerns me. He has not been to the vet in a while since his behavior is fine. That is to say he likes to eat, he drinks water, plays constantly; basically displays no sign of health issues I am aware of but the sleep noises he makes seem odd. Perhaps he is just expressing himself vocally so much now that he uses any available outlet. I noticed also when I pet him he makes a purring sound but when I stop he is not purring. I am sure if I take him to the vet he will be prescribed antibiotics, prescribed special food, given several shots that will help him if needed but won't harm him if he doesn't need them, and have a follow up in 2 weeks. I just thought I would ask the cat community what you all thought. If his behavior changes in play, eat, or drink, I will consult a vet. Until then I suppose I will chalk it up to cat personality traits. Thanks for the feedback, y'all.
 

FeebysOwner

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He is only doing this while sleeping, correct? If so, I am not sure that could be connected to having a new cat around, especially if he hasn't any other behavior changes since the new cat.

It could be the beginnings of asthma, or a heart condition, or something much less concerning. I only bring up conditions like this - not to scare you - but to point out that if something like this is just beginning, you might not see any other changes in his behavior.

Just keep an eye on him, if other behavioral changes occur - as you said - make a vet appointment. But, whenever you next see the vet, make sure you mention this new behavior - the vet might just have some ideas of what testing could be done to rule out possible health conditions.

I noticed also when I pet him he makes a purring sound but when I stop he is not purring.
Not sure what this means, but if you mentioned it, there is something in the back of your mind about this that you must feel is concerning?
 

susanm9006

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Just an FYI, yes if you take him to the vet he will get shots or the vet will recommend he get his vaccinations updated. Rabies, which is required in most communities, and distemper, which will prevent him from coming down with a preventable illness than can kill him quickly . Vets don’t usually schedule follow ups unless there are clear signs of something wrong.
 

kissthisangel

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Could you possibly take a video or soundclip and post it so we can understand the noises a little better? Maybe you could send it to your vet if you're still concerned. It's just that if you are concerned, I am. It's a relatively new behavior and it seems like it's a bit of a difficulty communicating exactly what is happening. I can appreciate your reluctance to take him to the vet if they routinely do treatments you haven't asked for. However, it's up to you to make it clear what you want as well. I'm not completely familiar with US laws, but I believe some counties do require you to have distemper and rabies as a bare minimum on indoor cats as well because prevention is the best cure. As Susan M said it's recommended at least.

My vet provides "follow ups" but this is not at a cost, it's all included in any treatment price. I don't know where you live, but in the UK there are subsidised pet treatments for low income households so you might qualify, or if that isn't a thing where you live then you might talk to your vet about affordable payment plans or insurances they support.
 

maggie101

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When I sit on my couch Coco sleeps behind me,on top of the couch so I hear snoring in in my ear! Making a video of is a good idea and email it
 
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CommonCatOwner

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FeebysOwner FeebysOwner - I have been joking with friends/relatives that he is like an accordion. When he is petted and any pressure is applied he makes the same sound/sensation as though he is purring. Then when a person stops petting him he has no purr going. It is instant. I will try to make audio recordings. It does not seem like a respiratory thing although, being from a shelter, he has common respiratory problems. I am concerned though because he does it when he seems comfy. It doesn't sound like he is in pain and I otherwise do not know why he would make these sounds.
 

FeebysOwner

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FeebysOwner FeebysOwner - I have been joking with friends/relatives that he is like an accordion. When he is petted and any pressure is applied he makes the same sound/sensation as though he is purring. Then when a person stops petting him he has no purr going. It is instant.
Oh, I get it (I think)!! I have had Feeby do that as well - hand on her = purr; hand off her = no purr. It is kind of funny. Feeby sometimes also does another type of 'accordion' thing with purring, in that she purrs while inhaling with one type of sound, and purrs while exhaling with another type of sound.

But, your cat's 'accordion' behavior is different than the other noise that you are really concerned about, correct? So, I guess hopefully, you can get a recording so we can hear it!
 
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