Ollie keeps moving around at night

Ollie is only two, but he acts like he is eighty. He moves around the bed every hour. I thought it was just him being a Bengal, but he seems uncomfortable.

How do you tell if a cat is moving because it is cold or just restless versus moving because it actually hurts? I am tired of checking on him every time he shifts.

I have a 10-year-old black cat, Shadow, who does this too. It is hard to distinguish comfort from discomfort without a vet exam, but I look for specific signs. If he is limping or has trouble jumping onto the bed, it is likely pain. If he is just twitching or changing position, it might be normal REM sleep.

I wrote up a checklist in Shadow's hip issues and sleeping positions that helped me track it. You should check his joints first.

@slong I read that thread. Ollie is not limping. He just rolls over and then rolls back. It looks more like he is looking for a spot than pain.

I think it is just anxiety. He is a high maintenance cat. I will try putting a heated pad under his favorite blanket.

Actually, I think you are overthinking it. My Siamese, Sparrow, is very vocal and moves a lot at night. It is just their personality. I documented my observations in Sparrow's night-time vocalizations and movements.

If he is eating and playing during the day, it is probably just normal behavior. Do not assume it is pain unless a vet says so.

@RiverSparrow I am not assuming it is pain, I am assuming it is discomfort. There is a difference. If he is cold or the litter is bad, he moves. Ollie is shedding like crazy right now, so maybe it is just itchy.

I am not ready to call the vet for every twitch. I just want to know if I should be worried.