Do cats sleep with their eyes open? (or is it just my weird boy?)

[annavc]

At about 3am this morning I woke up and my cat was sound asleep on the pillow next to me (having effectively pushed my head off the pillow - the cheeky sod!) - he was stretched out on this back, legs in the air and snoring very loudly - but his eyes were open. Not really wide open but definitely open and he appeared to be looking at me but he was definitely asleep - I waved my hand in front of his face and not a flicker. I've not seen him do this before - usually his eyes are tight shut when he's asleep. Does anyone else have a cat that sleeps like this?

[The Big Gill]

Were the (whitish) inner lids closed?

Even if not, I think cats are able to 'semi-waken' from sleep when they hear something that they think they ought to keep an eye on (literally), just in case. Your cat would have recognised you and been able to slumber on. Just a theory, though.

[annavc]

His inner lids weren't closed. Maybe that was it - he certainly appeared to be looking at me but his snoring didn't stop!

[Siamsal]

Yes, I've seen ours do it. Not regularly, but I've seen it. Eyes part open, but dead to the world.

[janeo]

I've seen my cats do it too.