My cat awakens violently. She does this at least 1-2 times a month. When she is laying on me she causes me some significant harm sometimes. She is 7 years old and I became her mom when she was 4. I have no knowledge of whether she did this before since I adopted her from the local pound. I have several scars over the last 2 years. She doesn't always hurt me, but sometimes she doesn't wake up so bad, She will just go from zero to 60 in a blink of an eye. She wakes up like she is scared to death and is fighting for her life. She is sleeping and suddenly she literally pops up like something pushed her from underneath, spin/flip wildly around and then land a distance away. She stands with her ears back and seems confused for a minute. I know she can't help it, but I am getting hurt too. I don't know if she is having a nightmare or if she has a neurological problem. I don't have a lot of money and I am hoping I can get some advice. Maybe it's normal or maybe it "just happens." I have scars up the side of my neck and jaw, on my arm, stomach and now, as of 2 nights ago, on my left calf. The night before last we were lying in the recliner. She was between my knees and she just went from being asleep to bouncing like popcorn. her back claws tore the back of my calf up. I just worry for her and I want to help if I can. I feel bad that she may have had a bad experience in her former home. Should I just take her to the vet and if I do how can they figure it out without so many tests I can't afford? Are there simple tests? Is there anything I can do for her at home? She always sleeps with me and doesn't sleep in a high place of danger. She lives in a limited space as I do.