Cat having violent dreams

Most of all my dogs and cats have dreamt. A few displayed actions like you described. A dog I had once would try to bite me if I tried to wake him anything more than very softly. It's like he (they) didn't know who it was but he was just startled and went immediately into defense mode protecting himself. Once he realized it was me he stopped his movement toward me immediately. The worst that happened one time early on was he nicked me with one of his teeth. I made sure from them on that I only put my hand on him near his back hips or butt but not his tail. Some dogs can be sensitive about their tails when startled. I would move my hand back and forth gently on his skin just to make him move a little bit. I've done that with the cats too and it seems to work. If you go about touching their face or their neck, they seem to have gotten more aggressive (in my situations) and I think that's because they're startled too much too fast and being too much literally in their face.
The more often you can catch them dreaming and wake them up soon, it's been my experience the sooner they get used to you doing that.

Although I don't remember ever trying this, I like the idea that @Lilnonames mentioned about using food for them to smell to wake them up.

Just make a habit of speaking quietly to him when he's sleeping. Not really much to do but love him.🤗

He is dreaming! AND he is running and hunting while he sleeps! Let sleeping cats lie! 🤣🤣🤣

Let him alone, and give him plenty of cuddles when he's awake.

My cat does something similar. His face switches and he makes little sounds at times.

No need to worry.. just experiencing REM just like humans do.

That's normal when in dream state. My dog does that! No worries, just leave him be.

I would tell the vet about it just in case something else is going on with him.
When my dog is having dreams i say his name and tell him hes a good boy. Then he starts wagging his tail in his sleep.

Sounds like he may need medication or a special be so he can’t hurt himself. I have seen that its really bad if they nap on high places.

Here is an article that might help you: https://purrcraze.com/why-your-cat-has-bad-dreams

Seizures?

My cat used to do that as a kitten, scared me to death, I thought she was having a seizure in my lap. But it's apparently something some do sometimes or some do a lot.

I would resist the urge to wake him and let him sleep through.

Poor fluff I hope that subsides for him

Wake him with smelly food