Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results matching
Please:
If your cat is shaking or shivering, you may be wondering what the cause is and what you can do to help them. We’ll go over some common reasons why cats may shake, plus what you can do to help — and when to call the vet.
See Our Prices
There are a few different reasons your cat could be shaking or trembling. Learning some of the common causes can help you determine if you should contact your veterinarian.
Tremors or shakes can be a sign that a cat is in pain. This pain could be caused by some kind of injury, an illness, or other condition(s) — such as arthritis, cancer, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or a host of other issues.1
An injury can be external or internal. If you think your cat is shaking from pain, first look for any sign of an injury on their body — such as bleeding or a bump — to determine if they have an external injury. Also, pay attention to any symptoms of a potential internal injury, like if your cat is limping or constantly howling, and take them to the vet ASAP.1 Generally, any sign that your cat is in pain should be taken seriously and may require a vet call or visit.
Kidney disease is one of the most prevalent conditions in cats, especially older cats, and can cause cat shivering. A sign that a cat’s kidney function is decreasing is a greater quantity of urination and, in turn, greater water consumption.2 As they urinate more, their metabolism is affected, causing them to lose weight and become lethargic. This can also cause cats to shake, and it can turn their gums white.2 If you notice any signs of kidney disease in your cat, contact your veterinarian.
Shaking and other physiological bodily responses can occur when a cat is feeling stressed, anxious, or fearful.3 Sometimes, there will be an obvious reason your cat feels this way, such as if they have separation anxiety from an owner, or if they’re scared of loud noises, like fireworks. Other times, however, the source of your cat’s stress may be less obvious.
Shaking in response to anxiety is normal in cats, so it may not be an immediate cause for worry. You can help your cat unlearn certain fears or stop reacting to some stressors if the response is abnormal. Gradually exposing your cat to things they’re afraid of, such as dogs, will help them feel less afraid and possibly get comfortable enough to no longer tremble in response.3
Your cat shaking could be a sign they’ve ingested or been exposed to something poisonous. Several common human foods are dangerous for cats to eat, such as chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, and some chewing gums. Also, many human medications, such as cold and pain relievers, are common causes of cat poisoning.4
Outside the home, there are hundreds of plants known to be toxic to cats. Some of these include flowers like lilies, azalea, daisies, and lavender.5 If your feline friend goes outside, be aware of potentially toxic plants they may encounter. Also, be sure any pesticides used in the garden or around the house are properly stored where your cat can’t get to them, as those can be toxic as well.
Besides shaking, other signs of poisoning in cats include drooling, lethargy, labored breathing, and sudden bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.4 If you suspect your cat may be exhibiting signs of poisoning, emergency vet care could save your cat’s life, so visit a veterinarian immediately.
One of the more common reasons for cat tremors is low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.3 Cats’ blood sugar levels can get low when they haven’t eaten in a while. The main fix for this is getting them to eat their food, if possible.
If your cat refuses to eat, you can try rubbing honey or maple syrup on your cat’s gums. This will get sugar into their blood stream more quickly.3 Later, if your cat still doesn’t eat their food, you should call your vet so they can determine why your cat isn’t eating.
Shock is a complicated condition within a cat’s body that happens when there’s inadequate energy production in their cells or a decrease in oxygen levels. This results in the death of the cat’s cell tissue.6 Shock can happen to a cat after a severe illness or bodily trauma from an accident.3
This condition is life-threatening, meaning it requires emergency medical intervention. Along with trembling, if you notice other tell-tale signs of shock — such as pale gums, lethargy, and cold limbs — take your cat to the emergency vet.3,6
If your cat begins to shake very suddenly, they could be having a seizure. Sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures, and there are different types of seizures, characterized by different movements. A generalized seizure, sometimes called a grand mal seizure, causes jerking motions, rigid limbs, and loss of urinary and bowel control.7
A cat who has one or multiple seizures may have epilepsy. Other reasons could be an illness, heat stroke, allergic reaction, or overdose of medication.3,7 Contact your vet if you think your cat has had a seizure. Your vet will perform diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, MRIs, and CT scans to find the underlying cause of the seizure, and may prescribe medicine to prevent further seizing.7
Cats’ sleep goes in cycles of light and deep sleep. During the few minutes of deep sleep, some cats will twitch quite a bit, sometimes even to the point of shaking.3 This could be worth a mention to your vet, but it’s likely normal and not indicative of medical issues.
If you notice your cat shaking and aren’t sure why, it’s better to err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian. Tremors during sleep or in response to something your cat is afraid of probably won’t require a vet visit or treatment. However, if your cat’s shaking is accompanied by other symptoms — like vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, or limping — a trip to the vet may be necessary.
The vet will likely do a physical exam of your cat to rule out any obvious injuries. They’ll also want to know about your cat’s behavior, so try to relay any symptoms you’ve noticed. Depending on what they think the issue could be, the vet may order bloodwork or perform other diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the cause of the shaking.
If the cause of your cat’s shivering is determined to be something other than anxiety, they’ll likely require treatment from the vet. The type and level of treatment depends on the cause of your cat’s shaking:
The thought of not knowing what’s wrong with your beloved pet, coupled with the stress of vet bills, can be overwhelming. After all, several conditions that cause cat shivering, such as kidney disease or poisoning, can require emergency vet care or ongoing treatment, which can be costly. A pet insurance plan can help you cover those costs.
Coverage through MetLife Pet can help you prepare for the unexpected and let you focus more on your pet than your finances. Start by getting a free quote today.
