Wondering “Why is my cat shaking?” We are here for you and we will help you!
Seeing your cat shaking is something that you cannot control, and is often disturbing to watch! You can witness plenty of odd behaviors from your cat, but this is something that you definitely don’t find funny, and that you definitely find disturbing. It can be shaking or trembling noticed in the legs, head, or the full body.
At the end of the day, seeing your cat shaking is disturbing physical distress and is something that can be either harmless or very serious! Occasional shaking is not something you should worry about, but if you notice your cat trembling constantly, then you should visit a vet and check this issue!
The key is to always observe and be on alert. Of course, you cannot be present for your cat 24/7, but still, there are some smart ways in which you may help!
What Causes a Cat to Shake? Why Is My Kitten Shaking?
Your cat can be shaking for many reasons! Since any cat can be affected, no matter the age or breed, you need to be fully prepared and understand what causes the shaking. Here are some of the most common causes for shaking in cats:
- Cold: If it is difficult for you to understand this, think a bit and realize that we also shiver when we are feeling cold. This is more common in kittens and short-haired breeds. You can easily solve this by providing them with a blanket or a cozy spot to curl on.
- Dreaming during sleep: When sleeping, cats also go into the REM phase, and it is a period when they are in a deep sleep mode. During this period, they are relaxed and might fall into a deep dream, which might occasionally show as a muscle twitch or loss of muscle tone.
- Stress or anxiety: Stress works in mysterious ways in both humans and pets. In cats, even a trip to the vet, a new situation, or a routine change might trigger a stress response. If the shaking stops after a certain situation, try to keep your cat protected in the future and avoid those stressful situations.
- Overexertion: After intense exercise or activities, your cat might suddenly start relaxing the muscles. During this, you might notice a slight shake or twitch.
- Minor ear irritation: Cats enjoy their comfort, so if a tiny dust or hair irritates their ears, it might cause them head shake. If you see a cat shaking its head occasionally, it is not something to worry about, since the irritation can be easily removed.
All of these reasons are acute and do not cause any serious consequences if treated or managed on time.
Medical Reasons for Shaking in Cats
If you no longer suspect the non-medical reasons, maybe it is time to check if your cat has something more serious, a medical reason for shaking
Here are the most common medical reasons for shaking in cats:
- Fever or infection: High body temperature might lead to shaking in cats, the same way it does in humans.
- Neurological disorders: Some neurological disorders, like epilepsy or vestibular diseases, might lead to uncontrollable shaking. These conditions need continuous management, especially if your cat has epilepsy.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is especially common in young kittens, particularly those that do not get enough nutrients due to poor lactation or inadequate nursing. Small kittens quickly burn energy through energy stores, leading to tremors and weakness.
- Reaction to medications or anesthesia: Some medications, especially those that affect the nervous system, may cause tremors or shakiness as a side effect. Also, concurrent administration of some medications can lead to tremors. A cat shaking after anesthesia is common, but worsening of these symptoms might require more serious vet attention.
- Pain or injury: Some cats hide their pain well, but shaking can be a visible sign of their condition. It can be any type of pain or any disease, and your cat can show signs through shaking.
- Toxin ingestion: When owning a cat, you should be careful about everything, including the household cleansers and plants that your cat might come into contact with. Even a small contact can lead to something dangerous, and your cat might start shaking.
Interesting Fact: Cats very often develop juvenile seizures that should be diagnosed on time. This can be diagnosed in many ways, however, Maven Pet will give you information about seizures even if there are only some mild signs.
Read More: If you also have a dog in your household, find out more about dog seizures here and learn how Maven Pet can help!
If you suspect any of this, contact your vet and manage this issue on time.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If the shaking is not too often, your cat might be fine even without help from a vet. But if you excluded all the acute causes for shaking, you should get a professional opinion.
Here are some common signs that might require a vet visit:
- A combination of cat shaking and vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sudden collapse
- Disorientation or head tilting
- Pale gums or labored breathing
In case of epilepsy, other signs might include:
- Tail chasing
- Aggression
- Biting at imaginary objects
How the Maven Pet Health Monitor Can Help
Maven is a game changer for your pet’s health. It tracks your pet’s health, and you can get access to the data via the Maven app. You can also report any symptoms or observations.
Maven Pet
Health Monitor
#1 Vet-recommended pet monitor! Tracks activity, rest, respiratory rate, water intake, scratching and other health indicators 24/7
It contains a sensor that is perfectly safe for both dogs and cats. It doesn’t emit harmful radio waves, and it is safe for pets to wear it comfortably.
Maven helps detect and track the following:
- Rest and activity levels: It tracks how much your cat sleeps or moves around. This can detect any signs of pain, discomfort, or shaking.
- Resting respiratory rate: It constantly tracks the respiratory rate, which in many cases helps detect respiratory or cardiac issues.
- Water intake patterns: A sudden increase or decrease is often a sign of bigger problems.
- Signs of stress or pain: Maven can detect behaviors like restlessness, pacing, or reduced activity.
If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat twitching while resting or sleeping?”—it could be a harmless dream, but frequent twitching when awake might signal a neurological issue. And this device can help detect any irregularities.
Although all of these symptoms are obvious, Maven will give you peace of mind by staying informed. You won’t have to rely only on your abilities. You can use this pet smart collar and enjoy its benefits.
To Sum Up: Why Is My Cat Shaking?
The causes for shaking can be different; it is normal for your cat to occasionally shake. However, if this is too frequent, it can be an alarming sign. You need to consult your veterinarian if you suspect something more serious.
As a responsible cat owner, you need to monitor your cat’s health, and the best way to do it is with Maven Pet, with which you will provide 24/7 pet wellness support!
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
