Judy Taylor
Your cat is shaking and you wonder why that could be? As in humans, there are many possible causes of tremors in cats. These can be harmless, but sometimes there is an illness behind the symptom. We list the most common causes of tremors in cats and offer tips on what to do. Maybe your fur nose is shaking for one of these reasons.
Cat is shivering from the cold
This explanation for a trembling cat is as logical as it is simple: the cat is cold! Young, old, or sick cats, in particular, shiver more easily when the surrounding temperature drops. Moisture can also play a role – for example, if your cat got out in the rain. Help a cat that is shivering from the cold to warm up: dry it or provide a warm spot for it. Older cats, whose metabolism slows down, particularly love warm places to sleep. Cozy heating loungers for cats or even special warming blankets for animals are possible. Cherrystone pillows and hot water bottles are also popular. Always be careful to prevent your cat from getting burned.
Cat trembles with fear
“Trembling with fear” – this is not only found in people, but also in four-legged friends. Trembling can be a sign that the cat is feeling stressed or overwhelmed. For example, during a thunderstorm, on the way to the vet, when she arrives at a new home, or when she sees a cucumber. You can usually tell from the external circumstances that your cat is trembling with fear. Help her relax by giving her peace of mind and exuding security. Some pet owners have had good experiences with Bach flowers for cats or pheromone sprays like Feliway. However, these tools take time to work. If your cat is particularly anxious, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Cat trembles with exhaustion
Do you know the feeling when the blood sugar level drops sharply and we feel tremulous and powerless? This exhaustion also occurs in cats. For example, if you are sick (e.g. diabetes) or have exhausted yourself – maybe the neighbor hangover is bulling your cat and chasing it through the garden? Even a long cat trip without food can be exhausting. Older, young and sick cats are more likely to tremble from exhaustion than fit, velvet paws in their prime. How can you help your kitty? Encourage the cat to drink and eat – just offer it something particularly tasty. Make sure she gets rest and can retire to sleep. If she is being chased by other cats or involved in turf wars, temporarily separate her.
Cat has a fever and is trembling
Fever can also be associated with tremors in cats. Often you will also notice other symptoms: The cat looks limp, has little appetite, and breathes faster than usual. Although stress can also trigger an increased body temperature in cats, pathogens are usually behind a fever. Take your cat to the vet if you suspect he may have a fever. He will measure your body temperature rectally, investigate the cause and suggest a therapy.
Cat has epilepsy and trembles
Tremors can be a symptom of epileptic disease in the cat. Because epilepsy is not always associated with clear seizures including cramps, screaming, or foaming at the mouth. Less noticeable symptoms such as a glazed look, incontinence, snapping, itching, cramps in individual muscles, or tremors can indicate epilepsy. This is the most common chronic disease of the feline central nervous system. So, if you can’t attribute a recurring tremor, you should take your cat to the vet.
Cat suffers from vitamin deficiency or parasite infestation
Trembling can be a sign of other nerve disorders or immune deficiencies in the cat’s body. Vitamin deficiencies or parasites such as worms can cause tremors. That is why you should consult a veterinarian in the event of tremors for an unclear cause. Using blood and fecal samples, he can get to the bottom of the symptom and suggest the right therapy.
Cat trembles and twitches in sleep
If your velvet paw twitches or trembles its paws exclusively in sleep, there is no need to worry: maybe it is dreaming of a mouse hunt or is climbing a tree in a dream. Cats probably dream just like us in their deep sleep phases. Wild twitching or trembling can unsettle cat owners, but do not disturb your cat while it is sleeping, as this could frighten them. If necessary, make sure that your fur nose does not fall from its sleeping place as a result of the movement, so that it can continue to sleep undisturbed.
