Our feline friends are masters of hiding discomfort. So when they show a symptom as clear as trembling, it’s natural to immediately wonder, “Why is my cat shaking?” Is it a sign they’re sick or nothing to worry about?

The good news is that shaking isn’t always a sign of something serious. It can be caused by everything from a vivid dream to simple excitement. However, it can also be a signal that something is wrong. Let’s dive into the various reasons why your cat might be shaking, what you can do to help, and where a smart cat collar can help you spot potential health issues early.

Key Takeaways

Shaking isn’t always a sign of something serious. It can be caused by a dream, excitement, or simply being cold.

Head to your vet if the shaking is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, or other signs of illness.

Your vet will perform an exam and may run tests to find the root cause, which can range from an ear infection to a metabolic disorder.

The Tractive smart cat collar can help you spot changes in your cat’s activity and sleep patterns early on, giving you valuable information to share with your vet.

Why is my cat shaking? The less “scary” reasons

Many times, a cat’s tremors are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. These are often related to a cat’s emotional or physical state. It could be due to:

  • Dreaming
    If you’ve ever seen your cat twitch, shudder, or even let out a small meow while asleep, you’re likely witnessing them in the middle of a dream. Just like us, cats experience REM sleep, and their muscles can twitch as they act out their dreams. This is especially common in kittens.
  • Excitement
    You may notice your cat’s body vibrating or trembling when they’re staring intently at a bird outside the window or when you’re preparing their favorite treat. This is often an expression of intense focus and excitement, and it’s a completely normal behavior. Their body is simply getting ready to pounce!
  • The cold
    A cat can shiver when they’re cold, just like a human. This is their body’s way of generating heat. If your cat is shivering after being in a chilly area, try giving them a warm blanket or a cozy spot in the sun.

Read More: How Cold Is Too Cold For Cats?

Why does a cat’s body vibrate?

This behavior is often linked to a cat’s most famous behavior: purring. A cat’s body vibrates when they purr, and sometimes this purr is so deep and powerful that it feels more like a full-body rumble than a gentle vibration. While purring is often a sign of contentment, cats also purr to self-soothe when they are in pain or distressed. So if you feel a strong vibration, check for other clues about your cat’s mood.

Do cats shiver when sick?

Yes, they absolutely can. Shivering is a very common physical response to illness, and it’s a way for the body to generate heat when it’s fighting an infection. If your cat is shaking and also seems lethargic, isn’t eating, or is hiding, it’s a strong sign they might be feeling under the weather.

Read More:

Cat shaking head? Why it’s happening

A shaking head is often a specific symptom pointing to an issue with your cat’s ears or head. It could be due to:

  • Ear mites or infections
    Ear problems are a very common reason for head shaking. Mites or an infection can cause intense itching and discomfort, leading your cat to shake their head vigorously to try and get rid of the irritation.
  • Foreign objects
    A small piece of debris or even a bug could get stuck in their ear canal, causing them to shake their head to dislodge it.
  • Polyps or growths
    In some cases, a head tremor can be caused by a growth in the ear canal or surrounding area.
A brown cat shaking its head

Should I be worried if my cat is shaking?

While many causes are harmless, take note if the shaking is accompanied by other symptoms or seems severe. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

  • The shaking is new or sudden.
  • The tremors are severe or seem uncontrolled.
  • The shaking is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing.
  • Your cat seems disoriented, confused, or has a blank stare.
  • The shaking seems to be a seizure (uncontrolled muscle spasms, possibly with drooling or loss of consciousness).

These could be signs of serious health issues like:

  • Pain
    From arthritis, internal injuries, or other sources of chronic pain.
  • Toxicity
    Ingesting a poisonous plant, household chemical, or human medication.
  • Neurological issues
    This can range from a simple ear issue to more serious conditions like seizures, brain inflammation, or a head injury.
  • Metabolic disorders
    Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a common cause of tremors, especially in diabetic cats.

How your vet might diagnose what’s causing your cat to shake

When you take your cat to the veterinarian for shaking or tremors, they’ll likely start with a thorough physical exam and ask you a series of questions. It can be incredibly helpful to bring a video of the shaking episode if you have one, as it can provide your vet with valuable clues. Go prepared to answer

  • When the shaking started
    Was it sudden or has it been happening for a while?
  • What other symptoms your cat has
    Is the shaking the only symptom, or are they also lethargic, vomiting, or not eating?
  • Your cat’s recent history
    Have they had any potential exposure to toxins or suffered any recent trauma?
  • Your cat’s diet and any medications they take

Based on the physical exam and your answers, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause, such as:

  • Blood and urine tests
    To check for metabolic disorders, organ function (like the liver and kidneys), and potential toxicity.
  • X-rays
    To check for injuries or pain.
  • Neurological exam
    To assess your cat’s nervous system.

How is shaking in cats treated?

The treatment for your cat’s shaking will depend on what the underlying cause is. After your vet has completed their diagnosis, they will be able to recommend a treatment plan that directly addresses the root of the problem. Here are a few examples of how different causes of shaking might be treated:

Possible causePossible treatment
Ear infectionsMedicated ear drops to treat the infection and clear out any mites.
PainPrescription pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or nutritional supplements.
HypoglycemiaManagement of diet and insulin levels, especially for diabetic cats, to prevent blood sugar from dropping.
ToxicityImmediate medical intervention to stabilize the cat and remove the toxins from their system, which may include induced vomiting, activated charcoal, or intravenous fluids.
AnxietyBehavioral changes to reduce stressors, calming aids, or, in more severe cases, anti-anxiety medication.

How you can help a cat with tremors

First, try to pay attention to when and how the shaking occurs. Is it while they are sleeping? Or is it when they are cold? Is it a quick, brief twitch or a long, sustained tremor?

For some cats, adjusting the home environment can be a great help. You can create a safer space to prevent falls or injury by:

  • Slip-proofing your home
    If your cat’s tremors affect their balance, non-slip rugs or mats on hard floors can provide better traction. Using sturdy food and water bowls can also prevent slipping. A litter box with low entry and high sides can make it easier for them to enter and lean on while doing their business.
  • Prevent your cat from falling
    By blocking off stairways or high-up furniture and placing cushions around high surfaces. (In case your cat does take a tumble.)
  • Enriching their environment
    For cats with chronic tremors, an enriched indoor environment is often the best option. This helps to prevent boredom and stress while keeping them safe from predators and other outdoor dangers. Think of things like cat trees, puzzle feeders, and plenty of toys to engage their mind and body.

Where a smart cat collar can help

For cat parents who want a more proactive way to monitor their cat’s health, a smart collar with Health Monitoring can be a game-changer. Products like the Tractive smart cat collar use built-in motion sensors to provide insights from Activity Tracking and Sleep Tracking.

A cat wearing a GPS cat tracker

Strapped to your cat’s collar, here’s how it can help with tremors:

  • Spotting changes
    You might not notice that your cat is sleeping more, or that their active periods are becoming shorter. A health monitoring device can show you a clear, long-term record of these patterns.
  • Health Alerts
    If your tracker detects a sudden change in their activity or sleep, you’ll get a Health Alert, prompting you to investigate further or consult your vet.
  • Monitoring your cat’s outdoor wanderings
    If you do let your cat outside, your tracker includes real-time GPS tracking to help you keep tabs on their whereabouts – no matter how far. Just switch to LIVE tracking and watch their real-time location updated every few seconds. Besides, unlike an AirTag, Tractive devices don’t need a network of compatible devices to work. They also work across an unlimited range.

This data can help you spot a potential issue early and give your vet the information they need to help your furry friend.

Cat wearing light blue Tractive GPS Cat tracker, app screen featuring health alerts for pets

Get health alerts for your cat

Our cats can’t always tell us if something’s wrong. But if their tracker detects unusual changes in their routine, you’ll get an alert, helping you catch potential issues early.

Shop Cat Trackers

Wrapping up: While seeing your cat shake can be frightening, it’s not always a cause for panic. Keep an eye out for when and how it occurs and get in touch with your vet if they don’t seem themselves. This way, you’ll be well-equipped to know when it’s time to drop over for a checkup.

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.