Cats are known for their agility and grace, but sometimes they can seem a little uncoordinated. If you’ve ever seen your cat shaking, you may have wondered what’s going on. Is she cold? Is she having a seizure? The answer is most likely neither of those things.
In fact, there are several reasons why cats shake or tremble, and most of them are perfectly normal.
Why is Cat Shaking? What Should Do If Cat is Shaking?
If you notice your cat shaking, it’s important to take action and determine the underlying cause. There are many potential reasons for why a cat may be shaking, including:
Overstimulated
One common reason is that your cat is simply overstimulated. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and they can get overwhelmed by too much noise, movement, or activity.
If you notice your cat shaking after a particularly chaotic play session or car ride, she’s probably just trying to calm herself down.
Pain
Another possibility is that your cat is in pain. If she’s shaking and also seems lethargic or uninterested in food, it could be a sign that something is wrong. A trip to the vet is in order to rule out any medical problems.
Anxiety
Cats can shake when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This may be due to a change in their environment (like a move to a new home), another pet in the house, or something else that’s causing them fear or discomfort.
Fever
A fever can cause muscle tremors and make your cat feel shaky. If your cat has other symptoms of illness along with the shaking, like loss of appetite or lethargy, take them to the vet right away.
Poisoning
Unfortunately, cats often get into things they shouldn’t (like cleaning products or plants). If you think your cat has ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately for guidance on what to do next.
Neurological disorders
Shaking can also be caused by neurological disorders like seizures or cerebral palsy.
Shaky legs
Some cats simply have shaky legs due to old age or arthritis. If your senior cat isn’t showing any other signs of illness but seems a bit unsteady on her feet, this might be the cause.
Your vet can give you advice on how to help her feel more comfortable.
Why Does My Cat Shake When Lying Down?
There are a number of reasons why your cat might shake when lying down. It could be that they’re cold, or it might be a sign of pain. If your cat is shaking and also has other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
It’s normal for cats to sleep in a curled-up position, and this often helps them stay warm. But if your cat has been shaking even when they’re in this position, it’s worth checking with your vet to see if there’s an underlying medical condition causing it.
Why is My Cat Shaking While Sleeping?
Your cat may be shaking while sleeping due to a condition known as trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can affect both cats and dogs.
The parasite is typically spread through contact with contaminated water or food, and it can cause a number of symptoms in affected animals, including weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and shaking.
If your cat is shaking while sleeping, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation so that they can rule out any other potential causes of the shaking and provide appropriate treatment.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
