You may get alarmed if you notice your cat shaking. It's unusual, so your initial reaction is to fear the worst. However, not all cat shakes are cause for alarm. Shaking can be due to something as harmless as your cat dreaming. It can also be a mild case of chills, an illness, or an underlying condition. Discover some of the possible reasons and what you can do.

Possible Causes of Trembling in Cats

Cat shakes can affect their complete body or just a part. Look out for when your cat shakes their head, legs, tail, or complete body. These movements can look like seizures, twitching, or vibrations, and your cat can’t control them.

Shaking in cats can have different causes, including behavioral, environmental, and medical problems. Here are a few possible explanations for your cat's trembling.

1. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (a.k.a. low blood sugar) is one of the more frequent causes of tremors or shaking in cats. Your cat’s blood sugar can drop if they go for an extended period without eating. And the resulting hypoglycemia can cause trembling.

However, low blood sugar can still happen even if your cat eats properly. So always take your cat to the vet for a full examination.

2. Kidney Disease

Cats frequently struggle with kidney problems. Their kidneys and liver regularly malfunction, causing waste products to build up in circulation. In this situation, your cat can get ill and lose its appetite. In this case, shaking is a sign that their kidneys are not functioning correctly.

As soon as you notice the signs and you’ve ruled out other possible causes, go to the vet immediately so they can carry out a blood test.

3. Hypothermia

Like humans, a cat may shake due to a low body temperature. Cats typically have body temperatures that range from 100.5 to 102.5 °F. However, kittens, especially newborns, will have difficulty maintaining a normal temperature, which may become life-threatening. Adult cats can maintain an average core body temperature even in lower temperatures.

Hypothermia can also result from diseases that affect their ability to regulate their body temperature. So, if this happens, keep your cat warm by swaddling it in extra blankets or using a heating pad while you call the vet.

4. Hyperthermia

Shaking in cats can also result from hyperthermia, fever, or increased body temperature. Hyperthermia occurs mostly due to viruses, infections, or other disorders. For a cat, a fever is any temperature above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

In cats, this increased body temperature may cause tremors or shake. If you’re concerned that your cat may have a fever, check your cat’s temperature with a thermometer. Pass this information to your vet to speed up the diagnosis and prevent further complications.

5. Seizures

Cats can experience seizures, which are abrupt bursts of uncontrollable muscle twitches. They happen when there’s a temporary disruption of regular brain activity. Seizures in cats can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

The causes of seizures include poisoning, brain injuries, and brain diseases. Epilepsy also causes frequent seizure episodes.

You can take a video and show it to your vet if you're unsure whether your cat is shaking or having a seizure.

6. Fear, Phobia, and Anxiety

Cats who get anxious or fearful may tremble. If there’s no obvious damage or discomfort from the temperature, your cat may be anxious or afraid. Usually, the cat will act aggressively or overly protective immediately after the episode.

7. Pain

Sometimes, your cat will shake because it’s in pain. If this happens, your cat may seem agitated and get quite touchy. Carefully pick up your cat and contact a vet to check for the cause of the pain.

8. Shock

Trembling is one of the typical symptoms of shock in cats. Blood loss and serious injuries can result in shock. Increased heart rate and cold limbs are further signs of shock in cats. So, take your cat to the vet immediately if they’re injured.

9. Toxicity

Chemicals like neurotoxins can make a cat tremble or twitch. Cats that live outdoors are more likely to come into contact with poisons like lead, slug pellets, rotten food, and rodenticides. Make sure to look out for these hazards in your garden and eliminate them.

In cats, toxicity symptoms are typically acute. This means that they appear quickly and worsen quickly. So, you must immediately take your cat to the vet if you suspect poisoning.

10. Infections

Infection is another possible cause of trembling in cats. If your cat has fever, pain, or nausea, it likely has an infection. Cats frequently contract infections in their paws, mouth, eyes, noses, and ears.

Also, your cat may shake its head if it has cat flu. They do this to expel mucus from their nostrils.

11. Medication Side Effects

Some types of medication can give cats tremors as a side effect. If this is the case, your vet may recommend stopping the treatment.

Always review your cat’s medical history with a new vet to prevent this from happening. Let them know if your cat is allergic to certain medications.

What Happens at the Vet?

Shaking and tremors in cats are usually signs of underlying, frequently undetected issues. So the main focus of treatment will be on addressing that main condition. Your vet will develop a diagnosis for a more targeted treatment plan after physical exams and laboratory tests.

While a vet can treat some causes of shaking disorders, there may be no cure for others.

Surgery may be necessary if an underlying nervous system condition is the culprit. Your vet may also suggest particular drugs to control the muscles' motions and stop the tremors.

How Can You Prevent Your Cat From Shaking?

To prevent shaking or tremors in the future, avoid over-exciting or overexerting your cat, as this may worsen their symptoms.

Other things you can do include:

• Monitor eating habits
• Pay regular visits to the vet
• Keep your cat warm
• Check blood sugar from time to time
• Keep your cat away from toxins
• Socialize with your cat
• Don’t miss their medication if there’s an underlying health condition

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

The underlying cause of your cat's shaking will determine how much it will cost to treat it. Your location and the treatment plan your vet recommends will also influence the price. Sometimes, it’s a one-off treatment, and other times it may involve getting a series of periodic treatments over a couple of months.

Access Affordable Pet Care for Your Cat

Your cat may shake for many reasons. No matter how mild or severe it is, it would be great to give your cat additional attention and get in touch with a vet.

Vet bills aren't always affordable, and that's why we created Carefree Pet. Pet parents can simply register for Carefree Pet Plus and get bundled pet care discounts and access to our Carefree virtual vets 24/7. For even more comprehensive protection you can add pet insurance at a discount.