Why Is My Cat Shaking? 16 Common Reasons

1. Cold

Shivering serves as a natural response against cold temperatures in cats. When a feline is exposed to a cold environment, its muscles contract and relax rapidly, causing tremors. This process increases metabolic activity and produces heat to help maintain the cat's core body temperature.

Additionally, shivering can also indicate that a cat is not adequately insulated from the cold, either due to thin fur, wet fur, or prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Provide a warm and comfortable environment, especially for those with shorter fur or health conditions that may make them more susceptible to the cold.

2. Excitement

Heightened arousal or stimulation is a relatively common cause of tremor-like behavior in felines. This can occur during play, hunting activities, or interactions with their owners.

The tremors are typically a result of the cat's adrenaline levels increasing, which can cause muscles to twitch or shiver. This behavior is usually harmless and simply a physical manifestation of the cat's excitement or anticipation.

However, if tremor-like behavior persists beyond moments of excitement or is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of coordination, or changes in appetite, it may indicate an underlying health issue. In such cases, it is important to observe the cat closely and consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.

3. Stress

When a cat is stressed, its body releases adrenaline. This fight or flight response manifests as trembling or shivering. Common stressors include changes in the environment, loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, and trips to the vet.

Creating a comfortable, stress-free home for your cat involves providing a stable and predictable environment. Ensure the cat has a quiet space to retreat to and away from household noise and activity. Also, maintain a consistent routine for feeding and interaction, along with using calming aids like pheromone diffusers.

4. Fear

Check out for signs like flattened ears, dilated pupils, arched backs, and puffed-up fur to determine if your cat is scared of something. They may also hiss, growl, or hide.

Prolonged or intense fear can lead to tremors as the cat’s body reacts with a heightened adrenaline response, causing muscles to shake. This shaking is a physical manifestation of an extreme mental state.

To prevent or treat fear-induced tremors, create a calm and secure environment for your cat. Identify and minimize exposure to stressors, such as loud noises or unfamiliar animals.

5. Hunger

When cats are hungry, they may meow persistently, follow their owners, or hover around their feeding area. They might also exhibit restless behavior, pawing at their food dish or staring at their owners expectantly. 

Hunger can lead to shaking in cats if it results in low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This can cause muscle tremors, weakness, and lethargy. If shaking persists despite regular feeding, consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues and check if your cat's nutritional needs are met.

6. Overexertion

Overexertion can lead to muscle fatigue and the depletion of energy reserves, eventually triggering tremors. When a cat engages in intense physical activity, such as vigorous play or prolonged running, its muscles can become overworked and tired. This fatigue can cause involuntary muscle tremors or shaking as the muscles struggle to recover.

Provide regular but moderate exercise to your feline pal that is tailored to its fitness level. Provide ample rest periods and avoid overly strenuous activities, especially for older or less active cats.

7. Heat

If your cat is shaking due to overheating, it may exhibit additional signs such as panting, drooling, lethargy, and a bright red tongue or gums. Overheating can occur in hot weather, especially if the cat is in a confined space without adequate ventilation.

To remedy overheating, immediately move your cat to a cooler area and provide fresh water. You can also use a damp cloth to gently cool your cat’s body, focusing on the paws, belly, and armpits. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can cause shock.

8. Noise Sensitivity

Felines are highly sensitive to noise due to their acute hearing, which allows them to detect sounds at higher frequencies and greater distances than humans. Loud or sudden noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or household appliances, can startle cats and trigger their fight-or-flight response. This response releases adrenaline, leading to physical reactions like uncontrolled movement or shaking as the cat prepares to flee or defend itself.

To help a noise-sensitive cat, create a quiet, safe space where it can retreat during loud events. Providing background noise, like soft music or white noise, can also mask sudden sounds.

9. Pain

Physical pain does not always correspond to shaking in cats but it can be a symptom, especially in severe or acute pain. Tremors may occur due to the cat’s body reacting to discomfort or injury.

To recognize if your pet is in pain, watch for changes in posture, such as a hunched back or reluctance to move. Cats in pain might also have a decreased appetite, avoid being touched, or show signs of restlessness and pacing. Also, check for signs like excessive vocalization, behavior changes, and alterations in grooming habits.

10. Itching

Cats may itch due to allergies (such as flea allergies or food allergies), skin infections, parasites (like fleas or mites), dermatitis, or even neurological issues. When your pet experiences intense itching, it may scratch excessively, leading to muscle tremors or shivering as a secondary response to the discomfort.

To address itching in cats, it's essential to identify and treat the underlying cause. Regular flea prevention, maintaining a clean environment, and using appropriate grooming practices can help prevent itching from external parasites. Dietary adjustments or hypoallergenic food may also be necessary for cats with food allergies.

11. Grooming

Grooming involves licking, which stimulates nerve receptors in the skin and can induce relaxation. However, prolonged grooming sessions or intense focus on a specific area may also lead to muscle fatigue or overstimulation of the nervous system. This can develop into mild tremors or shivering after grooming.

In most cases, post-grooming tremors in cats are benign and temporary. They often resolve on their own as the cat rests and recovers from the grooming session. However, if the tremors persist for an extended period, are accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or lethargy, or if the cat seems distressed, it may indicate a concerning health issue.

12. Mimicking Prey

Felines exhibit heightened excitement and anticipation during play or hunting behaviors. When a cat stalks or pounces on a toy or prey-like object, its muscles tense in preparation for action. This tension, combined with the adrenaline rush of the hunt, can cause slight tremors or quivers in the cat's body.

These tremors are often subtle and temporary, reflecting the cat's instinctual response to simulate the movements necessary for catching prey. This behavior is natural and not typically a cause for concern. It demonstrates the cat's predatory instincts and physical readiness during play.

13. Trauma

When a cat experiences significant trauma, it can cause injury to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. It can also result in shock, pain, and stress, all of which can contribute to tremors.

It is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention if a cat shows signs of trauma, as prompt treatment can prevent further complications. To find out if your cat is suffering from a trauma, look for signs like shaking, twitching, difficulty walking, and changes in behavior.

14. Vibrations

External vibrations, such as those caused by loud noises or machinery, can cause your furry pal to tremble or shake due to their acute sensitivity to sound and movement. Cats have highly developed senses, including a keen ability to detect subtle vibrations through their whiskers and sensitive paw pads.

When exposed to strong vibrations, especially unexpected or unfamiliar ones, they may experience a startled response. This can trigger a surge of adrenaline, resulting in muscle tension and tremors as the cat prepares to assess and potentially react to the perceived threat or disturbance.

15. Vestibular Sensation

Vestibular sensation refers to the balance and spatial orientation system located in the inner ear, responsible for detecting movement and maintaining balance in animals. Conditions affecting the vestibular system in cats, such as vestibular disease or inner ear infections, can lead to symptoms like head tilting, loss of balance, and involuntary movements including tremors or shaking. These movements are often a result of the cat's attempts to compensate for the imbalance caused by the vestibular dysfunction.

If a cat displays frequent shaking or other signs of vestibular issues, it's essential to seek immediate attention. Diagnosis and treatment may involve medication to manage symptoms, addressing infections or inflammation, and supportive care to help the cat regain its balance and reduce discomfort.

16. Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte Imbalance causes disruptions in nerve and muscle function, often triggering cat shakes. Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium play crucial roles in maintaining normal nerve transmission and muscle contraction. When these electrolytes are either too high or too low, it can result in neurological symptoms including head tremor in cats.

For example, low blood calcium levels can cause muscle twitching and shivering in cats. Similarly, imbalances in potassium or sodium levels can also lead to similar symptoms.

Treatment involves identifying and correcting the underlying cause of the electrolyte imbalance. This may include dietary adjustments, supplementation, fluid therapy, or medications prescribed by a vet.