Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering? Should I Be Concerned?
Ever looked at your precious little furball shaking and wondered, "What the heck is going on?!"
I understand.
The anxiety rises, your mind races through worst-case scenarios, and suddenly you're convinced your cat is possessed by a jittery demon.🐱
Well, calm your nerves, my friend.
We're in this together.
Let's dig deep into the mystery of why your beloved feline shakes, and find the answers that will put your anxious heart at ease.
Shall we begin?
What to Do When Your Cat Is Shaking
When you see your cat shaking, it can be worrisome. Here's what you should do:
- Stay calm. Your cat can sense your anxiety, which might make them more nervous.
- Create a warm and cozy space for your cat with a soft blanket or bed in a quiet spot.
- Check for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If that's the case, offer your cat a small amount of honey to raise their sugar levels.
- If your cat seems cold or shows signs of hypothermia like shivering, provide extra warmth. A low setting heating pad or a warm towel wrapped around them can help.
- Pay close attention to any other symptoms your cat might have, such as changes in behavior or appetite.
- If your cat keeps shaking or you're worried, don't hesitate to get help from a veterinarian. They'll give a proper diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
Always prioritize your cat's well-being by providing comfort, warmth, and seeking professional advice when needed. 😺
Main points I'll expand upon further down this article:
- Involuntary shaking in cats can have various causes including poisoning, infections, and more.
- Shaking can be behavioral, environmental, or medical in nature.
- Common causes include trauma, separation anxiety, allergies, and neurological disorders.
- Proper nutrition and addressing underlying issues can help alleviate cat shaking.
- Medical conditions such as seizures, ear issues, and high calcium levels can contribute to shaking.
- Diagnostic tests are necessary to identify the underlying cause, and treatment varies.
- Immediate veterinary attention is needed for certain cases, such as potential poisoning or sudden onset of shaking.
- Shaking can be associated with severe seizures, brain tumors, toxicity, and more.
- Monitoring other symptoms and health indicators is important for overall health.
- Non-medical causes of shaking include fear, stress, and dreaming.
And now, the question you're probably asking yourself is...
What can I do to prevent my cat from shaking?
How can I ensure their well-being and happiness?
Don't worry, we've got all the answers for you right here...
Common Causes of Shaking in Cats
Environmental factors and behavioral causes
Is your cat shaking like a scaredy-cat?
Don't worry, I got you covered!
You see, there could be a couple of reasons why your fluffy friend is trembling.
It might be due to things happening around them, like loud noises or sudden changes in their routine.
Just like us, cats can get stressed out by these situations, and that stress can sometimes lead to shaking.
But here's the thing, it's not just the environment that can make your cat shake.
Nope, their own behavior can play a part too.
Things like separation anxiety, past trauma, or even allergies can make them tremble.
Medical conditions and health issues
Fellow cat lover...
Guess what?
Cats can also shake because of medical reasons.
Yep, it's true!
From infections to brain tumors, there are various underlying medical conditions that can trigger those involuntary shakes in our beloved kitties.
But don't panic just yet.
What can you do?
Well, keeping an eye on your cat's in essence health indicators, such as how they use the litter box, how active they are, and the condition of their coat, can help you spot any potential problems early on.
And trust me, addressing those issues promptly is vital when it comes to easing your cat's shaking.
Preventing cat shaking and seeking treatment
Good news, my friend!
There are steps you can take to prevent your cat from shaking.
Seriously!
By paying attention to their eating habits, making sure they can't access any poisonous plants or chemicals, and providing them with proper nutrition and warmth, you're already doing great.
But let's say shaking has already become a common occurrence for your furry pal.
In that case, it's time to reach out to your vet.
They will perform some diagnostic tests to identify the root cause, and treatment options will vary depending on what's going on.
So don't waste any more time worrying about your cat's shaking!
With a little tender love and care, along with the right treatment, your fluffy companion will be feeling like the coolest cat in town again in no time.
So, if you find yourself worried about your cat's shaking, take a deep breath.
I understand how concerning it can be.
While I've covered some common causes of shaking in cats, there's one issue that's worth exploring further.
That's why I highly recommend checking out my article My Cat Cant Meow Just Squeaks.
It delves into why your cat might be only squeaking instead of meowing, and what it could potentially indicate.
Trust me, exploring this topic will provide you with valuable insights and help put your mind at ease.
When Shaking in Cats is a Sign of Illness
Shaking in cats can be a sign of various health issues.
When shaking occurs without an apparent cause, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Potential poisoning is a serious concern. If you suspect that your cat has ingested something harmful, take them to the vet right away.
- Seizure-like movements and persistent shaking should never be ignored. These could be indications of underlying neurological problems or brain tumors.
- Cats may experience shaking due to fevers or infections. It's vital to monitor for additional symptoms and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.
- Shaking can also be associated with toxicity and shock. Treatment options will depend on the specific diagnosis and recommendations from your vet.
- Regular check-ups with blood and lab work help identify potential health issues early on. Prevention is always better than treatment.
- Older cats experiencing shaking related to hypoglycemia may find relief through regular administrations of honey or maple syrup. Consult with a veterinarian for proper guidance.
Shaking in cats is often a sign of an underlying problem. So, never hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.
And if you're still feeling concerned about your cat's shaking, I want to assure you that there is more information available in my guide that can help.
Discover why your feline friend is vibrating and whether it's a normal occurrence or something that requires attention.
Simply check out my article, Why Is My Cat Vibrating, for all the answers you seek.
Remember, knowing is key and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
When Shaking in Cats is Normal
Shaking in cats is a common occurrence that can happen for various reasons:
- Cats may shake or shiver during dreams or REM sleep, which is a normal physiological response.
- Fear and stress can also cause shaking in cats, especially when they are very afraid or having a dream.
- Shivering in cats is not only caused by cold body temperature, but can also be triggered by fear, anxiety, and mild pain.
- These shaking episodes usually subside once the trigger has passed.
- Common triggers include phobias, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, loud noises, and the introduction of new people into the home.
- It's important to note that cats have a normal body temperature range between 100.5°F to 102.5°F, and any deviation from this range can result in shaking.
Understanding why your cat is shaking is crucial to determine whether it's a normal behavior or if there is an underlying issue.
Monitor their behavior and seek veterinary advice if you're concerned about their shaking episodes. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend's health!
How to Comfort Your Shaking Cat
When your cat is shaking due to fear or stress, here's what you can do to provide comfort:
- Create a safe space for them where they can retreat and feel secure whenever they are anxious or scared.
- Identify the triggers that are causing their anxiety or fear so that you can address and reduce the shaking. Keep an eye on changes in routine, veterinary visits, car rides, and other potential anxiety-inducing situations.
- Consider using synthetic cat pheromones to create a calmer and safer environment for your cat during stressful situations.
- Find ways to incorporate soothing measures, such as playing soft background music or providing blankets to help regulate their body temperature if it becomes too high or low.
- Take note of any potential triggers in their environment, such as recent moves or loud noises, as these can also contribute to their anxiety.
Provide your cat with the comfort necessary to make them feel safe and secure by recognizing and dealing with their individual anxieties.
And that wraps up today's article.
If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Pregnant Cat Vomiting, Cat Giving Birth, Pregnant Cat Breathing Fast, Why Is My Pregnant Cat Licking Herself a Lot, and Do Pregnant Cats Sleep a Lot
Talk soon,
-Sarah Davis