Why Does Your Cat Shake? 8 Causes of Feline Shivering

A cat shake may be a symptom of a medical condition or hypothermia which may have severe consequences, so shaking shouldn’t be ignored. It’s helpful to know why your cat is shaking, so that you act in a timely manner in your pet’s advantage.

1. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or a decreased sugar level in the blood is among the most common causes of shaking in cats.

If your cat is hungry or hasn’t eaten for a long time, he is likely to suffer from hypoglycemia. Administer some cat food immediately, so the glucose levels will increase.

You may also give your cat a few drops of maple syrup or honey, which will elevate the glucose levels in no time. Administer no more than a tablespoon of these ingredients; you may rub the syrup of honey on the cat’s gums, to make sure the sugar enters the blood flow rapidly. You should administer syrup of honey once every 6 hours, until you notice that your cat eats normally and shows no signs of weakness and shaking.

Hypoglycemia may be caused by other underlying causes, so if your cat shakes even if he eats properly, take him to the vet for some blood tests.

2. Digestive Problems

If your cat suffers form digestive problems which cause vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, he may also shake. The shivering is due to the low blood glucose.

3. Hypothermia

A cat with low body temperature will shake. The normal body temperature of a cat is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Adult cats can manage to maintain a normal temperature even in lower temperatures, but kittens—especially newborns—will have trouble maintaining a normal temperature and this may be fatal.

Diseases may also cause hypothermia.

Keep your cat warm by giving him additional blankets and consulting the vet to detect any possible problems.

4. Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia or fever may occur in cats due to viruses, infections or other illnesses. Any temperature above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit means that the cat has a fever.

A fever may cause shaking in felines, due to chills.

Keep a cat thermometer in your first aid kit and take your cat’s temperature regularly. Detecting fever in timely manner may speed up the recovery and prevent health complications.

5. Psychological Issues

Stress, anxiety or fear may trigger shivering in felines. This is a physiological response to the cat’s mental state.

6. Pain

Pain can cause shivering in felines. Whether the cat has an injury or an internal illness, he may be signaling the pain by shivering.

7. Seizures

Muscular tension and trembling may be common in seizures.

Seizures may occur due to heat strokes, poisoning, fever, epilepsy, allergic reactions or medication overdose.

A seizure may start with the cat shivering and not being able to control his moves.

8. Shock

A shock can trigger shivering in felines. A shock may occur due to a severe illness or after an accident or trauma. Other signs of shock include cold limbs, pale gums, weakness and a fast heart rate.

 

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