Why Is My Cat Shaking? Everything Pet Parents Should Know About Tremors in Cats

Cat shaking (tremors) is involuntary movement that can be caused by anything from anxiety or cold to serious issues like toxins, low blood sugar, or neurological disease. Some causes are mild, but others can be life-threatening and require immediate veterinary care. 

If your cat is suddenly twitching, trembling, or having full-body shakes, it’s important not to ignore it. Tremors are often a sign that something is affecting the brain, muscles, or overall health.  

Knowing what to watch for—and when to call your veterinarian—can help you act quickly and keep your cat safe. 

Why Is My Cat Shaking?

Tremors in cats are shaking movements of a feline’s body that they can’t control. Sometimes these tremors look like small muscle twitches, while other times the whole-body shakes and trembles. 

When tremors occur it is usually due to a problem affecting a part of the brain that controls fine movement control.  

The most common causes of shaking in cats include: 

• Feline cerebellar hypoplasia: A disease that kittens can be born with after being exposed to the panleukopenia virus in the womb. 

• Toxin exposure: Common toxins such as permethrins, avermectins (oral dog heartworm products), amphetamines (often found in ADHD medications), and bromethalin (rodenticide) can lead to tremors in cats. 

• Hypoglycemia: More common in diabetic cats who get too much insulin or young kittens who haven’t eaten in a while. 

• Liver or kidney disease: Underlying diseases can cause tremors.   

• Infections: Tremors may be caused by infections such as toxoplasmosis, tetanus, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).     

• Electrolyte imbalances: Occur in cats with a blocked urethra or significant fluid loss due to vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

• Anxiety, fear, anticipation, or excitement: Intense emotions can sometimes result in tremors. 

• Pain or injury: Muscle tremors and shivering can occur due to pain. 

• Extreme body temperature: Fever or hypothermia. 

• Itching sensation from fleas or other parasites: Twitching that looks like tremors can be caused by itching. Head shaking, resembling tremors, can be caused by ear mites or ear infections. 

• Hyperesthesia syndrome: This condition involves twitching across the body that can look like tremors. 

• Seizures and other neurological disorders: While seizures and tremors are technically different, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. 

When To Call Your Vet  

If you notice your cat is shaking or experiencing tremors, contact your veterinarian for guidance. This is especially true if you know your cat has been exposed to a toxin. Depending on the underlying cause, cat tremors can be a medical emergency, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of a Shaking Cat

To diagnose the underlying cause of shaking in cats, your vet will first take a complete medical history of your pet. They will want to know how often these episodes are occurring, whether you notice any patterns as to when they occur, how long they last, and how long ago they started. 

If possible, it’s helpful to bring a video of the shaking episode on your phone to show your veterinarian. 

Let your veterinarian know if you have noticed any other changes in your cat’s behavior or if there have been any changes to their environment, such as: 

• Did they have access to any toxins? 

• Are they eating and drinking normally? 

• Have they been vomiting? 

• Are they excessively drinking and urinating? 

• Have you recently moved or have a new addition to the household? 

Your vet will then conduct a physical examination of your cat.  

They may recommend the following diagnostic tests:  

• Blood work  

• Urinalysis 

• X-rays 

• CT  

• MRI 

Treatment for a Shaking Cat

The treatment approach for a shaking cat depends on the underlying cause. 

• Toxins: If the tremors are due to acute toxicity, the cat may need to be hospitalized immediately. Intravenous (IV) fluids and decontamination methods may be necessary.  

• Underlying congenital disease (abnormalities present at birth): Treatment may focus on providing support with medications, such as gabapentin, that help to reduce the frequency of the shaking episodes or simply keep them more comfortable.  

In some cases, no treatment is prescribed if the tremors aren’t painful or severe or if there is no specific treatment available for the condition. This is the case with cerebellar hypoplasia, where the part of the brain responsible for fine motor movement did not develop correctly. 

If an underlying disease is detected during veterinary testing, your cat will be treated accordingly. This could involve long-term medications, specialized diets, or fluid therapy. 

Common types of medications that may be prescribed for primary neurological or psychosomatic issues include: 

• Nerve pain medications like gabapentin 

• Muscle relaxants like methocarbamol 

• Antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine 

• Anticonvulsants like phenobarbital 

Specialized diets that may be prescribed include:  

• Hill’s k/d Kidney Care

• Hill’s Multi-Organ Support

While certain causes of tremors can be cured, most cases are only managed through treatment. Some conditions have no treatment available. 

Recovery and Management of a Shaking Cat

The management of a shaking cat focuses on ensuring their safety and comfort.  

If your cat experiences unsteadiness during shaking episodes, be sure to prevent their access to areas such as stairs or swimming pools, where they could potentially hurt themselves. 

If your cat has consistent tremors that are affecting their balance, consider providing a large litter box with a low entry and high sides.  

This will give them something to lean on while they go to the bathroom, and they’ll be less likely to tip if they stumble. 

Use sturdy food and water bowls and place padding around high surface areas to cushion any falls.  

Consider using carpet runners or other flooring that provides traction, to minimize the risk of slipping and falling. 

Cats with chronic tremors should always be kept indoors to ensure their safety, especially if a lack of muscle coordination could hinder their ability to escape from predators.  

Make sure that their indoor living space is enriched with lots of toys that engage the mind and help prevent heightened stress or anxiety. 

Cats with chronic tremors and shaking can lead good-quality lives.  

If your cat is shaking from a sudden onset of toxicity or disease, immediate veterinary care may be able to restore them to their normal condition. 

Prevention of Tremors in Cats

Some cases of tremors are not preventable, such as those occurring from birth defects. However, there are a few ways pet parents can reduce the likelihood of tremors due to other causes:  

• Store toxins and chemicals safely out of reach of your cat.  

• Ensure you feed young kittens small, frequent meals to avoid low blood sugar. 

• Ensure regular wellness veterinary care to identify potential health concerns early. 

• Keep your cat up to date on vaccinations and year-round parasite prevention. 

• Consider adding Feliway diffusers—like Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming 30 Day Diffuser for Cats—to support a calming environment and reduce fear and anxiety.