Quick answer: Why is my cat shaking? Shaking or trembling can come from something harmless, like excitement or cold, but it can also point to pain, low blood sugar, toxin exposure, infection or a neurological problem. If the shaking starts suddenly, keeps happening or comes with other signs, call a veterinarian. To organize what you are seeing, you can start with our Pet Symptom Checker, which covers cats and dogs.
Shaking, Shivering or Tremor: What Are You Seeing?
It helps to describe the movement. Does the whole body tremble, or only the head or one leg? Does it stop when you call your cat’s name? Does your cat also look wobbly, weak or sleepy? PetMD explains that tremors in cats are often a sign that something is affecting the brain, muscles or overall health, which is why they should not be ignored.
When to Call the Vet Right Away
Before any home care, know what should not wait. PetMD says sudden onset of tremors should be treated as a medical emergency, and that any suspected toxin exposure needs urgent care. Call a veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if your cat:
- starts shaking suddenly or the episodes keep coming back;
- may have touched or eaten a toxin, such as a pesticide, a rodent poison or a medicine made for another animal;
- is also weak, wobbly, vomiting or unable to stand;
- has a head tilt, rolling or darting eye movements (see why a cat may walk differently);
- is a diabetic cat, a very young kitten or a cat that has not eaten;
- shows any difficulty breathing or straining in the litter box.
Possible Causes
Only a veterinarian can find the cause. According to PetMD, shaking in cats can be linked to:
- Toxins: including permethrin products, some dog heartworm medicines and rodent poison.
- Low blood sugar: especially in diabetic cats receiving too much insulin, or young kittens that have not eaten.
- Liver or kidney disease and electrolyte imbalances.
- Infections such as toxoplasmosis, tetanus or feline infectious peritonitis.
- Pain or injury, fever or very low body temperature.
- Anxiety, fear or excitement.
- Itching from fleas or other parasites, and hyperesthesia syndrome.
- Seizures and other neurological disorders.
- Cerebellar hypoplasia, in kittens exposed to the panleukopenia virus before birth.
VCA also notes that cerebellar problems can cause head tremors and exaggerated movements when walking, and that vestibular disease can cause a head tilt and loss of balance. See VCA’s pages on ataxia in cats and vestibular disease.
What You Can Do While You Arrange Care
- Keep your cat in a quiet, warm, safe room. Block stairs and high places.
- Take a short video of the episode. PetMD notes it helps your vet.
- Write down how often it happens, how long it lasts, when it started, and whether your cat is eating, drinking and using the litter box. Our guides on not eating and hiding may help you describe other changes.
- Check what your cat could have reached, and keep the packaging of any product or plant you suspect.
Do not give any medicine, food supplement or home remedy without veterinary guidance.
What the Veterinarian May Do
PetMD says your vet may do a physical exam and, depending on the findings, blood work, urinalysis, X-rays or advanced imaging. Treatment depends entirely on the cause.
How the Pet Symptom Checker Can Help
Our Pet Symptom Checker helps you look up symptoms in cats and dogs and see common reasons and warning signs. It does not diagnose and does not replace a veterinarian, but it can help you describe the problem clearly. You can also read about shaking in dogs, and about the value of regular vet check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a cat to shake?
A brief shiver can be harmless, but sudden, repeated or long shaking is not something to watch at home. Contact your vet.
Why is my cat shaking and not eating?
This combination can come from pain, illness or low blood sugar. Call your veterinarian promptly.
Why is my cat shaking its head?
Head shaking and a head tilt can be linked to ear or balance problems. Have a vet look at the ears.
Can I treat it at home?
No. The cause must be found first. Keep your cat safe and call your vet.
Final Thoughts
Shaking can be nothing, or it can be a warning sign. Keep your cat safe and calm, record a short video and call your veterinarian.
This article is for general education only. It does not diagnose any condition and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.
Sidnir Vieira is the founder of TechHavela. A lifelong pet owner who had a dog for many years and now lives with a cat, he writes educational guides that help owners understand symptoms and know when to call the vet. TechHavela’s articles are based on veterinary sources and are not reviewed by a veterinarian.
