The cat shivered involuntarily, probably not from the cold but from disease. What is an involuntary tremor? Involuntary muscle tremors, also known as fasciculations, describe uncontrolled tremors, twitches, or spasms of muscles. This also happens to cats and other animals for various reasons. In some cases, shivering can be caused by genetic factors or cold weather, which cannot be improved, and has no impact on health. However, tremors can also be a symptom of an illness, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. When the cat’s body continues to tremble, we should pay attention.
Causes of cat tremors
1. Whole body tremors
· Hypoglycemia
When a cat has not eaten for a long time, its blood sugar can drop, causing hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can also occur when you have digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. There are also some cats with anorexia who refuse to eat because of irritability or physical discomfort, resulting in body tremors.
· Fever
When cats have a high fever, they will start to shiver because of the chills. Their normal body temperature is between 38-39.5℃. Anything above 39.5 degrees Celsius indicates a fever, and viral infection from a high fever can cause them to shiver uncontrollably. Therefore, when the cat’s ears or meatballs are overheated, we should test their body temperature in time to avoid tremors caused by high fever.
· Hypothermia
Most healthy adult cats have no problems maintaining their body temperature, but kittens, especially newborn cats, are Unable to maintain their own body temperature; they may become hypothermic, and it is important to use a heating pad or other means of keeping warm to provide warmth.
· Poisoning
Cats are curious animals and may inadvertently come into contact with poisonous plants, chemicals, or other toxic substances, causing tremors and vomiting, and should be taken to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
· pain
pain in cats due to illness or injury It can also make it tremble constantly.
· Seizures
Seizures can also cause muscle tension and tremors. These seizures can occur for a variety of reasons, including heat stroke, toxicity, metabolic disease, fever, seizures, allergic reactions, or drug overdose.
· Shock
Shock may also trigger tremors and tremors in cats. Shock may occur due to serious illness following an accident or trauma. Other signs of shock include cold limbs, pale gums, weakness, and a fast heart rate.
· Ear problems
Shaking of the head and constant scratching are common signs of ear problems. Most likely due to infection such as bacteria, yeast and/or mites, etc.
· Sleep
During deep sleep, cats may have brief convulsions due to complete relaxation, generally maintained at 6— On and off for 8 minutes.
· phobia
Phobia is a persistent and excessive fear of specific stimuli, such as fireworks. Excessive anxiety responses are characteristic of fear symptoms, and it has been shown that once a horrific event has been experienced, any event associated with it or its memory is sufficient to generate a response. The most common phobias are related to noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
· Stress
Cats are sensitive animals, and it is difficult to see what is bothering them, changes in the environment, and the noise outside the window; the owner’s going out may cause the cat’s mood to explode and even start to tremble involuntarily because of tension or anxiety. First, we should check it up to rule out possible physical diseases and then try other ways to make cats happy and relieve their stress.
2. Local tremors
· Head tremors
The cat’s head usually does not tremble in a conscious state, and the ears and mouth do not belong to the entire head. When they are doing very stimulating exercise, they can cause seizures, causing body twitching. Seizures are caused by abnormal functioning of an area of the brain, particularly the cerebral cortex.
· Leg tremors
This is a rare area of tremors that may appear as spasms due to calcium deficiency. It may also be a nerve paralysis caused by a fracture, arthritis, or another leg disease. The inside of the ankle is bent and cannot return to a straight state, so the cat feels weak in the leg, which causes tremors.
If your cat has been trembling for a long time or is trembling too frequently and is accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or other complications, please go to the hospital immediately, and the doctor will usually conduct an in-depth analysis of the cat physical examination to determine the source of the cat’s tremor.
In addition, remember to observe some behavioral changes in cats, which is very useful when the doctor consults.
Diagnosing tremors in cats
In all cases, a full Blood count (CBC), biochemical analysis, and urinalysis. It is important to rule out metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or kidney disease. Include creatine kinase to assess the possibility of muscle disease.
· Screening chest and abdominal radiographs (X-rays) are usually within normal limits, and in some cases, spine radiographs may be recommended.
· Myelography (study of the spine using dyes) may be recommended to evaluate the presence of tumor or disc disease.
· CT (computed tomography) scans/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will help detect structural changes in the brain and/or spine.
· Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirms encephalitis.
· Electromyography (EMG) will help diagnose related neuromuscular disorders.
How to treat and stop tremors
Because tremors are only latent, The main purpose of treatment is to target and treat the disease itself.
If the tremor is caused by a drug, the doctor will usually recommend an alternative drug to prevent the tremor; if it is suspected to be caused by a toxin, the doctor will ask about the recent daily diet, Usually, the doctor will clean up the stomach first, prescribe the right medicine according to the current physical condition of the cat, and supplement the nutrients needed by the body at the same time. If the tremor is associated with a neurological disorder, surgery may be used to treat the primary neurological disorder, and to control the tremor, the doctor may recommend the use of drugs to control the movement of the chicken.
The tremors of sleeping cats are mostly caused by overexcitement or fatigue. In the interaction with cats, it is recommended to control the amount of exercise and not overwork.
In addition, it is worth noting that the recovery of the conditions that cause tremors in cats is mostly dependent on the successful treatment of the underlying disease. Although most diseases can be cured, parents need more attention during treatment. Observe the cat’s diet and activities, communicate with the doctor in time, and check regularly.
