Why is my cat trembling

The cat may shiver from the cold

Seeing a cat tremble is not a pleasant experience. Although it is an animal generally quite resistant to diseases, being also very curious can get into trouble without realizing it, even without its human family noticing.

Therefore, it is essential that you are constantly monitored to avoid unpleasant surprises. So if you are wondering why is my cat tremblingIn this article we are going to tell you its causes and its treatment so that in this way you recover as soon as possible.

Why is my little cat shaking?

Little kitten

The kitten from birth until it controls its body temperature, which it will begin to do at 3-4 weeks of age, is a very sensitive animal to everything, which can not only be affected by the cold, but also by the earthworms and the bad nutrition. His health will depend on the care that the mother gives him, or the human if he has been orphaned.

Cold

It is usually the most common, especially if it is two months or less, since although it begins to regulate its temperature when it is 3-4 weeks old, it can have a very bad time until it is one year old. A kitten that is being well cared for, the normal thing is that it rarely trembles… and from cold. It is an animal that for the moment will be unable to control its body temperature, and therefore, a feline that will need to receive that body heat externally.

For this reason, it is very important that you protect yourself from low temperatures, preventing you from going outside on colder days and allowing you to be warm at home covered with a blanket or thermal bottles.

Newborn kittens
Related article:
Orphaned newborn kitten care guide

What is the normal body temperature of a kitten?

The temperature of the healthy kitten is 39,5ºC. To know if he has a fever, you must introduce a little and very carefully the rectal thermometer, previously lubricated.

If you touch it and it feels cold, quickly wrap it in a blanket (thermally if possible) and take it to the vet for examination.

Pain

If, after protecting them from the cold, they still shiver, they most likely have Colic, which are spasmodic contractions of a viscera, either by the accumulation of gases, by having ingested a food in poor condition or by infestation of intestinal parasites.

The pain is very intense, so much so that can be fatal in kittens. As they are so small, urgent measures must be taken so that they recover, so it is important to go to the vet as soon as possible. There they will be carefully examined and given the appropriate treatment.

What to do if my cat trembles and vomits?

Have a food allergy

Some feeds cause allergies to cats

Although the cat is a carnivore from the time it is born to the end of its days, the truth is that today there are many feeds that are made of cereals and by-products that are useless and that can cause intolerances to some food. Taking this into account, If the feline is fine the rest of the day but after eating it vomits, trembles and, in short, is unwell, it probably has an allergy to the feed we give it.

You always have to choose to give him one without cereals, like the Applaws, Taste of the Wild, Origin, Acana,… among others. You just have to look at the ingredient label and choose the one that has a higher percentage of animal protein (ideally, it should have a minimum of 70%) and that is free of cereals and by-products.

Cat eating feed
Related article:
Food allergies in cats

Swallowed an item that shouldn't be

When a cat trembles and then vomits you have to find out the cause. In the home there are several dangers that should be kept as far away as possible from it: sharp objects, buttons, plastics, small cords or ribbons, etc. If to that we add that he is a very curious furry, It is very important that at the slightest suspicion that something has been swallowed, we first try to remove it (as long as the object is in sight) or, if we cannot, urgently go to the vet.

We do not recommend making him vomit with anything, because if we do not see what has been swallowed, we will not be able to know if that object is sharp or not. Therefore, do not take risks. On the other hand, pressing your abdomen to expel it is dangerous, since we could cause you to break your bones or worse (damage to your organs).

Possible poisoning

Have you had something you shouldn't have? Sometimes inadvertently we do not dry the surfaces completely well, leaving some droplets or moisture from cleaning products for example. As it is a very clean animal, immediately you notice something wet or dirty lick it, this being a behavior that we will begin to see since it is a kitten.

Thus, if you vomit, have a poor appetite, and excessive salivation (such as foam), you must thoroughly clean your mouth and the area of ​​your body that has been in contact with the possible poison, and take him to the vet.

Related article:
My cat has been poisoned, what do I do?

Why does my cat tremble when breathing?

Cats tolerate stress poorly

Have stress

When a cat trembles when breathing, it is normal for him to feel stress. These breaths will be rapid, shaky, with an open mouth often. In addition, your pupils will be dilated, and you will moisten your lips several times.

To do? Leave it alone. If we want it to be happy, we must ensure that the family environment is pleasant, as less noisy as possible, and stable. Also, you have to take time to understand their body language in order to build a beautiful friendship for both parties (human and feline).

He is sick

Some respiratory diseases can make the cat shiver when breathing, for example:

  • Asthma: asthma attacks or asthma attacks occur when the body overreacts to substances that it considers dangerous, such as smoke, pollen, etc. This causes inflammation of the lower respiratory tract so that they can absorb more oxygen. It requires lifelong veterinary treatment, often with inhalers.
  • Rhinotracheitis: It is transmitted by herpesviruses and caliciviruses, and is often complicated by bacterial infections. Symptoms are eye and nasal discharge, fever, poor appetite, depression, mouth ulcers, pain when swallowing and breathing with an open mouth. The vet will prescribe antibiotics, and will advise us to give him foods that he loves, such as cans without cereals.

In any case, you have to be attentive to any symptoms that appear to take the necessary measures; that is, for a professional to diagnose and treat it.

Remember that a sick cat should never be medicated. There are many medications that are dangerous for them, including aspirin. In case of doubt, a specialist should be consulted.

Why Does My Cat Shake While Sleeping?

Cats can have spasms while they sleep

There are several reasons why a cat can shiver at night: it could be that it is cold, afraid, some health problem or that it has been intoxicated. How do you know what is wrong with you?

  • If you are cold: the animal will be healthy, and will look for a warm place to be more comfortable.
  • If you have weak health: it will show other symptoms, such as vomiting, lack of appetite, mood swings, ... In this case, it should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.
  • If you have been intoxicated- In addition to tremors, you may have vomiting, general malaise, listlessness, and poor appetite. The visit to the vet is urgent.

My cat has spasms when he sleeps, what happens to him?

Nothing bad 🙂. Cats can dream, so if you see him spasm when he's sound asleep, don't worry. He is probably chasing a ball or his playmate in his dream, hence he "runs" lying down.

We hope it has been useful to you.


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