Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/07/2016Updated: 08/05/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Involuntary Muscle Trembling?
Involuntary muscle trembling, or fasciculations, describes a condition in which muscles tremble, twitch, or spasm uncontrollably. This can occur in cats and other companion animals for various reasons. Muscle trembling normally occurs in response to irritants or emotions and is not necessarily related to any medical condition. It is also possible that trembling or twitching might be caused by a genetic condition and is untreatable, but not dangerous. In some cases, fasciculation occurs as a sign of another disease or disorder. Some medical conditions that cause muscle trembling can be severe and may be life-threatening. If muscle trembling continues, seek medical attention for your cat. 
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Symptoms of Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
Involuntary muscle trembling can take many forms. The trembling can occur rapidly with the movements happening in quick succession, or it may occur at a slower pace often described as twitching. The fasciculations may also be localized, meaning it only affects a certain part of the body. Localized trembling or twitching in cats most commonly affects the head or hind legs. The muscle trembling could also be general, meaning it affects the entire body. In both localized and generalized trembling the movement may be persistent or episodic. Additional, seemingly unrelated, signs may also be observed depending on the underlying cause of the trembling. 
Signs Include:
  • Uncontrolled trembling or twitching
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Repetitive pawing or scratching
  • Pain and vocalizations that might be related to pain
Causes of Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
Various conditions may cause involuntary muscle trembling as a sign or there may be no discernable cause. It is possible for the twitching or trembling to simply be part of your pet’s normal response to certain stimuli in their environment or to be an emotionally-triggered response. Involuntary trembling can also be a primary condition, rather than a sign of something else. Some of the potential causes for involuntary muscle trembling in cats and other companion animals include:
  • Nervous system disorder
  • Kidney failure
  • Certain medications
  • Toxicity or poisoning
  • Injury or trauma
  • Strong emotional responses like excitement, fear, or anxiety
  • Deep or REM sleep stages
  • Itchiness from dry skin, mites, or fleas
  • Low blood calcium
  • Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
  • Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Rabies
  • Seizure disorders like epilepsy
  • Feline hyperesthesia or rolling skin disease
  • Congenital or genetic conditions
  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Certain cancers, especially those affecting the nervous system or muscles
Diagnosis of Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
Various diagnostic techniques may be needed to determine what is causing the trembling or twitching. Your veterinarian will begin with a full physical examination and medical history. You should discuss any signs you have observed, including how frequent the trembling occurs and which portions of the cat’s body are affected. If the fasciculation is episodic and does not occur all the time, a video recording of the trembling may aid your veterinarian in forming a diagnosis. Veterinary staff might take samples of your cat’s blood and urine for laboratory analysis. The blood sample will be tested for blood cell counts, biochemistry and electrolyte panels, or antibodies that might indicate an infection. Urinalysis and analysis for proper kidney function will be checked using the urine sample. Additional diagnostic methods, including x-rays or other imaging techniques, may be needed to diagnose your pet properly. 
Treatment of Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
The treatment method used by your veterinarian will be determined by their diagnosis of the underlying cause of the trembling. These treatments can vary widely depending on the condition causing the trembling and may include surgery, medications, or other methods. If no cause is determined, medication may be prescribed to aid in a reduction of the trembling. Some of the common treatments used for muscle trembling include:
Muscle Relaxants
Drugs in this category are designed to relax muscles, which may help reduce or eliminate the tremors. This treatment must be properly dosed for your pet’s size and physical condition to reduce the risk of side effects. 
Supplementation 
If a deficiency or imbalance is the cause of the trembling, your veterinarian may recommend supplementation to restore the cat’s nutrient balance. 
Anti-Depressants or Anti-Anxiety Medications
If the cause is determined to be psychosomatic, medications designed to improve mental state may be recommended. Proper dosing is needed with this type of treatment to minimize the risk of side effects. 
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Recovery of Involuntary Muscle Trembling in Cats
The prognosis for recovery will depend on the underlying cause of the muscle trembling. Trembling may never go away in some cases, but it is still possible for your pet to live a normal life. If the underlying cause is treatable, most cats will make a full recovery as long as they respond well to treatment. Certain causes of involuntary muscle trembling may respond less to treatment, and in these cases, recovery may not be possible. In any case, your care and support will benefit your pet. 
Involuntary muscle trembling can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has involuntary muscle trembling or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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Involuntary Muscle Trembling Average Cost
From 480 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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Involuntary Muscle Trembling Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Calico
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Taffy
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2 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Twiching
Low Leg Control
I noticed something was wrong with my cat 5 days ago when she started 'balding' just under her ears. 2 days ago she started stop walking normally on her hind legs. She walks with her hips lower, almost like crawling, but on her paws. She then sat down, but with her hind legs farther out, shifting her weigh from one leg to the other, every couple seconds. Then she would get quite painful muscle contractions on her lower back which would cause she to twich and cry/growl out in pain. SThen after 2 hours of this, it would just go away. She would be back to herself, running,jumping and walking, well. This has happened about 5 times in the last two days. She is still eating,drink and going to the washroom normally. What is wrong?
Sept. 24, 2018
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Cat
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Della
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3 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Legs Shift Up And Down As She
I have a kitten who was suddenly unable to use her back legs and lost control of bowel and urine function. The vet determined she had been in the mouth of a big dog and had pelvic bruising and nerve damage. After a month of rehabilitation and working with her Little back legs, she can walk!! She’s been walking about 2 weeks now, but I notice her back legs and tail bob up and down like she is on little shocks. Is this harmful or due to the damage she suffered. She is playful and eats/ drinks normal. She seems to be just a normal little kitten and this doesn’t seem to bother her.
Sept. 22, 2018
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Pedigree Ragdoll
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Larry
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8 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Head Shaking
Shivering
My 8 month old kitty has started shivering his head. It's not all the time, but we noticed his front paws were shivering a couple of nights ago and today his head and some of his body has been shivering. We haven't been able to have him desexed yet as his testes haven't dropped yet. However we went to the vet last week for a check up and they said not to worry for another 6 months or so. He is an indoor cat and has had no changes in his everyday life. Should I take him to the vet or wait and see how it is tomorrow?
Sept. 21, 2018
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Mix
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Pixie
dog-age-icon
9 Years
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
My cat got fleas about a month ago and she is 9-10 years old and she has developed a head twitch when she stares at me for short time! I am wondering if she picked up ad bad virus from the fleas cause she has no hair on her neck and looks like scabs!
Sept. 20, 2018
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Unknown
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Max
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9 Months
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Involuntary Muscle Movement
My un-neutered male kitten Max seems to have an involuntary muscle movement in his hind legs recently. He is an indoor cat and I keep the fleas off of him with baths (using blue Dawn Soap). When he lays down or wants to cuddle his back legs kick out every few seconds, while this happens his tail twitches back and forth rapidly and constantly. He eats regularly (small meals throughout the day of kitten dry food) drinks plenty of water and is quite active and loving. I'm just worried because the kicking is causing him to not get restful sleep and making it where he has to change position a lot. On a side note I do love my little guy and love the way he is a "shoulder cat" he is always hugging you and nudging everyone with his head wanting pets and attention.
Sept. 15, 2018
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tabby
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Caesar
dog-age-icon
7 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Shaking
7 month old Tabby woke up from his nap with his left eye slightly shut and jerking his head to the left. The only thing that changed was I added some leftover baked chicken to his cat food that morning and I’ve given him a few pieces (as treats) afterwards. He also sniffed (nose to nose) through a screen door a friendly neighborhood dog that roams from house to house. Could the chicken be the culprit (too much seasoning maybe) or something from the outside dog?
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Persian
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Cleo
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1 Year
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Trembling
Cleo had major hair loss in the past two weeks, it's been shedding like crazy. We weren't very alarmed until she threw up a massive hairball about an inch and a half in width and about 3 inches long. I took her to the vet today who took an Xray and saw many additional hairballs. He prescribed Laxapet for the next few days and gave her a vitamin injection. He also suggested we change her food from royal canin kitten to hair and skin by the same brand. Since we have come back i realized Cleo is hiding under closets, and when she is out i noticed her backside and hind legs trembling. Should i take her back to the vet?
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white and black
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Eddi/Edward Delaney Breadmaker
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1 Year
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Twitching
My cat's paw twitches whenever he has something cold, wet, or wants something. What is it from? I am very curious. He does this very often and also holds his paw up for a very long period at times. It is his front left paw, if that helps any.
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Norwegian forest cat
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Niall
dog-age-icon
10 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Passing Out Twitching
Passing Out Twitching Heart Murmur
My cat Niall who is about 10 not really sure of his age cause he was a rescue has so many health issues! He has gone form being 17 pounds down to 9 pounds. He pulls out his fur. He is constipated I give him medicine for a heart murmur he has passed out before with twitching and crying and it’s been heart breaking I spent over 1500$ so far with vets. I see that he is in distress the vet is calling him the mystery cat! I think he has that syndrome of twitching and I want to help my little man. I hope he can get some relief from the meds I gave him sometimes he doesn’t go to the bathroom for days. I stopped giving him dry food many years ago. I sometimes try pet CBd oil it makes him go to slee he even twitches like crazy in his sleep. I almost lost him three times from Passing out episodes where he drools and pants like a dog with his mouth open. It’s very scary I have no idea sometimes what to do.
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silver tabby
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Tristy
dog-age-icon
15 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Cramp, Seize, Spasm
My silver tabby (DSH) cat, female, age 15, has started cramping again. This happened to her a couple years ago, then stopped without veterinarian intervention. So I have to wonder if it is parasite related or diet related. Her body will spasm/cramp/seize in certain localized areas of her body, and she will fall down somewhat stiff and bite at herself where the cramp is. I will reassure her during these short episodes and massage her body in that area with my hands/fingers. And I will get a brush and gently brush her coat in that area. She may go hours without an episode, if she is sleeping by herself or with my other female cat Calico. The Tabby has been pretty demanding about sitting on my lap as much as possible when I am at home. When she does, I massage her body and head. But if I need to adjust my laying position and move her, this can trigger her spasm again. I did notice that she had flea eggs on her back spine area and killed them with natural remedy (mint) spray for cats. Her ears bother her quite a bit and she rubs her head against the support post on my counter. I think her ears may be infected? I try to put anti-fungal drops in her ears, and try to massage her ears gently, but she really won't let me continue long enough to do any good and do a complete job.
Involuntary Muscle Trembling Average Cost
From 480 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,000
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