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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Unknown
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Silas
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5 Weeks
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Head Shaking
I recently rescued a dying kitten on the street, and I've had him now for about a week. When found he was malnourished and covered in fleas - now he's flealess and looking better. However, a couple of times an hour his head seems to vibrate rapidly in a way I've never seen before. I'm in rural Eastern Europe and have limited access to veterinary care. Is this something I should be seriously concerned about?
Sept. 7, 2018

Hi Silas’s owner, have you had any answers regarding the head tremors? My cat seems to be going through the same problem. I brought her to the vet multiple times. They’ve ran tests and can’t figure out what’s wrong. Her vital signs are good. I’m so worried. I don’t know what to do.
Sept. 14, 2018
Nancy M.
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Unknown
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Matewis
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9 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Backlegs Shaking
My cat is about 9 or 10 years old... a few weeks back I realized his back legs start shaking uncontrollably and he claws the bed more often than he used to. So I’m not sure what to do , but I am planning to take him to the vet when I get the chance....Does anyone have some advice or any idea what i could be?
Sept. 6, 2018
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Not sure
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Pina
dog-age-icon
3 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking Legs
My cat is 3 years old .. been acting normal so far until couple months ago I saw that her back leg where kind of shaking and it feels like she’s having problems walking. I took her to the vet spent over $400 getting x-rays done and the vet gave her some medication for a week and I’m still have no idea what is going on with the cat . Anyone has any idea about this thing ?
Sept. 5, 2018
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Calico
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Binx
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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:
Trembling Hind Legs
My cats back legs tremble almost constantly, she doesnt look like she's in pain, but im scared it may be something serious, its only her back legs and i see it the most when she's laying down on her side. I tried to give her animal 90mg cbd to stop trembling but it didn't look like it helped.
Sept. 5, 2018
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Moon cat
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Misou
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2 Months
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Trembling Hind Legs
Meowing/Grumbling
Well I’ve just come home and my kitten is walking funny. He’s elongated his body and when I touch him, his hind legs begin to tremble. He’s meowing but it’s almost like a grumble. He can still jump but it seems that it takes him longer to jump down and when he lands he makes a grumble so I’m assuming it could be painful. Thankfully when I touch him and examine him, he doesn’t hiss so maybe he’s not in too much pain. He’s still eating and drinking.
Sept. 4, 2018
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Maine Coon
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Helios
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3 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Paw Shaking
Paw Shaking. Sensitive Ears
Paw Shaking. Sensitive Ears.
My Maine Coon was diagnosed with congestive heart failure 5 months ago. He has been on 3 different meds ever since & only has trouble taking one of them because it tastes bad. Took him to vet 2 weeks ago & kidneys were doing great but they added another diuretic. This afternoon he all of a sudden started shaking his paws, all of them & his ears were down like they were bothering him. Ears look clean & nothing on his feet. Why is he doing this?
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Tortoiseshell
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Nebula
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6 Weeks
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Twitching
My Nebulas hind legs are shaking its when i pick her up or shes in a deep sleep i dont know whays wrong with her and I dont have the money to take her to a vet at the moment she can walk just fine she plays eats and does everything normal
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tabby
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Zelda
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9 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Loss Of Balance
Twitching
Spasms
Zelda has been with my family for about 7 years now. She belonged to the previous owners of a house we were renting, and they had left her behind when they moved out. Over the years she's often preferred the outdoors, coming only to eat, and occasionally to play, but in these last couple she's taken a liking to be indoors. Needless to say, she isn't formally our cat, though we take care of her as much as we can, going as far as taking her with us when we moved since we feared for her safety if we'd left her. We've taken her to the vet, only once, when we were worried she was ill, and the vet assured us that she was surprisingly very healthy in most areas, save for a minor bit of arthritis. Recently, however, she's started losing more and more balance in her back legs; being unsteady, sluggish with her rhythm (don't know what to call the cohesion between the front and back legs as she walks) in her back legs, sometimes even walking sideways with the back and forward with the front so that she moves diagonally. Unfortunately, even worse, she started having random violent spasms in her back legs, where they would stretch and spasm uncontrollably, and at times her legs seem to be completely and utterly out of her control (i.e. going limp). My family currently doesn't have enough money to take her for a proper check-up, and I was holding hop that I could find aid online. Thank you for reading all this, if you have, I realize it is a lot. Sorry lol.
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Bengal
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Wanda
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16 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Muscle Tremors
Vomiting
Walks In Circles
Confusion
Hello! My kitty Wanda is 16 years old! Over the past few years her health has been in decline (such as she commonly vomits up her food - its been happening for years but she acts completely happy!). About three days ago things changed. Her back legs get wobbly and they sort of give out and she lays on her stomach and supports herself with her front feet. She doesn't act like she is in pain at all, and just waits there until they move again (about 30 seconds to a minute). Then after this her face changes and she looks and acts confused. She will walk in a circle multiple times, puts her paw out to take a step and just leaves it in the air like she doesn't know what she wants to do. If anyone has any suggestions as to what's going on please let me know, I know 16 years is a long time for a kitty and she has lived an amazing life, I just want to make sure she isn't in any pain. Thank you!
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Average Cost
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