Why Do Cats Back Twitch Is It Normal
When you go to pet your cat, you notice that your cats back begins twitching. Other times, your cats back randomly twitches. You worry that your cat may be hurt, but your cat doesnt show any signs of distress other than its back twitching. So this made me wonder, why do cats back twitch?;
Cats backs twitch because of involuntary reflexes caused by the Cutaneous muscle when you pet hem. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome,; fleas, muscle spasms, and neurological disorders can also cause back twitching in cats.;
Thankfully, a twitching back isnt anything that should worry you. Cats backs twitch when theyre pat or when they have a flea that crawls over their skin. On some infrequent occasions, your cats twitching may be a rare medical condition, though chances are it isnt happening to your cat. So lets talk more about this strange habit of many cats.
Why Is My Cat Having Muscle Spasms
Cats usually have muscle spasms because of other underlying neurological conditions.;
If you notice your cat has muscle spasms, it may be because of a severe medical condition. For instance, muscle spasms, maybe because of FHS.;
Other conditions that lead to muscle spasms can include:
- Neurological disorders
- Seizures
- Feline dementia;
If you notice that your cat is experiencing muscle spasms, then you should consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can perform tests and help diagnose your cat. If you can diagnose your cat quickly, you may develop a treatment plan for your cat.;
When you care about your cat, any strange movement like twitching or spasms are a means for concern. However, most of the time, the twitching that your cat is experiencing is just a twitch that you may have as a human. Rarely, twitching may be a symptom of other disorders, though these are very rare. Unless the twitching becomes constant or severe, you can write the twitching off as a quirky habit.;
Why Is My Cat Shivering While Purring
If your cat is trembling while purring, it is likely that because they are purring strong enough for their body to vibrate, and many owners notice their cats tail vibrating. It is known that when cats purr to a certain degree, their body ends up shivering. If you did not notice any sign of abnormal symptoms that might require medical need, our cat is just purring strong enough.
Also Check: Croton Plant Toxic To Cats
Has Your Cat Had Ear Problems What Was It And How Was She Treated
- Have you ever taken your cat to the vet because of excessive head shaking or ear scratching?
- Has your cat ever had an ear infection? How did the vet treat it?
- Are your kittys ears bothering them and youre wondering why?
These suggestions and my advice are based on personal experience, extensive research and secondhand accounts, but I am by no means a professional cat expert or licensed in any way. I would love to hear if you have any opinions on cat ear problems, and Im sure other cat parents would appreciate learning from your experience as well, in the comments below!
Is It Normal For Cats To Twitch
Yes, it is normal for your cats back to twitch.
If you observe your cat closely, youll notice that your cat twitches at different times. Your cat may twitch while its sleeping or when you pet your cat.
These twitches are entirely normal, especially in the cases I just mentioned.;
Rarely is your cats twitching connected to pain. I know you may get startled when you first see your cat doing it, but youll quickly learn your cats habits, and it will all become normal with time.;
Also Check: Training A Cat Not To Bite
What Should I Do
In these cases, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. But if you do not have immediate access to one, here is what you can do at home:
- If your cat is wet, dry it immediately
- Move the cat to a warmer environment
- Wrap it in a warm blanket or towel
- Avoid using electronic heating methods, like heating pads, for example, because you might end up burning your cats skin.
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 pets 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 cats 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.;
You May Like: What Does It Mean When My Cat Head Bumps Me
Why Is My Cat Shaking Should I Act
Seeing your cat shaking is alarming for any pet parent and shouldnt be ignored. If your cat has suddenly started shaking, the first thing you should do is speak to your veterinarian. They will talk through your cats symptoms with you and provide reassurance about what to do next. They can also decide if your cat needs veterinary care urgently.
Your cat may be shaking all over or just part of their body like their ears, head, paws, or tail. Shaking might also be described as twitching, tremors, seizures, or any abnormal movement that appears involuntary.
If you can, take a video of your cats behavior as it is easier for the vet to see what your cat is doing than for you to have to explain it.
Twitching In Sleep: Seizures Or Dreaming
The other day, Lauren reached out with a concern: Her 10-month-old CH kitten twitches intensely while sleeping. Naturally, as a first-time CH cat mom, she was concerned:
Does anyone else notice their CH kitty twitching a lot while they sleep? I just got a 10-month-old CH boy from a local shelter and when Ive cuddled with him and hes fallen asleep, Ive noticed him twitching intensely. In a normal cat I would just shrug it off as dreaming, but I just wanted to make sure that that was all it was. Hes my first CH baby and Ive only had him for a few weeks so Im still in paranoid mommy mode. Can someone help calm my nerves and let me know if this is normal? Lauren
While I cant make diagnoses, odds are your kitty is most likely dreaming.
Cats, like humans, dream. Our dreams are based on our experiences and imagination, and to some point so are cats dreams.
When they sleep, they can recall past experiences and instincts may come alive. Some believe cats have a limited degree of an imagination, too.
However, these dreams only really occur when the animal experiences REM sleep. The amount of REM sleep an animal experiences is often correlated to the safety of his environment.
From what Ive read, not all animals can REM sleep, and not all animals who can REM sleep dream. Experts believe that more advanced animals like chimpanzees, horses, cats and dogs dream; however, dolphins, which are believed to be highly intelligent, do not.
Read Also: Why Does My Cat Rub On Me
Body Language In Cats
Much like dogs, cats use their tails to interact with their environment and send communicative messages to others. However, while a loose, wagging tail in dogs shows theyre happy or excited, it can mean quite the opposite in cats.
It can be difficult to understand what a cat is communicating if you pay attention to only their tail. Usually, other non-verbal cues or environmental factors can help you hone in on their message.
Typically, the best way to determine a cats current emotion is to pay attention to the height and speed of their tail.
1. Low, slow twitching ready to pounce
This may be the tail twitch most are familiar with. A tail hung low with a slow flicking is usually partnered by large, watching eyes or even a crouching stance. This tail movement means theyre ready to pounce.
Usually, we see this tail when theyre playing with other cats or watching birds while perched on a window sill.
2. High, quick twitching Excited cat
A tail held high can express both excitement and confidence. You may have seen your cat strut through the kitchen with their tail extended into the air. This means theyre extremely comfortable in their environment, and may in fact, even be saying, I own the room.
A tail held high like this but combined with a quick tremble or twitch indicates excitement. You may see this tail right before feeding them or when youre greeted at the front door after a long day at work.
3. Low, quick twitching irritation
Why Is My Cat Still Seizuring After We Started The Medication
Sometimes treatment will appear to have failed, especially during the first month or two. In many cases, this is because the dosage and timing of the medication need adjustment. The first thing you should do in this case is to check that you are following the instructions on the medication label correctly. After your cat has been on medication for several weeks, your veterinarian may take a blood sample to ensure that your cat has enough medication circulating in the blood stream. This will allow your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dose of medication.
Other causes of treatment failure include the following:
1. Specific circumstances such as stress – increased medication may be required during such periods.
2. Progression or worsening of the disease.
Don’t Miss: How To Make A Kitten Stop Biting
Cat Growling After Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a staple of veterinary medicine that is invaluable during surgical treatment. After all, it would be nearly impossible to restrain a conscious cat during an operation. Lingering effects from anesthesia are normal, but watch your kitty during the days following surgery to make sure he’s recovering properly.
Does Your Feline Companion Suffer From ‘twitchy Cat’ Syndrome
Felines are unique creatures. Your cat’s physiology is distinctive, as are her nutritional requirements. Even the way her body is constructed — her incredible physical flexibility — is distinct from most other creatures.
Another thing that is very unusual about cats is their tendency to develop a weird disorder called feline hyperesthesia. This is a medical term for what is more commonly referred to as “twitchy cat syndrome.” Other technical names for the condition include neuritis and atypical neurodermatitis.
Symptoms of Feline Hyperesthesia
Hyperesthesia is a condition in which the skin on a cat’s back ripples from the shoulders all the way to the tail. The rippling is even visible in some cats.
What many pet owners notice first is their cat turning toward her tail suddenly as though something back there is bothering her. She may try to lick or bite at the area. Many cats with this condition take off running out of the blue as though something scared them or is chasing them.
Kitties with hyperesthesia also have muscle spasms and twitches, and twitching of the tail. If your cat has the syndrome, he may show sensitivity when any point along his spine or back is touched. He may chase his tail, bite at himself, turn toward his tail and hiss, vocalize, run and jump. He may even seem to be hallucinating – following the movement of things that are not there.
One of the first things you should do if your kitty is having symptoms of hyperesthesia is rule out other causes.
Recommended Reading: Do Border Collies Get Along With Cats
How Are The Seizures Treated Or Prevented
Treatment of seizures in the cat depends on the nature of the underlying disease. With recent developments in treatment, many diseases that were previously untreatable may now be treated, although this can require referral to a specialist center.
“It is important that a cat having regular seizures receives treatment even if the cause is not understood.”
It is important that a cat having regular seizures receives treatment even if the cause is not understood. This is because each seizure can lead to further brain damage and increase the likelihood of more severe seizures and complications. In cases where the cause of the convulsions is unknown or is untreatable, the seizures will need to be treated with anticonvulsant medication. The treatment chosen will depend on each individual case and specific needs. It may be necessary to adjust the dose, the frequency, and/or type of drug several times before determining the best treatment. This can be frustrating, but finding the right treatment is important for your cat’s long-term well-being. Even with treatment, it may not be possible to completely prevent seizures. In many cases the aim is to reduce the seizures so your cat can have a good quality of life.
Cat Shaking Head: Causes And Treatments For Cat Head Shaking
What does it mean when you see your cat shaking head? That is a question that many cat owners have asked at one point or another. Head shaking in cats;is in the majority of cases related to a problem with the ears, but there can as well be a genetic aspect to it. This is to mean that cat head shaking;should not be ignored. You dont want your cat to end up developing a hematoma in the ear from excess scratching, or worse still losing her hearing. This article will give you a rundown of common causes of head shaking in cats along with the treatment approaches typically used for each of the causes.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Bathe A Cat
Dangerous Things That Could Make Your Cat Shake Or Why Is My Cat Shaking
A cat can shake for various causes, ranging from behavioral to environmental to medical concerns. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available to both prevent and alleviate tremors and their underlying causes.
Shaking in Cats Can Be Caused By Medical Conditions
If your cats are shaking, it is essential to recognize that they are experiencing the symptoms of a medical illness. When your cat exhibits aberrant behavior, you should always contact your veterinarian, regardless of the circumstances.
The following are examples of possible causes of shaking:
- Genetic
- Neurological disorders that affect the nervous system
- Idiopathic
When attempting to discover the cause, your veterinarian will likely want to evaluate your cats comprehensive medical history and obtain a thorough history of the symptoms, the time of beginning, and any occurrences that may have occurred that may have contributed to this condition. In addition, he or she will undertake a thorough physical examination of your cat. Lab testing for your cat would be performed as part of the comprehensive checkup and would include a full blood count, biochemistry profile, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis.
Hypoglycemia
It is highly typical for kittens to experience hypoglycemia since their little bodies are still in the process of learning how to handle glucose properly. Kittens must be fed a good diet and kept in a warm environment to avoid hypoglycemia .
Irregular Body Temperature
Hyperthermia
Pain
Seizures
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.;
Vet bills can sneak up on you.
Plan ahead. Get pet the pawfect insurance plan for your pup.
Involuntary Muscle Trembling Average Cost
From 480 quotes ranging from $200 – $3,000
Average Cost
Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
Recommended Reading: Can Cats Eat Mayonnaise With Tuna
How Can The Cause Of The Seizures Be Diagnosed
Since many different diseases can lead to seizures, it is important to perform diagnostic tests to investigate the underlying cause of the seizures. A range of tests is often needed before a final diagnosis can be made. Initially, this is likely to involve blood and urine samples to look for extracranial causes. Advanced testing such as X-rays and evaluating the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain may be recommended, and will require a general anesthetic.
“Magnetic resonance imaging and computer-assisted tomography can be used to look directly at the structure of the brain.”
Powerful imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computer-assisted tomography can be used to look directly at the structure of the brain. These specialized imaging technologies are only available at a limited number of specialist referral centers, but are necessary in diagnosing certain causes of seizures, such as brain tumors.
Is Hyperthermia The Same As Fever
These two can seem similar and can be very difficult to tell apart. However, fever is when the body raises its temperature as immune system response. Sometimes it does so in an attempt to fight an infection or as a reaction to inflammation. On the other hand, hyperthermia is when the body temperature rises due to a failure in thermoregulation. Therefore, the cats body produces or absorbs too much heat, which is also referred to as overheating.
Don’t Miss: What Does It Mean When A Cat Pees Blood