My Cat Has Head Tremors: Why and What to Do?

Head tremors in cats are a relatively uncommon symptom that requires investigation to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests and brain scans may be necessary to establish the origin of the tremors. Treatment options will depend on the specific condition causing them.

If your cat is experiencing tremors, it is important to first ensure that they are not simply due to being cold or afraid. However, if the tremors persist, occur frequently, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a veterinary consultation is recommended.

Understanding Tremors

A tremor refers to an abnormal, repetitive shaking of the body. It can occur in certain natural situations, such as when a cat is cold. In these cases, the tremors act as small muscular contractions that generate heat, helping to warm the animal. These are often referred to as cat shivers.

Additionally, cats may tremble when they are scared, in pain, stressed, or excited. This type of trembling typically occurs intermittently in specific circumstances, which can be easily identified by the owner. Examples include negative temperatures, the presence of a threatening dog, or the presentation of particularly appetizing food.

Many cats also experience minor muscle twitches during sleep, often associated with dream phases.

However, if the tremors are persistent, localized (such as in the head or a limb), or occur without an apparent cause, it may indicate an underlying pathological condition.

Possible Causes

Tremors in cats are a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Multiple different causes can lead to this symptom, including:

• Hyperthermia: A body temperature above 39°C is abnormal in cats.
• Hypothermia: A sick cat may have difficulty maintaining its body temperature, leading to shivering.
• Poisoning: Certain toxins, such as permethrins (found in some flea treatments), anti-slugs (metaldehyde), or cannabis can cause tremors.
• Metabolic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney failure, or hypertension can manifest as tremors.

It is important to note that hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) can initially present as tremors. Without prompt treatment, it can progress to coma and potentially lead to death, especially in cats receiving insulin injections for diabetes management. If weakness and tremors are observed in a cat being treated with insulin, the immediate response should be to provide food (such as kibble or even honey) and then contact a veterinarian or an emergency facility.

Tremors often coincide with other clinical signs depending on the underlying disease. For instance, cats with kidney failure may exhibit increased thirst and weight loss. Kittens with cerebellar ataxia may show abnormal movements in addition to tremors.

Permethrin poisoning commonly occurs when a dog flea treatment (pipette) is mistakenly used on a cat. There is no specific antidote, and immediate veterinary attention is necessary. If the error is noticed immediately after application, the cat should be washed promptly.

Localized Head Tremors

Localized head tremors in cats are relatively rare. They can be continuous or sporadic in nature, and determining their cause can be challenging. Effective treatments may not always be available.

• In young cats: If head tremors have been present since birth, cerebellar ataxia or a genetic disease should be considered. If they occur suddenly in a young cat, poisoning or trauma may be the cause, necessitating immediate consultation with a veterinarian. Epilepsy cannot be ruled out as some animals experience mild seizures known as "petit mal," which involve subtle movements without loss of consciousness. However, feline epilepsy remains uncommon.
• In elderly cats: The veterinarian will first investigate common illnesses in senior cats through blood tests and blood pressure measurements, checking for conditions such as kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and pain (such as dental pain). If these tests come back normal, cerebral causes such as brain tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous), stroke, or degenerative conditions (like Alzheimer's) may be considered. A definitive diagnosis often requires a CT scan, but this examination may not be feasible in very old cats. Treatment will depend on the specific underlying cause.
  • It should be noted that Parkinson's disease, a common cause of tremors in elderly humans, has not been identified in cats to date.
  • If no specific cause is found, the tremors may be considered idiopathic. Treatment may not be necessary if they are not impacting the cat's daily life. However, if the tremors become bothersome, the veterinarian may suggest using anticonvulsant medications like phenobarbital or gabapentin to alleviate head tremors in cats.

It is crucial to seek veterinary advice and guidance to establish an accurate diagnosis and tailor the appropriate management plan for cats experiencing head tremors.