My cat shivers before falling asleep

Kirikiri

22/10/2018, 18:47

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Hi everyone,

At the end of August, I noticed my cat was shivering as she was nodding off. It looks a bit like she’s shivering from the cold, and it seems to stop her from getting to sleep until it settles down.

The first time it happened, I properly panicked and called the out-of-hours vet. She gave her a check-up, no temperature or anything. She mentioned it might be a very mild form of epilepsy, but my girl stays completely alert when it happens, and I can stop these 'fits' just by stroking her or starting a game.

When she went for her boosters, another vet suggested it could be down to parasites.

Then there was nothing to report for a month and a half until the day before yesterday, when it started back up again, always when she’s trying to get to sleep. So what is it? Just relaxing, muscles letting go, or the cold?

Has anyone else experienced this?

I’ve got an appointment with a different vet next week to get her spayed, so I’ll ask them then!

Translated from French

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Mami

31/12/2022, 15:46

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Hi caro-rz

I’ve just seen your post and as it’s the most recent one, I’m mainly replying to you.

I have a cat who’s about 10 years old and he’s showing the exact same symptoms as yours, to the point where it’s even stopping him from getting to sleep.

He’s seen two different vets who aren’t overly concerned... for the time being.

It’s been going on for 2 or 3 months now and I’m at my wits' end.

Have you managed to find the cause of these spasms? Any medication to help give him some relief?

Thanks in advance for your reply, MD

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Yuna la ficelle Icon representing the flag French

13/12/2022, 18:16

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Hi Caro-rz, you could try clicking on the original poster's username and, with a bit of time and patience, you can scroll back through their post history to around the date of this thread to see if there were any explanations for the shaking. The good news is that kirikiri was still posting until 2020, which suggests it wasn't necessarily an "immediate" danger, but I can't tell you any more than that!

(As for you, Kirikiri, if you're still reading the forum, I think you've got a great username! 😂 😂)

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Caro-rz

13/12/2022, 17:07

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Hi Kirikiri, I know your post is a bit old now but I’ll give it a go anyway; my cat seems to be having exactly the same problem yours did. Did you ever find an explanation for the shaking? He starts trembling just as he’s falling asleep; he’s 13 and has never had this before. We’re seeing the vet soon but I’m really worried. It’s quite distressing to watch. I hope your lovely girl is doing well ☺️

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Kirikiri

22/10/2018, 20:07

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Thanks blue cat for sharing your experience. Yes, I’m mostly reassured as there’s no fever, but it’s still a bit upsetting while I’m not used to it yet!

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Blue_cat

22/10/2018, 19:52

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Hi there,

There are loads of reasons why cats might shake, but most of the time it’s nothing to worry about. I used to have a Siamese who would tremble whenever she curled up next to me, then she’d fall fast asleep, happy as can be. The vet told me it was nothing. If there aren't any other symptoms, I don't think you’ve got any reason to worry about your little one (she’s a real beauty).

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Kirikiri

22/10/2018, 18:50

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Mind you, when she's asleep, all is quiet 3

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