Cat Twitching: Vet-Verified Signs, Causes & When to See a Vet

Cats have many strange behaviors, like the peculiar chattering sound they make when seeing a bird or a laser pen. But when we see our cat twitching while awake, it's natural to be concerned and look for the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. We've consulted the experts to gather as many explanations for this behavior as we could, and we are going to list them for you here. We'll also teach you what to look for so you know when it's time to take your pet to the vet.

The 11 Possible Reasons Your Cat Is Twitching

Involuntary muscle movements in cats are classified according to their causes. We will review some of the most common causes. However, just based on where the twitching occurs on the body, it will be difficult to pinpoint the exact underlying cause without a veterinarian’s clinical exam of the skin as well as the whole body, sometimes combined with blood testing and other diagnostic methods.

1. Your Cat Is Dreaming

One of the most common reasons for cat twitching is sleeping and dreaming. Much like people, your cat can have dreams that cause them to act strangely when they’re asleep, so it wouldn't be uncommon to see uncontrollable muscle movements or vocalizations.

2. Hyperesthesia

Hyperesthesia is a condition that causes the cat's back to become extremely sensitive. It causes the cat to have sudden episodes where they may become quite vocal and start running around the house. You will also see a twitching of the skin on the back that resembles rolling. Your cat may even begin to scratch or lick the area intensely, resulting in hair loss or skin damage.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Several nutritional deficiencies can cause your cat’s twitching. Vitamins, particularly vitamin B1 or thiamine, are of great importance as cats require up to three times the amount of B1 than dogs.¹ It is important to make sure this nutrient is present at an adequate level in your cat’s diet. Cats fed mostly on a raw fish diet need additional supplementation of B1 as the fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase that can break down the B1.

Minerals such as calcium play an important role in the fluid concentration of the cells and the regulation of muscle contraction. Cats with calcium deficiencies may have seizures. Feeding a good quality diet with adequate levels of calcium and a good multivitamin with minerals can help reduce any chances of nutritional deficiencies. However, hypocalcemia is usually secondary to other diseases, such as kidney disease or parathyroid disease.

4. Low Blood Sugar

If your cat has low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, they can experience involuntary muscle twitching.

5. Toxicity or Poisoning

Your pet may have ingested something that is affecting their system and causing the muscles to twitch. Several toxins can lead to muscle twitches in cats, as can several medications that your cat may be taking.

6. Nervous System Disorder

A nervous system disorder, like epilepsy or structural brain disease, is a common cause of involuntary muscle movement in cats. No one is sure what causes genuine epilepsy in cats, but many believe it to be genetic. Your cat may act strangely and seek attention or hide before an episode, and it can take your cat up to 24 hours to fully recover after a seizure. Seizures can be generalised, involving the whole body, causing a collapse, paddling with all four legs, twitching, chewing, urinating and defecating, or can be focal, leading to minor and very short random twitches, oftentimes on the face and around the ears.

7. Kidney Failure

Kidney failure causes electrolyte imbalances, and your cat’s twitching can be a sign of that. Several factors can cause kidney failure, including bacterial infections, blockage of urinary flow due to urinary stones or masses, cancer, genetics, toxins, and more.

8. Rabies

Rabies is the most serious cause of muscle twitching on our list. It is a viral infection that is zoonotic, which means humans and any other mammal can contract it as well if bitten by an infected animal. Rabies attacks the nervous system and causes muscle twitches and extreme changes in behavior and aggression. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent it, and depending on state and country legislation and incidence of rabies in wild animals, cats and dogs will require vaccination against rabies.

9. Injury and Trauma

Injury and trauma are common causes of muscle twitching in cats. Any painful injury can cause twitching, and if there is a broken bone, you may also notice twitching.

10. Itchy Skin

Another common reason for twitching in a cat is itchy and irritated skin. The skin can get irritated when the cat has fleas or mites. The cat will continuously scratch, particularly their head and ears in case of ear mites, and their back end in case of fleas.

11. Fasciculation

Fasciculation is the medical term for involuntary muscle spasms. It can occur rapidly and resemble a seizure, or it can be more subdued and better described as a twitch. It can be local to one part of the body or more general. Benign fasciculations can be caused by exercise or stress. However, toxic substances, neurological disorders, and metabolic disorders such as hypercalcemia can cause fasciculations.

Summary

The most common cause of involuntary muscle twitching that we experienced after owning several cats was dreaming. Our cats will twitch their paws and move their eyes while sleeping, often accompanied by chatting noises. This action usually comes after an exciting day when the cat has seen a bird or squirrel in the yard. We've also seen a few cats with hyperesthesia. While it did not cause them to chew off their fur, we would see their skin twitch occasionally, and they would suddenly run around the house, making loud vocal noises.

We hope you have enjoyed reading and feel like you have found the cause of one of your cat's strange behaviors. Speak to your vet if your cat is experiencing any twitching.

See also: 

• Can Cats Get Colds? And What Should You Do

• Can Bird Mites Live on Cats? How to Get Rid of Them

Featured Image Credit: fotovictoria, Shutterstock