Shivering in cats is a clear sign that something isn’t quite right. It could be due to the cold, but it can also signal an underlying medical condition. Understanding the reasons behind your cat’s shivering and knowing how to respond is crucial for their well-being. This article will delve into the causes of shivering in cats and provide detailed steps on how to effectively warm them up and when to seek professional veterinary care.
Understanding Why Your Cat is Shivering
Identifying the root cause of your cat’s shivering is the first step towards providing appropriate care. Several factors can contribute to this involuntary muscle reaction.
Environmental Factors: The Chill of the Air
The most obvious reason for a cat to shiver is a cold environment. Cats, especially those with short fur or those not accustomed to cold temperatures, are susceptible to hypothermia. Kittens and senior cats are particularly vulnerable because they have less body fat and less efficient thermoregulation. If your house is unusually cold or your cat has been exposed to the elements, shivering is a normal response to try and generate heat. Keep in mind that a temperature comfortable for you may not be comfortable for your feline companion.
The Ideal Temperature for Cats
Generally, cats prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Monitoring the indoor temperature and ensuring your cat has access to warm spots can prevent cold-induced shivering.
Medical Conditions: When Shivering Signals a Problem
Shivering in cats can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical issue. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities so you can seek veterinary attention promptly if needed.
Fever
Paradoxically, shivering can occur when a cat has a fever. Similar to humans, cats might experience chills as their body attempts to raise its core temperature to fight off an infection. If your cat is shivering and also exhibiting other signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or nasal discharge, a fever may be the culprit.
Pain
Pain can also trigger shivering in cats. If your cat is experiencing pain, whether from an injury, arthritis, or another condition, they might shiver as a physical response to the discomfort. Observing your cat closely for other signs of pain, such as limping, hiding, or changes in behavior, can help you determine if pain is the cause of the shivering.
Anemia
Anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, can cause shivering due to decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues. Cats with anemia often exhibit other symptoms like pale gums, weakness, and lethargy.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a common ailment in older cats. As kidney function declines, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, leading to various symptoms, including shivering.
Neurological Disorders
In some cases, shivering can be a sign of a neurological disorder. Conditions affecting the brain or nervous system can disrupt normal muscle control and cause involuntary tremors or shivering. If your cat’s shivering is accompanied by other neurological signs, such as seizures, incoordination, or changes in mental state, veterinary evaluation is essential.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause shivering, weakness, and even seizures in cats. This is especially important to consider in diabetic cats receiving insulin therapy, as an overdose of insulin can lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
Emotional Distress: Fear and Anxiety
Emotional factors can also cause shivering. Fear, anxiety, or stress can trigger a physiological response that includes shivering.
Veterinary Visits
Many cats experience anxiety during veterinary visits, which can manifest as shivering. The unfamiliar environment, strange smells, and handling by unfamiliar people can be overwhelming for some cats.
Loud Noises
Loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, can also trigger fear and anxiety in cats, leading to shivering.
Changes in Environment
Changes in the home environment, such as moving to a new house or introducing a new pet, can cause stress and anxiety in cats, which can result in shivering.
Steps to Warm Up a Shivering Cat
Once you’ve considered the potential causes of your cat’s shivering, you can take steps to help them warm up and feel more comfortable.
Provide a Warm and Cozy Environment
The first and most important step is to ensure your cat has access to a warm and comfortable environment.
Offer a Heated Bed or Blanket
A heated bed or blanket can provide a significant source of warmth for a shivering cat. You can purchase commercially available heated cat beds, or you can use a microwaveable heating pad wrapped in a towel. Always ensure that the heating source is not too hot and that your cat has the option to move away from it if they become too warm.
Create a Draft-Free Zone
Eliminate drafts by sealing windows and doors. Provide your cat with a bed in a warm, draft-free area of the house, away from cold floors and windows.
Offer Extra Blankets
Pile soft, warm blankets in your cat’s bed or favorite resting spot. Cats often enjoy burrowing under blankets, which can help them retain body heat.
Provide Warm Food and Water
Providing warm food and water can also help raise your cat’s body temperature.
Slightly Warm Their Food
Slightly warming their food can make it more appealing and help them generate heat internally. Avoid overheating the food, as this can burn your cat’s mouth.
Offer Warm Water
Offer a bowl of slightly warm water alongside their regular water bowl. This can encourage them to drink and help them stay hydrated.
Gently Warm Your Cat
Sometimes, direct contact is the best way to warm up a shivering cat.
Wrap Your Cat in a Warm Towel
Gently wrap your cat in a warm towel that has been warmed in the dryer. This can provide immediate comfort and help them retain heat.
Cuddle With Your Cat
Physical contact with you can also help warm your cat and provide reassurance. Cuddle with your cat on your lap or next to you on the couch, providing gentle warmth and comfort.
Monitor Your Cat’s Temperature
Monitoring your cat’s temperature can help you determine the severity of their hypothermia and assess the effectiveness of your warming efforts.
How to Take Your Cat’s Temperature
The most accurate way to take a cat’s temperature is rectally, using a digital thermometer. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly and gently insert it about an inch into your cat’s rectum. A normal rectal temperature for cats is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). If your cat’s temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius), they are likely experiencing hypothermia and need immediate veterinary attention.
Address Any Underlying Medical Conditions
If you suspect that your cat’s shivering is due to an underlying medical condition, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.
Schedule a Veterinary Appointment
Describe your cat’s symptoms and any other relevant information to the veterinarian. They will perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work or X-rays, to determine the cause of the shivering.
Follow Your Veterinarian’s Recommendations
Adhere to your veterinarian’s treatment plan, which may include medications, fluids, or other supportive care.
When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
While some cases of shivering can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Signs of Severe Hypothermia
If your cat is exhibiting signs of severe hypothermia, such as lethargy, weakness, pale gums, or decreased heart rate, seek veterinary care immediately.
Shivering Accompanied by Other Symptoms
If your cat’s shivering is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of consciousness, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
Unexplained Shivering
If you are unable to determine the cause of your cat’s shivering or if the shivering persists despite your efforts to warm them up, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
Preventing Shivering in Cats
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking proactive steps to protect your cat from the cold can minimize the risk of shivering and related health problems.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
The easiest way to prevent cold-induced shivering is to keep your cat indoors, especially during cold weather.
Provide Adequate Shelter for Outdoor Cats
If your cat spends time outdoors, provide them with a warm, insulated shelter to protect them from the elements.
Monitor Indoor Temperature
Monitor the indoor temperature and adjust it as needed to ensure your cat is comfortable.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Regular veterinary checkups can help detect underlying medical conditions that may contribute to shivering.
Manage Stress and Anxiety
Minimize stress and anxiety in your cat’s environment by providing them with a safe and comfortable home, avoiding loud noises, and introducing changes gradually.
By understanding the causes of shivering in cats and taking appropriate steps to warm them up and address any underlying medical conditions, you can help ensure their comfort and well-being. Always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care if you are concerned about your cat’s health. Remember, a warm and happy cat is a healthy cat!
Why is my cat shivering even though it’s inside?
Shivering in cats isn’t always due to a cold environment. While low temperatures can certainly cause shivering, several other factors could be at play. These include underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or neurological issues. Anxiety, stress, or pain can also trigger shivering in cats, even if they are in a warm indoor environment. Sometimes, a cat might shiver as a reaction to a medication or toxin.
If your cat is shivering indoors, it’s important to consider other symptoms. Look for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. If you observe any of these accompanying symptoms, or if the shivering persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian promptly. They can perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
What is a safe temperature for my cat, and at what point should I worry about hypothermia?
A healthy cat’s normal body temperature ranges from 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.1 to 39.2 degrees Celsius). If a cat’s body temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius), it’s considered hypothermic and requires immediate attention. Kittens and senior cats are more susceptible to hypothermia due to their less efficient thermoregulation capabilities. The ambient temperature that is comfortable for most humans is generally comfortable for cats.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and a slow heart rate. In severe cases, the cat may become unresponsive or comatose. If you suspect your cat is hypothermic, use a rectal thermometer to check their temperature. While gradually warming the cat (as detailed in the article), contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated.
How can I safely use a heating pad to warm up my shivering cat?
When using a heating pad to warm a shivering cat, safety is paramount. Always wrap the heating pad in a towel or blanket to prevent direct contact with your cat’s skin. Direct contact can cause burns, especially if the cat is already weakened or has impaired circulation. Avoid using heating pads set on high; a low or medium setting is generally sufficient.
Furthermore, never leave a shivering cat unattended with a heating pad. Ensure the cat has the option to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Regularly check the cat’s skin for any signs of redness or irritation. For elderly cats, kittens, or those with mobility issues, extra caution is required to prevent overheating or accidental burns.
What are some other creative ways to provide warmth for my cat if I don’t have a heating pad?
If you don’t have a heating pad, you can create a warm and cozy environment for your cat using readily available household items. Fill a clean sock with uncooked rice, tie it off, and microwave it for a minute or two until it’s warm but not hot. Always check the temperature before giving it to your cat, and never overheat it. This provides a safe and comforting source of warmth.
Another effective method is to use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. The towel will prevent direct contact and potential burns. You can also use blankets warmed in the dryer, but ensure they aren’t excessively hot. Designate a small, enclosed space, such as a cardboard box lined with soft blankets, to help trap warmth and create a safe haven for your shivering feline.
My cat is a senior. Are there specific considerations for warming them up when they are shivering?
Senior cats often have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to shivering and hypothermia. They may also have underlying health conditions, such as arthritis, which can be exacerbated by cold temperatures. Therefore, when warming up a senior cat, it’s crucial to proceed gently and monitor them closely for any signs of discomfort or distress.
Avoid using excessively hot heating sources, as senior cats may have decreased sensation and be more prone to burns. Ensure they have easy access to a warm and comfortable resting place, such as a low-sided bed with soft blankets. Regularly check their temperature to ensure they are warming up gradually and not overheating. If their shivering persists or worsens, or if they show any other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.
How can I prevent my cat from getting cold and shivering in the first place?
Preventing a cat from getting cold involves maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, especially during colder months. Ensure your home is adequately heated and free from drafts. Provide your cat with access to warm and cozy resting places, such as insulated beds, blankets, or cat trees away from cold floors. If your cat enjoys spending time outdoors, limit their exposure during cold weather and provide them with a sheltered space.
Regular grooming can also help maintain your cat’s body temperature. A well-groomed coat provides better insulation. For short-haired cats or those prone to getting cold, consider providing them with a sweater or vest during colder periods. Finally, ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, as dehydration can make them more susceptible to cold. Consider a heated water bowl to prevent freezing during winter.
When is shivering in a cat a definite emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention?
Shivering in a cat warrants immediate veterinary attention if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include difficulty breathing, pale gums, lethargy, disorientation, or unresponsiveness. If your cat’s body temperature is below 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius), or if you suspect they have ingested a toxin, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Prolonged or severe shivering can lead to hypothermia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Even if the shivering is not accompanied by other obvious symptoms, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian if it persists for more than a few hours, or if it seems to be getting worse despite your efforts to warm your cat. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health, and a veterinary professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.