Vibrating Maine Coon Cats!
Shaking or vibrating in cats is not always an indicator that something is wrong, but in some cases, it can indicate a more serious underlying problem.
Vibration can be caused by normal cat activity or behaviors, such as purring or shaking its tail in excitement.
Full-body trembling can also indicate hypothermia, low blood sugar, fear, stress, seizures, and other illnesses. If your cat’s vibration continues for long periods, it is best to set up an appointment with your vet.
Shaking, trembling, and vibrating in cats is usually harmless or simple to treat. Read on to find out what can cause vibrating in cats, and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Cats Vibrate
The Maine Coon breed originated naturally before it was refined by cat fanciers centuries later, so these cats are typically less likely to suffer from health problems.
Purring
One of the most common reasons that cats vibrate is because they are purring.
When a cat purrs it constricts the part of the larynx surrounding its vocal cords, leading to vibration with every breath.
When kittens are first born, they are completely blind and deaf. They are completely helpless. When a mother cat purrs, even the youngest kittens can detect these vibrations and can make their way back even without sight or hearing.
Most people think that cats only purr because they are happy. While this is usually the case, cats can also purr when stressed or in pain. As a result, many believe that purring is a way that cats soothe themselves.
Sometimes cats vibrate out of excitement, but they can also vibrate when they are stressed or sick (source 1).
Excitement
Some cats stick their tails straight up and vibrate them to show that they are excited.
This usually happens when their owner comes home from work or if they are about to get their favorite treat or wet food.
Stretching
As we flex our muscles, they naturally contract. If we flex our muscles as far as they can, they vibrate. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
If your cat starts vibrating while stretching, they’re getting a good stretch! (source 1)
Pain
Cats in pain may purr or tremble.
A cat in pain will often have a glazed look in its eyes and will sit in a hunched position while barely moving.
Stress Or Shock
Cats experiencing fear, stress, or shock can tremble or vibrate as a result.
If your cat has just experienced something traumatic, like a house fire or an injury, take your cat to the vet right away.
If your cat is trembling out of fear of a new apartment or pet, then try to give your cat a safe, private space to acclimate.
Here are some causes of stress in Maine Coon cats.
Low Blood Sugar
Cats can also start shaking if they have low blood sugar.
Pale gums can be an indicator that your cat has low blood sugar.
Even if it is not feeding time yet, you might want to give your cat a little snack if it starts trembling.
Here are some other reasons why a Maine Coon might start shaking.
Temperature Changes
Hyperthermia and hypothermia can both lead to vibrating or trembling.
Kittens and senior cats are most prone to hyperthermia and hypothermia.
Make sure you keep your cat in the shade with plenty of water on hot days, and provide lots of warmth on cold days.
Poison Ingestion
A cat that has ingested something poisonous may start shaking or vibrating.
Poison ingestion requires immediate medical intervention.
Here are 20 foods that will cause your Maine Coon cat harm, so you must make every effort to ensure they do not come into contact with them.
Seizures
Cats who experience seizures may start:
- Vibrating
- Shaking
- Twitching
Seizures often include:
- Behavioral or emotional changes
- Drooling
- Staring off into space
- Uncontrollable muscle spasms
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Also known as twitchy cat syndrome or rippling skin syndrome, Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is a condition that causes heightened sensitivity in a cat’s skin.
Even gentle touching or petting can cause discomfort and pain, which causes the cat’s skin to ripple.
Other Underlying Medical Causes
If you still have not identified the cause of your cat’s shaking, but it is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Sleeping
Cats often twitch while they are dreaming. They might also vibrate their paws or twitch their ears!
Why Do Cats Vibrate Their Mouths?
If your cat makes an odd chittering sound while staring out the window or a bug on the wall, your cat is feeling excited or ready to hunt.
While researchers do not yet know the exact cause, it is suspected that it can also indicate frustration. For example, many cats chatter when they see a bird outside they cannot catch, or a spider they cannot reach.
While cats generally meow at their owners, Maine Coons are more likely to chirp, trill, and chatter at their owners.
Nobody knows why, but it is considered one of the many unique hallmarks of the Maine Coon breed. Here are some other weird noises Maine Coon cats make.
Why Do Cats Vibrate When Being Pet?
Cats are more sensitive on their backs and the base of their tail, and their skin might twitch whilst you pet them.
Vibrating could also mean that your cat is purring, which is usually a sign that your cat feels safe and happy.
If your cat reacts as though pained when being petted, however, this is a possible sign of Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, also known as rolling skin syndrome or twitchy cat syndrome.
Cats with this disorder might jump while grooming themselves, start compulsively biting, scratching, or licking at the affected area or unrelated areas, and may hiss at owners when touched.
This condition causes a lot of discomfort, but it can often be managed through stress reduction and medication.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Tails?
If your cat holds its tail upright and vibrates it, this is a sign your cat is happy or excited.
Cats may also vibrate their tails when their owner comes home from work, or when you have just opened a can of their favorite wet food.
