Why Is My Maine Coon Vibrating?

If you want to know why is my Maine Coon vibrating, chances are you are worried something is wrong with your cat.

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 of time, then it is best to set up an appointment with your vet.

Shaking, trembling, and vibrating in cats can often make owners worried, but it is usually harmless or simple to treat.

Still, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you notice any other concerning symptoms.

Read on to find out what can cause vibrating in cats, and what you can do to prevent it.

Why Is My Maine Coon Vibrating?

Maine Coons are hardy cats that make devoted companions for families of all sizes.

This breed originated naturally before it was refined by cat fanciers centuries later, so these cats are typically less likely to suffer from health problems than breeds like the Persian or Siamese.

Still, it is good to keep a keen eye on your cat’s health and behavior and visit your vet for regular checkups.

If you want to know why is my Maine Coon vibrating and shaking, here are some of the possible reasons.

Purring

One of the most common reasons that cats vibrate is because they are purring.

Purring is a mysterious mechanism that usually indicates comfort, but it can sometimes indicate stress or pain, as well.

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

Cats may vibrate during a particularly invigorating stretch.

As we flex our muscles, they naturally contract.

When we flex our muscles as far as we can, they start to shake of their own accord. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.

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.

Is It Normal For Cats To Vibrate?

If you have noticed any vibrating or shaking in your cat, it is normal to be concerned.

However, keep in mind that, in most cases, vibrating is perfectly natural!

Cats often vibrate while they purr or stretch.

Some cats also vibrate or twitch their skin a little bit while being petted, particularly on their back near the base of the tail.

However, if your cat begins vibrating violently, seemingly out of nowhere, it could be an indication of a medical problem.

Monitor your cat’s environment and symptoms so you can give your vet as much information as possible.

Why Do Cats Vibrate When They Purr?

Purring is one of the most mysterious and lovable aspects of cats.

It is taken a long time for researchers to figure out what exactly causes purring, but even now, we do not know exactly why cats purr.

When a cat purrs, it constricts the part of its larynx that surrounds the vocal cords, leading to vibration with every breath.

Some cats do not vocalize while purring, and they are so silent that you cannot even tell they are purring unless you gently press your hand up against their throat.

Meanwhile, other cats purr so loud you can hear them from across the room!

The way each cat purrs is unique to the individual.

When kittens are first born, they are completely blind and deaf. They are completely helpless, and a kitten that wanders from its mother is certain to perish.

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 they are stressed or in pain. As a result, many believe that purring is a way that cats soothe themselves.

If you want to know why is my cat vibrating, not purring, then it could be due to a great variety of reasons.

Sometimes cats vibrate out of excitement, but they can also vibrate when they are stressed or sick (source 1).

Why Is My Maine Coon Vibrating While Sleeping?

The question of why do cats vibrate when they sleep has many possible answers, but it is usually not a cause for concern.

Cats often twitch while they are dreaming. They might also vibrate their paws or twitch their ears!

Some cats even look as though they are trying to run while they are asleep!

However, vibrating could also indicate breathing problems.

If your cat makes a wheezing or snoring sound, it typically means your cat has constricted breathing ways.

This can be caused by sleep apnea, asthma, respiratory infections, or many other things.

Occasional snoring is not something to worry about, but if your cat snores regularly, you should head to the vet to rule out any underlying conditions (source 1).

Why Do Cats Vibrate When They Stretch?

If you are wondering why is my Maine Coon vibrating when they stretch, do not worry!

This is a completely normal thing that even happens to humans, too.

As we flex our muscles, they naturally contract. If we flex our muscles as far as they can go, they begin to vibrate.

If your cat starts vibrating while stretching, it just means they are getting a really good stretch! (source 1)

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, then this is likely an indication that 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?

If you are curious and wondering why is my cat vibrating while I pet them, it is probably nothing to be concerned about.

Cats are more sensitive on their backs and the base of their tail, and their skin might twitch.

Some cats love to be scratched there, while others do not.

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 could be a 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 Vibrate When They Breathe?

If your cat is vibrating while breathing, it is most likely purring.

When a cat purrs, the part of its larynx around the vocal cords, known as the glottis, constricts.

This causes the air that they breathe in and out to vibrate, resulting in a purr.

Some cats make no sound while purring, while others make vocalizations.

Some cats have nearly silent purrs, while others purr loud enough to hear them across the room!

While vibrating while breathing is typically a sign that your cat is purring, it could also be a sign that something is wrong.

Cats with asthma or respiratory infections might wheeze or make a rumbling sound while they breathe.

In this case, it is essential to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

Why Do Cats Shake Their Tails?

If you want to know why do cats vibrate their tails, or why does my Maine Coon shake when I come home, you will be pleased to find out that this behavior is nothing to worry about!

Cat tail position can tell you a lot about your cat’s behavior and emotions.

Many cats stick their tails straight in the air when they are feeling friendly or excited to see their owners.

Cats may also thump their tails when they are irritated, or lash them back and forth quickly when they are upset.

Still, cat behavior is more complex than this, and there are no hard and fast rules.

Context, as well as other physical clues, can give you a better idea of what your cat is feeling.

For example, sometimes when cats are feeling especially excited or challenged by a task or puzzle, they may lash their tails from side to side.

If a cat lashes its tail with its ears flat against its head or its back arched, however, then it is probably feeling threatened and ready to defend itself.

If your cat holds its tail upright and vibrates it, this is a sign that your cat is happy or excited.

Cats may vibrate their tails when their owner comes home from work, or when you have just opened a can of their favorite wet food.

Conclusion

If you are wondering why is my Maine Coon vibrating, do not be concerned!

Even though vibrating can sometimes be an indication of an underlying medical problem, it is not usually something to worry about.

It is perfectly natural for cats to vibrate when they are purring, and they sometimes vibrate their tails when they are excited.

However, if your cat is vibrating and appears stressed, weak, or lethargic, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Keep an eye out for other concerning symptoms, and take your cat to the vet straight away if your cat has pale gums or is unusually warm or cold.

Related Questions

Why Is My Cat Trembling?

Cat trembling can be a sign of excitement or other normal behavior, but it can also indicate health problems. Seek medical attention if you notice any other concerning symptoms.

Why Is My New Kitten Shaking?

Shaking cats can be a sign of hypothermia or hypoglycemia, which young cats are more prone to. You should seek medical attention if the kitten is lethargic.