Cat's hind legs twitch when lying down

Normally, cats can not have cramps, because their ligamentous and muscular apparatus is as elastic as possible. It adapts to any condition absolutely calmly, even if the animal was relaxed and extremely abruptly became active, tense.

A cat's hind legs shake

Provoke tremors in the front paws of the cat can diseases of the endocrine system. The cause of the tremor is hypoglycemia and insulin-dependent tumors. These pathologies are often diagnosed in young kittens, and are accompanied by rapid heart rate, severe weakness and problems with appetite. The cat may be aggressive or appear completely apathetic.

Tremors in the hind legs are also provoked by diseases of the central nervous system. As a rule, the tremor occurs even when sleeping. Pathological changes in encephalopathies (e.g. inflammation of the brain membranes) can provoke it. Other symptoms – seizures, impaired coordination of movements, restlessness, paralysis of muscle fibers – are also observed.

Without timely help, the animal may become disabled or die. Therefore, without the consultation of a specialist can not do without.

Diagnosis and treatment

There are plenty of factors that provoke the appearance of tremors in the limbs. These may be both physiological and pathological factors. Noticing that the cat is shivering, you must first rule out harmless factors – hypothermia, fear or sexual excitement.

You can try to warm the cat if it is cold, calm the cat when it is frightened. If a cat's paws are shaking as a result of sexual excitement, the only way to eliminate this is to have the pet spayed.

Self-prescribing medications, even plant-based ones, can provoke dangerous complications.

If the cat is under stress, you need to pay more attention to the animal. In more dangerous cases, it is recommended to go to the veterinary clinic. During the examination, the doctor is sure to collect the anamnesis, as well as prescribe a number of laboratory and instrumental tests. Conducted:

• general blood test – necessary to detect processes of inflammatory nature in the body of the animal;
• Ultrasonic diagnostics – makes it possible to detect pathologies in the digestive tract;
• X-ray examination – allows us to visualize problems in bone structures.

Diseases of the endocrine system or the gastrointestinal tract, are treated after determining the exact cause. Specific therapy is prescribed depending on the underlying factor. Symptomatic treatment is aimed at eliminating the cat's discomfort or pain.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral or antifungal drugs are prescribed, depending on the type of disease. The introduction of vitamin and mineral supplements, the prescription of a special diet, as well as immunomodulatory agents to strengthen the body's resistance is mandatory.

Causes of seizures in cats

• Epilepsy – a rare disease among cats, which is difficult to diagnose;
• Inflammation of the brain – non-pulmonary meningoencephalitis, which is also problematic to diagnose;
• Lymph or tumor;
• Cerebral ischemic encephalopathy, in which blood flow to the cat's brain deteriorates and seizures ensue;
• Infectious peritonitis, a condition in which the brain, abdomen and kidneys are affected. This disease is provoked by rabies virus, leukemia virus, coronovirus and cryptococcus;
• Toxoplasmosis, which affects the cat's immune system and is dangerous to the human body;
• Stroke, in which only the hind legs cramp. In this case, a veterinarian should be called to the house immediately;
• Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which there is weakness in the pelvic limbs and the hind legs cramp;
• Calcium leaching from the cat's body, a condition that can occur in cats after recent births. In this case, the kittens are taken away for a while and placed on artificial nutrition, and the cat is given drugs to replenish calcium in the body;
• Infection with mites or helminths;
• An overdose of medication or food poisoning;
• Rapid change of kittens' teeth;
• Changes in the peripheral nervous system – Cramps in a cat occur when he sleeps, so he needs to replenish the B vitamins in the body.

There are really many causes for this, so it's impossible to find out for yourself what's causing the cat to have seizures. It must be done by an experienced veterinarian.

Symptoms of cramps

Many people are probably familiar with the sensation that is caused by a muscle cramp and there is sharp pain. Cats experience a similar sensation with muscle cramps. Visually, you can see chaotic movements made by the paws. Sometimes the opposite is true, and the pet lies on its side with its legs tensed and curled under its belly and its toes clenched.

The cat is very frightened at this moment, screaming in pain, but does not let its owner touch it. At the moment of cramps, the cat's pupils are dilated and its whiskers may be tightly pressed against its muzzle or floppy.

During a hind leg cramp, the pet may fall over and pull its paws one at a time in length. During a seizure, the cat may make attempts to get up but fail to do so. But this is rare. Most often, he is afraid to even move. In the most severe cases, the cat may have involuntary urination and foam from the mouth. The animal does not recognize the owner, so it does not respond to his call. Sometimes the cat behaves aggressively.

But when the cramps are over, the pet, having calmed down, will behave as before. Although in some cases, for a short period of time he may not find his usual places and may not even recognize his home.

Unfortunately, there are owners who, upon seeing their pet in this condition for the first time, do not rush to seek help from a skilled veterinarian, but wait until the cramps recur. This behavior is irresponsible, since seizures can indicate that the cat has begun a serious and often life-threatening illness, and when repeated seizures occur, time may have already been lost.

It is very important not to make this mistake and bring the cat to the vet even if he looks healthy and as awake as ever after a seizure attack.

Seizures in a cat vary and may be accompanied by additional signs in different situations.

When the brain is affected

Pathologies affecting this organ are the most dangerous. The lesion can cause both external factors and internal processes.

Causes

Even an unbalanced diet, provoking the development of avitaminosis, can cause brain damage. In particular, this applies to vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is essential for the smooth functioning of systems.

The initial stage is manifested by trembling of the limbs, with severe deficiency resulting in seizures.

Metabolic disorders

Breakdowns in the work of internal systems disrupt the metabolism and the rhythm of metabolic processes. This imbalances the nervous system and impulses are delivered to the muscles in the wrong way, resulting in convulsions.

Diseases related to metabolism

Any disruption of metabolic processes if not treated in time will lead to the death of the pet.

This group of pathologies can also include advanced age. In the body of older cats, degenerative processes occur, affecting almost all organs, but in the first place the brain suffers.

How to help a cat with cramps

Now let's consider what to do if a cat has cramps for the first time. The owner should behave as follows:

1. Place a small pad or soft blanket on the floor and place the cat on top. Keep the cat from hitting the bare hard floor with its whole body during the cramp. Do not place the cat on an elevated surface (sofa, table, window sill etc.) during the seizure since the cat may fall and bump itself during the seizure;
2. During the seizure the cat should be held with handsDuring the seizure the cat can be held with the hands and gloves or a towel wrapped around the palm of the hand. But you should not go into the animal's mouth to hold its tongue, as the animal will not swallow it;
3. In the room where the sick animal is, it is advisable to open a window or a vent to allow fresh air to enter;
4. During convulsions, the owner should not panic.The owner should not panic, shout and pick up the cat shaking in convulsions. You should be as calm as possible;
5. It is very important to remember what kind of convulsions the cat has had (the duration and frequency of convulsions, which muscle groups were affected, how the animal behaved during the seizure). This information can be valuable in making the correct diagnosis;
6. During the seizure or immediately afterwards A few drops of Corvalol may be placed on the cat's tongue. This will help the cat quickly regain consciousness;
7. As soon as the seizures subside, you should talk to the cat gently and calmly and offer it something to drink. But you should not insist on eating for a couple of hours after the muscle spasms (if the cat wants to eat – let it eat, but you should not force-feed it);
8. If the convulsions are localized If the convulsions are localized (e.g. back paws) you may give your cat a light massage by kneading the parts of your body that have just been in spasm;
9. If the seizure is not isolated, an immediate visit to a veterinary clinic is necessary. The cat should be placed in a secure and closable carrier, so that you can take it to a specialist as soon as possible.

Forms

There is no special classification of the disease. Several separate forms are distinguished depending on the mechanism of occurrence:

Avoiding problems related to the health of the pet will help prevention:

• diet regime with the selection of balanced food;
• Immunization and deworming of the animal;
• regular treatment against parasites;
• Timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Preventive visits to the veterinarian once or twice a year will help to detect and eliminate diseases of internal organs and systems.

Diagnosis of a suspected brain tumor

Even a general or biochemical blood test may indirectly indicate the presence of a tumor. However, if there is a suspicion of a tumor, more precise tests and examinations are prescribed:

• Electroencephalography will show the presence of tumors and foci of cortical seizure activity;
• MRI of the brain will show foci of inflammation, the condition of blood vessels, and the smallest structural changes in the brain;
• A CT scan of the brain, especially with contrast fluid, will help determine the borders of the lesion;
• analysis of cerebrospinal fluid – fluid from the ventricles of the brain – will show the amount of protein, cell composition and acidity;
• examination of cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of cancer cells;
• A biopsy of the tumor will help determine if it is benign or malignant.

Characteristic symptoms

Symptoms of a seizure caused by involuntary muscle contraction are quite pronounced, so it is difficult to miss them. The animal is frightened, feeling severe pain begins to scream loudly, shows aggression, does not allow itself to be touched. During convulsions, the pet's pupils are dilated, and the vibrissae are floppy or, conversely, pressed against the muzzle. Other signs of seizures in a cat are:

Cramping in a cat is a serious sign of pathology. Any pet owner should be prepared for the appearance of such a symptom, and know what to do to relieve the pet's condition.

First of all, you should take the cat to the flattest surface in the house, covering it with an unnecessary rag or a disposable diaper. It is worth remembering that holding the animal by force is not recommended, as well as trying to unclench the clenched jaws.

Do not give medications that relieve pain and cramping through the mouth. This is due to the fact that the cat's muscles contract during the attack and the animal may simply choke on the medication.

You can try to give your pet a gentle massage in the area where the uncontrolled muscle contraction was observed. The occurrence of even a single cramp is a reason to contact the veterinarian. Do not let the situation slide and wait for the next attack.

Treatment

When contacting the veterinarian, the doctor conducts a general examination of the animal, and also prescribes a number of studies to determine the underlying cause of the cramp in the cat. It is also necessary to collect an accurate anamnesis – what the animal eats, what he ate the day before. Possible head trauma or stressful situations should also be mentioned. All this will allow to determine the cause and prescribe an adequate treatment.

After the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an individual course of therapy. In veterinary medicine, the drug Promidone is widely used to stop epileptic seizures in pets.

Other drugs used to treat seizures in cats are Phenobarbital and Pagliferal, which allow to eliminate convulsions as quickly as possible. But the use of drugs should be used with great caution, as they are toxic to cats.

Symptomatic treatment includes the prescription of medications that eliminate the accompanying signs of convulsions:

Prevention plays an important role in the occurrence of involuntary muscle contractions. Properly organized diet of the cat, as well as proper conditions of detention can avoid possible seizures in the pet.

A balanced diet avoids mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and timely anti-parasitic treatments and immunizations help to avoid serious infestations and infectious diseases.

In the house where the cat lives, it is recommended to remove items that may cause injury to the cat. Prevent your pet from developing dangerous diseases of internal organs by making preventive examinations at the veterinarian every 6-12 months.

Due to the high volume of questions, free veterinary consultations are temporarily suspended.

Why does a cat shake its tail?

A cat's tail primarily serves as a mood indicator. By moving it they express:

• Anxiety. By wagging its tail and pressing its ears against its head, a cat shows that something is bothering it.
• Willingness to engage in a fight with a possible enemy or stalking his prey.
• Doubt.
• Pleasure. Cats wag the tip of their tail when they are happy and try to show their owners the depth of their overflowing feelings.
• Curiosity. When a pet investigates something with interest its tail wags.
• Irritation. If the pet is actively waving its tail from side to side, it means that it is annoyed.

A cat has a twitching tail and skin on his back – why and what does it mean?

Cat owners sometimes observe the following picture: the cat's tail twitches, as if he is marking territory, and the skin on his back shakes, as if he is trembling in this part of the body. This phenomenon may have physiological or pathological causes. Regardless of what exactly led to the twitching of the tail and skin, a four-legged pet in this situation needs the help of the owner.

The pet has fleas or other ectoparasites

If an adult cat or kitten's tail twitches and the skin on its back trembles, perhaps it is overcome by ectoparasites (those that parasitize not under the skin but on its surface): fleas, fleas, mites. In addition to these symptoms, external parasites manifest themselves as follows:

Read also: Why cats and cats sleep a lot – all day, what to do if the animal is constantly napping?

• Bite marks on the body in the form of small red dots;
• Unbearable itching in the affected areas;
• Constant scratching in an attempt to at least somehow relieve the itching of the bites;
• bouncing black dots, grits that look like dirt;
• deterioration of the coat (loss of shine, brittleness);
• sleep disorders – because of the constant itching, the cat hardly sleeps;
• complete or partial lack of appetite;
• anxiety, lack of interest in games, apathy;
• ulceration of the affected skin, crusts;
• decrease in body weight.

If you find ectoparasites in your pet, you must urgently begin treatment. Ignoring the fact of their parasitization on the cat's body is fraught with serious consequences for its health.

Characteristic symptoms

Seizures in cats have certain symptoms. Any seizure, no matter what its cause, is accompanied by the following manifestations:

1. Severe tension of the affected muscle group (stretched limbs, frozen in an unnatural posture).
2. Characteristic signs of fright (dilated fixed pupils, flattened ears, frequent breathing).
3. The cat may remain motionless for a long time for fear of increased pain sensations.
4. At the height of the seizure, foam may be produced from the mouth or spontaneous urination may occur.

At the end of the seizure, the cat may be in a stunned state. She may not recognize her home or the people around her for some time.

Varieties of the disorder

Depending on which muscle group is affected by the spasm, there are several types of convulsions:

According to the duration of the seizure and the nature of the muscle spasms, the following varieties of twitches are distinguished:

1. Myoclonic – the easiest variant of the development of a seizure. They are not accompanied by pain and are more often focal or unilateral. The spasms are brief and go away on their own.
2. Clonic – longer in duration. Muscles twitch (spasms alternate with relaxations). The disorder can be localized or generalized.
3. Tonic ones are even more prolonged and severe. In most cases, they are of a generalized nature.
4. Tonic-clonic seizures in a cat combine both types of spasms. During the seizure, the clonic seizures gradually turn into tonic seizures.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed on a strictly individual basis, the choice of drugs and manipulations depends on the clarified diagnosis, the cause of the seizures:

These medications are administered only under the supervision of a doctor and in the exact dosage corresponding to the age and weight of the pet. After the acute seizure is over, symptomatic therapy is given:

• Solutions to stabilize the water-salt balance and prevent dehydration of the body;
• antiemetics;
• complex vitamin preparations;
• drugs that have strong analgesic properties.

Prevention of seizures in cats

To prevent the occurrence of seizures, the owner of the animal should provide him with proper conditions of detention, regular treatment against worms and insects, a balanced diet.

Seizures in cats – a fairly common phenomenon, they can be a sign of a variety of pathologies. Unlike in humans, the accompanying symptoms are not characteristic, so only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis after examination. If you seek medical help in time, the prognosis for the pet will be favorable.