Why is my cat shivering?
A brief shiver in a cat is often nothing more than being cold or briefly excited, but shivering that continues, comes back repeatedly, or happens alongside lethargy, hiding or a loss of appetite is worth a vet visit rather than waiting it out. The pattern and what comes with it matter more than the shivering on its own.
Usually not urgent
This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.
Everyday, harmless reasons cats shiver
Cold is the most common and least concerning cause — a cat coming in from outside on a chilly day, or lying somewhere draughty, can shiver briefly to generate warmth, the same reflex that makes people shiver in the cold. This usually settles quickly once the cat warms up somewhere comfortable.
Excitement or anticipation, such as just before feeding time or during an especially engaged play session, can also cause a brief tremor in some cats, and this is entirely normal in an otherwise happy, relaxed cat who settles again shortly afterwards.
When shivering points to stress or fear
A frightened or highly stressed cat can shiver or tremble as part of their overall body language, often alongside other signs such as flattened ears, a lowered body, hiding, or dilated pupils. A vet visit, a car journey, an unfamiliar visitor, or a loud noise like fireworks are common triggers.
This kind of shivering usually resolves once the stressful trigger is removed and the cat has had time and a quiet space to settle. If it continues well beyond the triggering event, or your cat seems to stay anxious more generally, it is worth mentioning to your vet.
When shivering can be a sign of pain or illness
Pain from an injury, dental problems, or an internal issue can cause shivering or trembling, particularly if it is combined with reduced appetite, hiding away, reluctance to move, or a hunched posture. A fever can also cause shivering, in a similar way to how a person shivers when running a temperature, and is not something you can reliably detect just by feeling your cat's fur.
Poisoning and certain neurological or metabolic conditions are less common but more serious causes of tremor or shivering, and these usually come with other clear signs of being unwell, such as vomiting, disorientation, weakness, or collapse.
When to see a vet, and how quickly
Book a vet visit if shivering continues for more than a short spell, keeps recurring without an obvious trigger like cold or excitement, or comes with any other sign of being unwell — reduced appetite, lethargy, hiding, vomiting, or a change in how your cat is moving. Treat it as an emergency, and go straight to a vet, if your cat is shivering alongside collapse, disorientation, weakness, or suspected exposure to anything toxic.
If you are not sure whether what you are seeing is normal cold-related shivering or something else, it is always reasonable to phone your vet and describe it rather than guessing at home.
Helping a cat who is cold or stressed
For a cold cat, a warm, draught-free spot, a cosy bed, and drying them off properly if they have come in wet all help far more than anything else. For a stressed or anxious cat, a quiet room away from the trigger, somewhere to hide, and time to settle usually work better than trying to comfort them directly, which some cats find overwhelming in the moment.
If stress-related shivering happens repeatedly around a predictable trigger, such as travel or visitors, a calming product recommended for cats alongside plenty of advance preparation can help, though ongoing or severe anxiety is worth discussing with your vet.
What can help
Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.
Tartan Sherpa Fleece Pet Mat
A reversible tartan sherpa fleece mat handmade in the UK — hypoallergenic, non-slip, machine washable, and sized to fit standard crates.
From£17.99
Hotties Microwavable Pet Heat Pad — Stays Warm for 4 Hours
A microwavable heat pad that keeps dogs, cats, and small pets cosy for up to four hours — no electricity needed.
£20.99
ProFleece Non-Slip Vet Bedding Roll – Assorted Patterns
ProFleece bedding by the roll in vibrant assorted patterns — UK-made from recycled plastic, non-slip, washable, and cut to whatever length you need.
From£42.99
Raised Pet Sofa Bed with Wooden Legs
A raised pet sofa on wooden legs with a plush, waterproof cover, keeping cats and smaller dogs off cold hard floors and making an accident a wipe rather than a wash.
From£64.99
Common questions
- Is it normal for cats to shiver when they're cold?
- Yes, a brief shiver to generate warmth is a normal reflex in cats, the same as it is in people, and usually settles quickly once the cat is somewhere warm and dry. It only becomes a concern if it continues once your cat has warmed up, or happens regularly indoors in a warm home.
- Can excitement make a cat shiver?
- Yes, some cats tremble briefly from excitement, such as just before feeding time or during energetic play, and this is normal in an otherwise relaxed, happy cat. It should pass quickly on its own without any other signs of distress.
- Can shivering mean my cat is in pain?
- It can, particularly alongside other signs such as reduced appetite, hiding, reluctance to move, or a hunched posture. If you notice shivering together with any of these, it is worth a vet visit rather than assuming it is simply the cold or excitement.
- Should I take my cat to the vet if they are shivering and won't eat?
- Yes, shivering combined with a loss of appetite is a combination worth having checked promptly rather than waiting, since it can point to pain, illness or fever rather than a harmless, everyday cause. It is better to have it checked and find it is minor than to leave it.
- Can old age cause a cat to shiver more?
- Older cats can feel the cold more than younger ones and may shiver more readily as a result, particularly if they are thinner or have less muscle than they used to. A warmer, more sheltered spot to rest often helps, but any new or worsening shivering in an older cat is still worth mentioning to your vet.
- Is shivering after a bath normal for a cat?
- Yes, most cats dislike being wet and can shiver simply from the cold and the unfamiliar sensation rather than anything being wrong. Drying them thoroughly with a towel and keeping them somewhere warm afterwards usually settles it quickly.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.