Why Is My Cat Shivering While Purring?

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Oktober 15, 2024

Dipublikasikan September 22, 2024

Cats are curious and fascinating creatures, and they often display behaviours that can be difficult to understand. One such behaviour is when a cat shivers while purring. This can be a confusing and concerning sight for cat owners, as it seems like two contradictory things happening at once. In this article, we'll explore the possible reasons why your cat might be shivering while purring and what you can do about it.

Purring is a common behaviour in cats, and it can have a variety of meanings. It is often associated with contentment and relaxation, but it can also be a sign of stress, anxiety, or pain. Shivering, on the other hand, is usually a sign that a cat is cold or uncomfortable. So, when a cat shivers while purring, it can be difficult to tell what the underlying cause is.

In the following section, we'll delve deeper into the various reasons why your cat might be shivering while purring. We'll also provide some tips on how to address the underlying cause and help your cat feel more comfortable.

Why Is My Cat Shivering While Purring?

Cats display this behavior for various reasons. Here are 10 important points to consider:

Cold or discomfort: Cat's body temperature regulation issue.
Anxiety or stress: Purring as a coping mechanism.
Illness or pain: Underlying health problems.
Excitement or anticipation: Cat's emotional state.
Post-grooming shiver: Natural reaction after grooming.
Breed or age: Some breeds and older cats more prone.
Neurological issue: Rare but possible cause.
Environmental factors: Sudden temperature changes.
Ingestion of toxins: Poisoning or allergic reaction.
Hyperthyroidism: Increased metabolism causing shivering.

If you're concerned about your cat's shivering while purring, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and determine the best course of action.

Cold or Discomfort: Cat's Body Temperature Regulation Issue

Cats are known for their ability to regulate their body temperature very well. However, there are times when a cat's body temperature can drop, causing them to feel cold and start shivering. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

Being wet or damp: Cats' fur can act as insulation, helping to keep them warm. However, when a cat's fur gets wet, it can lose its insulating properties and cause the cat to feel cold.
Details: If your cat has been out in the rain or snow, or if they've fallen into a body of water, they may start shivering because they're wet and cold. Drying your cat off thoroughly and providing them with a warm place to rest can help them warm up.
Living in a cold environment: Cats are more comfortable in warm environments, typically between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). If a cat lives in a cold environment, they may start shivering to try to stay warm.
Details: If you live in a cold climate, make sure your cat has a warm place to sleep, such as a heated cat bed or a spot near a radiator. You can also provide your cat with a sweater or jacket to wear when they're outside.
Underlying health issues: In some cases, shivering can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or kidney disease.
Details: If your cat is shivering excessively or if they're also showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
Old age: As cats get older, they may start to lose some of their ability to regulate their body temperature. This can make them more prone to feeling cold and shivering.
Details: If your older cat is shivering, make sure they have a warm place to sleep and that they're not exposed to drafts. You can also provide them with a heating pad or a warm blanket to help them stay comfortable.

If you're concerned about your cat shivering, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and determine the best course of action.

Anxiety or Stress: Purring as a Coping Mechanism

Cats are creatures of habit and routine, and they can easily become stressed or anxious when their routine is disrupted or they're feeling overwhelmed. Some common causes of anxiety or stress in cats include:

Changes in the household: Cats may feel stressed if there are changes in the household, such as a new pet, a new baby, or a move to a new home.
Details: If you're bringing a new pet or baby into the household, it's important to introduce them to your cat slowly and carefully. You should also provide your cat with a safe and quiet place to retreat to if they're feeling overwhelmed.
Veterinary visits: Many cats find veterinary visits to be stressful.
Details: If you're taking your cat to the vet, try to make the experience as stress-free as possible. You can do this by using a cat carrier that your cat is comfortable with, speaking to your cat in a soothing voice, and providing them with treats or praise during the visit.
Loud noises or sudden movements: Cats are easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements.
Details: If you have a cat that is easily startled, try to keep the home environment as calm and quiet as possible. You should also avoid making sudden movements around your cat.
Separation anxiety: Some cats may experience separation anxiety when they're left alone for long periods of time.
Details: If you have a cat with separation anxiety, you can help them by providing them with plenty of toys and interactive activities to keep them occupied while you're away. You can also try using a pheromone diffuser to help calm your cat.

When a cat is feeling anxious or stressed, they may start purring as a way to cope. This is because purring can help to release endorphins, which have calming and relaxing effects. Purring can also help to lower a cat's heart rate and blood pressure.

If you notice that your cat is shivering while purring, it's important to try to identify the source of their anxiety or stress and take steps to address it. Once the underlying cause of the anxiety or stress is resolved, your cat should stop shivering.

Illness or Pain: Underlying Health Problems

In some cases, shivering while purring can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Some possible health problems that can cause shivering in cats include:

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including shivering, weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Details: If you think your cat may have hypothyroidism, your veterinarian can perform a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication.
Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including shivering, weight loss, increased thirst, and vomiting.
Details: If you think your cat may have kidney disease, your veterinarian can perform blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis. Kidney disease can be treated with medication, diet, and fluid therapy.
Cancer: Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including shivering, weight loss, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
Details: If you think your cat may have cancer, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend additional tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, or biopsies. Cancer treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease.
Pain: Pain can cause shivering in cats, especially if the pain is severe or chronic.
Details: If you think your cat may be in pain, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend additional tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, to determine the source of the pain. Pain can be treated with medication, surgery, or physical therapy.

If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be a sign of an underlying health problem, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your cat's chances of a full recovery.

Excitement or Anticipation: Cat's Emotional State

Cats are emotional creatures, and they can experience a wide range of emotions, including excitement and anticipation. When a cat is excited or anticipating something pleasant, they may start to purr and shiver. This is because the purring and shivering help to release endorphins, which have calming and relaxing effects.

Mealtime: Many cats start to purr and shiver when they're excited about mealtime.
Details: If your cat starts to purr and shiver when you're preparing their food or when they see their food bowl, it's likely that they're excited about eating.
Playtime: Some cats purr and shiver when they're excited about playing.
Details: If your cat starts to purr and shiver when you bring out their favorite toy or when you start playing with them, it's likely that they're excited to play.
Going outside: Some cats purr and shiver when they're excited about going outside.
Details: If your cat starts to purr and shiver when you open the door or when they see their leash, it's likely that they're excited to go outside.
Seeing their owner: Some cats purr and shiver when they're excited to see their owner.
Details: If your cat starts to purr and shiver when you come home from work or when you enter a room, it's likely that they're excited to see you.

It's important to note that excitement and anticipation can also be signs of stress or anxiety in cats. If you're not sure whether your cat is excited or stressed, it's best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian.

Post-Grooming Shiver: Natural Reaction After Grooming

Cats are very clean animals, and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. After a grooming session, it's common for cats to start purring and shivering. This is a natural reaction that helps to distribute the cat's saliva and oils throughout their fur.

Spreading saliva and oils: Cats' saliva and oils help to keep their fur healthy and shiny. When a cat purrs and shivers after grooming, they are helping to spread these substances throughout their fur.
Details: The purring and shivering help to create vibrations that help to distribute the saliva and oils more evenly.
Relaxation: Grooming can be a relaxing activity for cats. After a grooming session, cats may start to purr and shiver as a way to relax and unwind.
Details: The purring and shivering help to release endorphins, which have calming and relaxing effects.
Stretching: After a grooming session, cats may also start to purr and shiver as a way to stretch their muscles.
Details: The purring and shivering help to loosen up the muscles and joints, which can help to prevent stiffness and pain.
Communication: Cats may also purr and shiver after grooming as a way to communicate with other cats.
Details: The purring and shivering can be a way of saying "I'm clean and healthy" or "I'm relaxed and content."

If your cat starts to purr and shiver after grooming, it's usually nothing to worry about. However, if your cat is also showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

Breed or Age: Some Breeds and Older Cats More Prone

Certain breeds of cats and older cats may be more prone to shivering while purring. Some possible reasons for this include:

Breed characteristics: Some cat breeds, such as Siamese and Abyssinian cats, are known for being more vocal and expressive than other breeds. These cats may be more likely to purr and shiver while they're purring.
Details: If you have a cat of a breed that is known for being vocal and expressive, it's more likely that they will purr and shiver while they're purring.
Age-related changes: As cats get older, they may start to lose some of their ability to regulate their body temperature. This can make them more prone to feeling cold and shivering.
Details: If you have an older cat, it's important to make sure they have a warm place to sleep and that they're not exposed to drafts. You can also provide them with a heating pad or a warm blanket to help them stay comfortable.
Underlying health conditions: Some underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism and kidney disease, can make cats more prone to shivering.
Details: If you're concerned that your cat's shivering may be a sign of an underlying health condition, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your cat's chances of a full recovery.
Multiple factors: In some cases, a combination of factors, such as breed, age, and underlying health conditions, may make a cat more prone to shivering while purring.
Details: If you're not sure why your cat is shivering while purring, it's best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems and determine the best course of action.

If your cat is shivering while purring, it's important to try to identify the underlying cause and take steps to address it. Once the underlying cause is resolved, your cat should stop shivering.

Neurological Issue: Rare but Possible Cause

In rare cases, shivering while purring can be a sign of a neurological issue. This is most likely to occur in older cats or cats with a history of neurological problems.

Vestibular disease: Vestibular disease is a condition that affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, balance problems, and head tremors. In some cases, vestibular disease can also cause shivering.
Details: If your cat is shivering while purring and they are also showing other symptoms of vestibular disease, such as head tremors, dizziness, or balance problems, it's important to take them to the vet right away.
Cerebellar hypoplasia: Cerebellar hypoplasia is a condition that affects the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain that is responsible for coordination and balance. Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia may have difficulty walking, standing, and eating. They may also shiver while purring.
Details: Cerebellar hypoplasia is usually a congenital condition, which means that cats are born with it. There is no cure for cerebellar hypoplasia, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms.
Brain tumors: Brain tumors can cause a variety of symptoms, including shivering, seizures, and changes in behavior.
Details: If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be a sign of a brain tumor, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Brain tumors can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Other neurological issues: Other neurological issues, such as stroke, encephalitis, and meningitis, can also cause shivering in cats.
Details: If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be a sign of a neurological issue, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Neurological issues can be treated with medication, surgery, and physical therapy.

If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be a sign of a neurological issue, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your cat's chances of a full recovery.

Environmental Factors: Sudden Temperature Changes

Sudden changes in temperature can also cause cats to shiver while purring. This is because cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and they may start to shiver if they feel too cold or too hot.

Cold temperatures: If the temperature drops suddenly, your cat may start to shiver to try to stay warm.
Details: If you live in a cold climate, it's important to make sure your cat has a warm place to sleep and that they're not exposed to drafts. You can also provide your cat with a sweater or jacket to wear when they're outside.
Hot temperatures: If the temperature rises suddenly, your cat may start to shiver to try to cool down.
Details: If you live in a hot climate, it's important to make sure your cat has access to plenty of water and that they have a cool place to rest. You can also provide your cat with a cooling mat or a fan to help them stay cool.
Air conditioning or heating: If you use air conditioning or heating in your home, the sudden change in temperature when you turn it on or off can cause your cat to shiver.
Details: If you use air conditioning or heating, try to keep the temperature as consistent as possible. You can also provide your cat with a warm or cool place to rest, depending on the temperature.
Going outside: If your cat goes outside, they may start to shiver if there is a sudden change in temperature, such as when they go from a warm house to a cold outdoors.
Details: If your cat goes outside, make sure they have a warm place to come back to, such as a heated cat bed or a spot near a radiator.

If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be due to a sudden change in temperature, try to adjust the temperature in your home or provide your cat with a warm or cool place to rest. If your cat is still shivering, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

Ingestion of Toxins: Poisoning or Allergic Reaction

If your cat has ingested a toxin, such as a poisonous plant or a chemical, they may start to shiver as a sign of poisoning. Allergic reactions can also cause shivering in cats. Some common toxins and allergens that can cause shivering in cats include:

Lilies: Lilies are highly toxic to cats, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Symptoms of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and shivering.
Details: If you think your cat has eaten a lily, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a common household product that is highly toxic to cats. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and shivering.
Details: If you think your cat has ingested antifreeze, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
Rodent poison: Rodent poison can be fatal to cats if they ingest it. Symptoms of rodent poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, and shivering.
Details: If you think your cat has ingested rodent poison, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
Certain plants: Some plants, such as aloe vera, sago palms, and daffodils, can be toxic to cats if they ingest them. Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats can vary depending on the plant, but may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and shivering.
Details: If you think your cat has ingested a poisonous plant, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
Allergens: Some cats are allergic to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold. Symptoms of allergies in cats can include sneezing, watery eyes, and shivering.
Details: If you think your cat may be allergic to something, you can talk to your veterinarian about allergy testing and treatment options.

If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be due to poisoning or an allergic reaction, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your cat's chances of a full recovery.

Hyperthyroidism: Increased Metabolism Causing Shivering

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including shivering. Some possible reasons why hyperthyroidism can cause shivering in cats include:

Increased metabolism: Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in the cat's metabolism, which can lead to a higher body temperature. This can cause the cat to feel hot and start shivering in an attempt to cool down.
Details: If your cat has hyperthyroidism, they may also experience other symptoms of an increased metabolism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, and diarrhea.
Anxiety and stress: Hyperthyroidism can also cause anxiety and stress in cats. This can lead to shivering, as well as other symptoms such as pacing, vocalization, and aggression.
Details: If you think your cat may be experiencing anxiety or stress due to hyperthyroidism, you can talk to your veterinarian about medication or other treatments that can help to manage these symptoms.
Pain: In some cases, hyperthyroidism can cause pain in cats. This pain can be caused by the enlarged thyroid gland pressing on other organs or structures in the neck. Pain can also lead to shivering in cats.
Details: If you think your cat may be experiencing pain due to hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication or recommend other treatments to help manage the pain.
Underlying health conditions: Hyperthyroidism can also be associated with other underlying health conditions, such as heart disease and kidney disease. These underlying health conditions can also cause shivering in cats.
Details: If your cat has hyperthyroidism, it's important to work with your veterinarian to manage the condition and any underlying health problems.

If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be due to hyperthyroidism, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism can help to improve your cat's quality of life and prevent serious complications.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about why cats shiver while purring, along with their answers:

Question 1: Why does my cat shiver while purring?
Answer: There are many possible reasons why your cat might shiver while purring. Some common reasons include being cold or uncomfortable, anxiety or stress, illness or pain, excitement or anticipation, post-grooming shiver, breed or age, neurological issue, environmental factors, ingestion of toxins, and hyperthyroidism.

Question 2: Is it normal for cats to shiver while purring?
Answer: Yes, it is normal for cats to shiver while purring. However, if your cat is shivering excessively or if they are also showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

Question 3: What should I do if my cat is shivering while purring?
Answer: If your cat is shivering while purring, the first thing you should do is try to identify the underlying cause. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it. For example, if your cat is shivering because they are cold, you can provide them with a warm place to sleep. If your cat is shivering because they are anxious or stressed, you can try to identify the source of their anxiety or stress and take steps to reduce it.

Question 4: Can shivering while purring be a sign of illness?
Answer: Yes, shivering while purring can be a sign of illness. Some possible illnesses that can cause shivering in cats include hypothyroidism, kidney disease, cancer, and pain. If you're concerned that your cat's shivering while purring may be a sign of illness, it's important to take them to the vet right away.

Question 5: What are some things that can cause shivering in cats?
Answer: Some things that can cause shivering in cats include being cold or uncomfortable, anxiety or stress, illness or pain, excitement or anticipation, post-grooming shiver, breed or age, neurological issue, environmental factors, ingestion of toxins, and hyperthyroidism.

Question 6: What should I do if I'm concerned about my cat's shivering?
Answer: If you're concerned about your cat's shivering, the first thing you should do is try to identify the underlying cause. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it. If you're not sure what is causing your cat's shivering, it's best to take them to the vet for a checkup.

Question 7: Can shivering while purring be prevented?
Answer: Some causes of shivering while purring can be prevented. For example, you can prevent your cat from shivering due to cold by providing them with a warm place to sleep. You can also prevent your cat from shivering due to anxiety or stress by providing them with a safe and comfortable environment. However, some causes of shivering, such as illness or neurological issues, cannot be prevented.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

If you have any other questions about why your cat is shivering while purring, please talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine the cause of your cat's shivering and recommend the best course of action.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for cat owners who are concerned about their cat's shivering:

Tips

Here are some tips for cat owners who are concerned about their cat's shivering:

Tip 1: Try to identify the underlying cause. The first step to addressing your cat's shivering is to try to identify the underlying cause. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it. For example, if your cat is shivering because they are cold, you can provide them with a warm place to sleep. If your cat is shivering because they are anxious or stressed, you can try to identify the source of their anxiety or stress and take steps to reduce it.

Tip 2: Take your cat to the vet if you're concerned. If you're concerned about your cat's shivering, especially if they are also showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of your cat's shivering and recommend the best course of action.

Tip 3: Keep your cat warm and comfortable. Cats are most comfortable in warm environments, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). If your cat is shivering, make sure they have a warm place to sleep, such as a heated cat bed or a spot near a radiator. You can also provide your cat with a sweater or jacket to wear when they're outside.

Tip 4: Reduce your cat's anxiety or stress. If you think your cat is shivering because they are anxious or stressed, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their anxiety or stress. Some tips include providing your cat with a safe and quiet place to retreat to, playing with them regularly, and using pheromone diffusers or sprays.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to keep your cat warm, comfortable, and stress-free. This will help to reduce the likelihood of your cat shivering.

If you're still concerned about your cat's shivering, or if they are showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet right away.

Conclusion

As we've explored in this article, there are many possible reasons why your cat might be shivering while purring. Some of the most common reasons include being cold or uncomfortable, anxiety or stress, illness or pain, excitement or anticipation, post-grooming shiver, breed or age, neurological issue, environmental factors, ingestion of toxins, and hyperthyroidism.

If you're concerned about your cat's shivering, the first thing you should do is try to identify the underlying cause. Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it. For example, if your cat is shivering because they are cold, you can provide them with a warm place to sleep. If your cat is shivering because they are anxious or stressed, you can try to identify the source of their anxiety or stress and take steps to reduce it.

In most cases, shivering while purring is not a cause for concern. However, if your cat is shivering excessively or if they are also showing other symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of your cat's shivering and recommend the best course of action.

Closing Message:

Remember, your cat is a unique individual with their own personality and needs. If you're ever concerned about your cat's health or behavior, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian.