trembling paws

[Guest]

Just lately I've noticed a few times that while my cat (10 months, male) is resting or sleeping, his legs tremble. It sort of looks like shivering, but it's just his legs. He was doing it a minute ago while lying on his back with his paws in the air. I've also seen it while his lying on his side. So far I've seen it only while he's sleeping or dozing, not while wide awake. Does this happen with other cats? I'm hoping there's not a condition, like a kitty Parkinsons or something, that I should be worried about?

I know the safest thing is always to consult a vet, but I thought I'd run it by this group, in case it turns out to be a normal thing. (He's my first cat, so I'm still sort of learning.)

Many thanks for any help.

[Wanda]

I know I won't be much help to you but wanted to give you my input. Always when in doubt you should have the vet check them out, my thoughts are, could be anything or nothing. I have noticed Dolly sometimes twitch about in her sleep, and I just took it she was dreaming. ( I don't even know if animals dream). I'm sure Traci, Davet, Jason or some of the others will get with you on this shortly, they know alot more about this than I. I just love cats but know nothing of how to treat them medically. But do check with you vet. Wanda

[jason]

the following post comes to mind...

fleas=twitching? Please Help!

but that cat was quite young and that alone could of been the reason.

has this cat been seen by a vet recently?

[Auntie Debbie]

As the others have suggested, when in doubt, please have your kitty seen by your vet.
The fact that your kitty's paws tremble only when sleeping could very well be nothing more than REM sleeping patterns. I see this often in my claico while she is sleeping. She'll have her whiskers twitch, ears twitch, paws twitch and move, occasional chattering. At this point in sleep, she is difficult to wake up and if I do try to wake her, she'll awaken startled.
I have found these links that may be a bit helpful, but a vet check wouldn't be a bad idea ust to be on the safe side.

Dreaming

http://library.thinkquest.org/25553/eng ... anim.shtml

http://www.stjohnsvet.com/dream.html

Tremors (vague)

http://consumer.vetmedcenter.com/Consum ... =8746&dt=p

Hope it's just a case of sweet dreams!

[Guest]

Thanks all. I don't think he would have fleas because he's indoor only. He's been out briefly on a harness, but not since October and then only in the back yard--so fleas wouldn't be the problem would it?

The last time he was seen by a vet was when he was neutered, at six months. He is now 10 months.

Debbie--thanks for the links. For some reason I couldn't get the first one to work but the others were interesting. Tremor is the right word for it--I should have used that. It does worry me that they mention things like encephalitis and toxicities and it sounds like testing for those things is pretty drastic and probably costly--spinal taps, MRIs etc.

I was worried that the vet would have a hard time diagnosing without actually seeing the tremor, and I know my cat is not going to be in a relaxed semi-sleeping state at the vet! That link did mention muscle weakness as a possible cause, which makes me wonder if (and hope) it could just be that he sleeps with his legs in the air, and maybe they sort of get tired in that position--like if you hold your arm out for a long time it'll start to shake.

Otherwise he seems very healthy--great appetite and tons of playful energy. I will be keeping a close eye on him and talking to my vet though. Thanks again!!

[Auntie Debbie]

One thing you can do though is video tape him doing this. That way he'll be doing it and your vet will be able to see. One condition I didn't mention, and I don't think it would apply since it only happens while your kitty is sleeping..is seizures. I have a bunch of links on Epilepsy/Seizures under the Neurological page of my website (Debbie's Feline Health) listed under Favorites on the menu on the left side of the board that you may find interesting, but please don't go thinking that's what he has. I really do suggest the video thing for your vet to see.
Still hoping it's just dreams!