Feline Diabetes & Tremors

Feline diabetes is a disease in which the cat's body does not break blood sugar down appropriately. Vets often put cats on medication to regulate their blood sugar; however, the cat's blood sugar can drop too much as a result of medication, especially if she does not eat enough. Low blood sugar causes shaking known as tremors.

  1. Insulin and Tremors

    • Cats who suffer from Type I diabetes require daily insulin shots in order to regulate their blood sugar. Occasionally, a cat will receive too much insulin. According to the book, "Living With Feline Diabetes," when this happens, the cat becomes hypoglycemic and may suffer from tremors or seizures.

    Other Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

    • In addition to tremors, your cat may appear to be low on energy. Extreme changes in appetite may also be a sign of hypoglycemia. If you notice these symptoms in addition to tremors, your cat most likely is suffering from low blood sugar.

    Home Treatment

    • If your cat has tremors, lethargy or other signs of mild hypoglycemia, she needs glucose as soon as possible. Cats Exclusive Veterinary Center says that feeding your cat may resolve the issue. Some cats refuse to eat when they are suffering from tremors. In this case, you can feed him a glucose supplement such as Nutrical through a syringe. In extreme cases where the cat cannot swallow, you can rub this supplement on her gums.

    When to See The Vet

    • If your cat has severe tremors, dilated pupils, agitation or difficulty walking, she is severely hypoglycemic and should be taken to the vet immediately. If your cat suffers from mild tremors on a regular basis, schedule a check-up with the vet to determine the cause.

    Other Causes of Tremors

    • Many cats, including diabetic cats, have tremors for reasons other than low blood sugar, according to PetPlace.com. Kidney disease, head trauma and allergic reactions can all cause tremors. Your vet can rule out these causes.