Cats are very naughty and cute pets. They adopt certain behaviors to entertain their owners. However, some behaviours make the owners worry, such as back or muscle twitching in cats. So Why do cats back twitch.
Some feline owners think It might seem like they’re simply getting comfortable, but there’s actually a lot more to it than that.
This article is a comprehensive guide about back twitch or muscle twitching in cats. We’ll take a closer look at what causes cats to twitch their backs and how you can stop the behavior in your pet?
Why do cats’ back Twitch?
The most common causes of back twitch in cats are Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS), involuntary reflexes, stress or frustration, Skin issues, Relaxation, flea infestation and epilepsy or nerve damage.
Certain petting techniques, such as stroking along the spine or tail, can cause back twitching in cats. Twitching is an involuntary reflex that causes the coetaneous muscle to twitch when stimulated.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) also causes twitching. Fleas can cause uncontrollable itching and scratch, exacerbated by the cat’s inability to control twitches caused by their sensitivity to flea saliva.
Cats twitch because of involuntary reflexes. A cat’s back twitches because it is causing the movement in their skin called Coetaneous muscle twitching. Twitching is due to their body responding to petting and being sensitive along the spine.
6 Reasons of Back Twitch in Cats
Below are some of the most common reasons which lead felines to back twitch.
1. Feline Hyperthyroidism
Cats are known for their twitching tails, but when other parts of the body start to twitch, it could signify feline hyperthyroidism.
Feline hyperthyroidism is a common disorder that develops when your cat’s thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, increased appetite and thirst, nervousness, muscle waste and weakness.
2. Cats twitch when they are Relaxing
Cat’s backs twitch because they are happy. It is a cute action, and if you see it, you can be sure that your cat is enjoying a moment of relaxation. You will see this behavior when your cat is lying on its side or back.
Kittens twitch as well, but for different reasons – even if it is a sign of happiness, it also means that they are dreaming about something.
As far as the twitching goes, it happens because your cat is experiencing positive emotions and feels relaxed. They are not preparing to attack someone or run away, so they release their muscles and start cat’s back twitching.
It doesn’t happen only with cats; dogs do it too when they enjoy lying on the back and relaxing in the sun.
3. Twitching Tails may show stress or Frustration
The reasons for a cat’s tail twitching vary. It can also be a sign that a cat is preparing to pounce, but it might also result from an injury or medical condition. A cat’s back and tail may twitch as they prepare to pounce on anything from prey to toys.
They do this because they want to ambush their target, so don’t take it if you have a cat that does this before jumping on you. Cats may also twitch their tails in response to stress, frustration, and anger.
For example, if another cat outside is annoying them through the window, their tail will twitch. If they want food but can’t get it from their bowl, their tail will twitch as they stare at it or you.
4. Cats Hiss and arch their backs when they’re Scared
Cats hiss and arch their backs when they’re scared or aggressive. When a cat arches its back, it is making itself taller, which is a sign that the cat feels threatened. The hair on a cat’s back will also stand up when it becomes alert. Cat’s back twitching makes the cat look bigger than it is.
When a cat’s back twitches, this usually means that the cat has spotted prey. The prey could be a mouse or other small animals. . A bird of prey such as an eagle could attack the cat if given a chance.
Cats back twitching help them relax before they go to sleep because they feel comfortable enough to do so. Cats will also turn in circles when they want you to pet them because they do not feel comfortable and want you to pet them.
5. A twitching back could be a sign of the cat being Excited
Like dogs, cats have an instinct to hunt. The smallest movement can trigger their hunting behavior and cause them to pounce. If you spot your cat’s back twitching, it could signify they’re excited, so keep an eye out for their next move.
6. A twitching tail can be a sign of Irritation
If your cat starts twitching, it may signify that something is wrong. Muscle twitching in cats can be caused by many things, ranging from mild irritation or excitement to serious medical conditions like epilepsy or nerve damage.
If a cat is over stimulated or irritated, it may twitch. Irritation can be caused by various things, including noise and attempts to give your cat medicine or a bath.
When they’re excited, they may twitch their tails or other parts of their bodies. The most common neurological disorder that causes this problem is called feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS), which causes intense itching and sensitivity on the back and tail and other symptoms.
What to do when your cat’s back?
1. Clean the litter box (or the toilet bowl).
Most cats like to keep their food on one side of the box and their washroom. If you often observe litter being scattered all around, it means that something is off balance and your furry friend needs some help from you.
2. Clean the food bowl at least once a day, if not Twice.
The best advice for pet owners concerned about the health and hygiene of their pets is to clean the food bowl with soap and water to prevent bacteria from building up. It will keep your pet cleaner, but you won’t be forced to endure the horror of twitching cats.
3. Make sure your cat has access to clean drinking water.
Cats are sometimes very hard to meet, especially in their personal needs. If the cat cannot meet these needs, it may develop habits that can cause physical symptoms that can be both unpleasant and start twitching back.
Buy a couple of cat toys (and make your own, too) and rotate them weekly.
If your cat is showing many signs of boredom and needs something to do, it’s time to get out the toys.
Playing with your cat is one way to relieve boredom, but you can also hedge your bets if you have a couple of fun toys for her to play with on her own.
Look for low-maintenance ones yet entertaining (it’s worth it to buy a couple and rotate them weekly), like mice that move when batted around cat grass or ball track toys. Or, combine dry food and treats in a cardboard box or puzzle toy to challenge them as they seek their reward.
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Conclusion
Sometimes cats back twitch when they are relaxing, and other times they twitch because they are frustrated or irritated. Generally, when cats twitch their backs, they are in discomfort. They have fleas and are being bothered while they are sleeping.
Check your cat to see if the twitching continues every so often. If it does and also your cat has flea allergies, it will start to bug them. Look into a medicine that can help make them feel better – this annoyance is upsetting a quality sleep.
