Shaking their head is something every cat will do at some point or another. Without hands to scratch an itch, it’s one way to relieve an irritation. But repeated or vigorous head shaking may suggest more serious problems inside your cat’s ears, nose or mouth.

Head shaking in cats is a vigorous and deliberate action. It’s very different from head tremors, which are involuntary and less violent. The usual trigger will be irritation inside or on the ear(s). It may be accompanied by rolling, pawing or rubbing and usually lasts only a short time. Always talk to a vet if head shaking is ongoing, violent or accompanied by other symptoms, like pain or balance problems.

What to do if your cat is shaking their head >What to do if your cat is shaking their head [What to do

Common reasons why cats shake their heads >Common reasons why cats shake their heads [Causes

When to worry about head-shaking in cats >When to worry about head-shaking in cats [When to worry

How to reduce the risks of head-shaking in cats >How to reduce the risks of head-shaking in cats [Prevention

Things to look out for if your cat starts shaking their head

The following symptoms give clues to underlying causes needing specific treatment and/or investigation:

• Shaking their head repeatedly while also overgrooming body and legs may indicate allergies, mites, or stress.

• Presence of tiny red dots in hairs at the base of the ear (also on the paws and tail): harvest mites.

• Developing a hot, swollen ear: aural haematoma, infected cut or bite wound.

• Drooling saliva with head shaking: suggests mouth irritation.

• Developing facial swelling on one or both sides of face: allergic reaction or tooth abscess.

• Nasal discharge with head-shaking: suggests problems inside your cat’s nose.

• Having balance problems and/or jerky eye movements suggests a brain or balance disorder: caused by middle or inner ear infections or vestibular disease.

How to help a cat who’s shaking their head at home >How to help a cat who’s shaking their head at home [Home treatment

What’s the vet treatment for head-shaking in cats? >What’s the vet treatment for head-shaking in cats? [Vet treatment

What makes my cat more likely to start head-shaking? >What makes my cat more likely to start head-shaking? [Risk

What else can look like head-shaking in cats?

• Head tremors: less intense than head shaking and not usually conscious. Causes include neurological (nerve/brain) problems, toxins, low blood sugar, hypocalcaemia (low calcium), pain, infections (FIV, FeLV, Toxoplasmosis, FIP), idiopathic tremor (unknown cause), and age.

• Seizures: usually other parts of the body also involved

• Shaking off water, debris, and loose dirt.

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