You notice your rat shivering, quivering, or trembling—but the room is warm. It’s not from the cold, so what’s going on? Shaking in rats can mean excitement, stress, illness, or even neurological issues.
Let’s go over the possible reasons and when you should be concerned.
1. Is It Normal “Bruxing” and “Boggling”?
Before worrying, check if your rat is bruxing or boggling—both are normal behaviors.
✔ Bruxing: Gentle teeth grinding that causes body tremors.
✔ Boggling: Their eyes bulge slightly in and out while bruxing.
💡 Why It Happens: Rats do this when they feel happy, relaxed, or content (similar to a cat purring). If your rat is cuddled up, grooming, or being petted, this is nothing to worry about!
🚨 How to Tell If It’s NOT Bruxing:
❌ Shaking is constant, even when they’re not relaxed.
❌ The quivering comes with lethargy, weakness, or trouble walking.
❌ Your rat looks stressed, hunched, or uncomfortable.
If that’s the case, keep reading!
2. Fear or Anxiety (Sudden, Short-Term Shivering)
Rats may shiver or tremble when they’re scared, nervous, or overstimulated—especially if they’re new, young, or in an unfamiliar situation.
Signs of Fear Shivering:
✔ Happens when introduced to new people or environments.
✔ Pauses when they relax (like after a few minutes of being held).
✔ No other signs of illness (eating, drinking, and playing normally).
💡 How to Help:
✔ Give them time to adjust—new rats need patience!
✔ Speak softly and move slowly when handling them.
✔ Offer treats to build positive associations.
🚨 When to Worry: If fear-based trembling doesn’t improve over time, your rat could be stressed from pain or illness.
3. Pain or Illness (Frequent or Sudden Shivering)
If your rat shivers often, suddenly, or with other unusual symptoms, they might be sick or in pain.
Signs That Shivering Is Due to Illness:
❌ Lethargy or weakness (less active than usual).
❌ Loss of appetite or weight loss.
❌ Hunched posture or fur puffing up.
❌ Labored breathing (wheezing, clicking sounds).
Possible Health Issues That Cause Shivering
| Condition | Other Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Infection (Myco, Pneumonia) | Sneezing, wheezing, heavy breathing | Needs vet & antibiotics (Doxycycline + Baytril) |
| Pain from Injury or Arthritis | Limping, flinching when touched | Provide soft bedding & vet pain relief (Meloxicam) |
| Inner Ear Infection | Head tilt, loss of balance, circling | Needs antibiotics (Baytril + Doxycycline) |
| Neurological Issues (Stroke, Brain Tumor) | Weakness, head tilt, difficulty walking | Vet check-up, supportive care |
🚨 When to See a Vet: If shivering is constant, paired with weakness, labored breathing, or loss of appetite, don’t wait—your rat needs medical attention.
4. Neurological Issues (Twitching, Jerky Movements, or Seizures)
If your rat is shaking uncontrollably, twitching, or having muscle spasms, it may be a neurological disorder.
Possible Neurological Causes:
❌ Mini-Strokes (TIA) – Sudden shivering, then recovery
❌ Brain Tumors – Worsens over time, may cause balance issues
❌ Seizures – Body jerking, stiff limbs, unresponsiveness
💡 What to Do:
✔ If shivering is mild and occasional, monitor for changes.
✔ If it worsens (constant tremors, trouble walking), see a vet.
✔ Supportive care (soft bedding, easy food access) helps if no treatment is available.
🚨 Seizure Warning Signs: If your rat has full-body convulsions, falls over, or becomes unresponsive, get vet advice immediately!
5. Nutritional Deficiency (If Diet Is Poor or Incomplete)
A lack of vitamins and minerals can cause muscle tremors, weakness, and twitching.
Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Rats:
❌ Vitamin B Deficiency – Causes shaky movements and loss of coordination.
❌ Calcium Deficiency – Can lead to muscle spasms or seizures.
💡 How to Fix It:
✔ Feed a high-quality rat diet (OXBOW or MAZURI rat blocks).
✔ Add fresh veggies, grains, and protein for balance.
✔ Supplement with Brewer’s Yeast (B vitamins) if needed.
🚨 Warning: Avoid low-quality seed mixes—they don’t provide proper nutrition and can cause health issues.
6. Old Age Tremors (If Your Rat Is a Senior)
Older rats (18+ months) sometimes develop tremors as they age, similar to how elderly humans get shaky hands.
Signs of Age-Related Shivering:
✔ No signs of illness, just occasional shakiness.
✔ Still eating, drinking, and moving well.
✔ More common when resting or being handled.
💡 How to Help:
✔ Give soft bedding to reduce joint strain.
✔ Offer easy-to-eat foods if chewing is harder.
✔ Add healthy fats & protein (cooked egg, avocado, nuts) to maintain weight.
🚨 When to Worry: If an older rat loses weight quickly, stops eating, or has trouble walking, it’s not just aging—it’s likely illness.
Final Checklist: Should You Worry About Your Shivering Rat?
✔ If it’s bruxing/boggling (happy grinding), NO need to worry!
✔ If they’re new or scared, let them adjust and build trust.
✔ If they’re sick, in pain, or weak, see a vet ASAP.
✔ If it’s neurological (spasms, seizures), get a vet check-up.
✔ If they’re older, support them with soft bedding & nutrition.