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Why is my cat's head twitching, staring, vomiting, and drinking lots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

my male cat suffered catastrophic kidney failure two years ago. He recently developed a twitch or tick in his head and often just stares into space. His kidneys are fine now. What could this be. He also vomits clear liquid and drinks lots. He also has sebaceous cysts

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Bobbi Musgrove, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 9th, 2017

I'm glad your kitty's kidneys are normal at this time. Facial or head twitching can be due to electrolyte abnormalities, particularly if your kitty's potassium is low. This can occur with kidney dysfunction. I recommend repeating lab work to check electrolytes and kidney values as soon as possible. Particularly since your are seeing Shadow drink excess water and vomiting; both very common with kidney disease.
Another cause of head twitching is seizure activity, specifically a focal seizure. I recommend making a recording of what you are seeing at home to show your regular veterinarian in case it doesn't happen all the time. If Shadow is experiencing focal seizures, there can be several causes ranging from organ or endocrine diseases to cancer in the brain or spinal cord.
I recommend having Shadow seen by your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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